Is it against the law to voice record a person without their permission?

Question

Like my father (he's emotionally and verbal abusive) and can I use it against him in court or whatever?

I live in Texas.

Answer 1

Better than voice recording, call helpline and let the officer in charge hear your father.

Answer 2

In Texas, it is legal to record a conversation as long as at least one person who is a party to the conversation is aware of the recording being made, or if a court order is obtained.

I sincerely doubt that you could use it against him in court for anything though. If you are a minor, then you could call Child Protective Services and see how they feel about it. If they decide that it is not enough to constitute abuse, you have no other options I am aware of. If they decide it does constitute abuse, they can get you out of the house and into a safe environment.

If you are an adult, there is no crime and you can just move out and stop having contact with him. Much easier than trying to go to court.

Answer 3

You're going to find a wide variety of opinion given to you, because there's a lot of misunderstanding about when you can and cannot record a conversation. Telephone conversations are also different than in person conversations, and you scenario (I think) seems to suggest you're not talking about the telephone.

I won't try to give a thumbs up or down on your question, because each state has it's own regulatory philosophies on recording conversations. You should best consult with a legal professional in your home state for the best answer.

Using California as a reference, there are times when secretly recording a conversation is legal. Much depends on whether there the circumstances of the recorded conversation were such that there was a 'reasonable expectation of privacy' at the time. Enough said on that.

You may find that you can do more than you think. It's good that you want to make sure of the law before doing it though.

Answer 4

D'oh- just saw that you are in Texas... As long as your Dad is too you are legal to record and it can be used against him without you getting into trouble.

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It depends on what state you (and your father) live in. These states require BOTH people to consent to a telephone call being recorded:

* California
* Connecticut
* Florida
* Illinois
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* Michigan
* Montana
* Nevada
* New Hampshire
* Pennsylvania
* Washington

All other states, and on the federal level, only one party must consent (that's you). No matter where you live: See below link for the specifics of your state's laws to make sure you are on firm legal ground: (also, if you live in a two party state there may be exceptions that apply in your situation, again: visit link)

Answer 5

In order to do so you must be part of the conversation.
You can record telephone calls or conresations you are in.
Never leave a recording device on and leave the room. That is illeagl

Answer 6

It's not against the law if you're using this as evidence against him. Good luck. It sucks though that you have an asshole for a father. (Mine is emotionally abusive towards me)

Answer 7

You can record it and take it to an attorney. He'll know better what to do with it. But I don't think you would be breaking any laws since he is your father. I'm sure there are ways around that one.

Answer 8

Yes it is,


That's why when you call to a call center and they say your call may be recorded for quality assurance,

now with your father I don't know how old you are but if he knows that you are recording him of course he is not going to say something nasty

Answer 9

Who gives a crap? So-called leaders, politicians and public servants break the law everyday. What's the difference?

Answer 10

NO! It is inadmissible in court unless at least one other person was aware of the recording.