TEXAS is considered a One-Party Consent State, in that at least one person involved in the recorded communication must consent. Illegal recording, a recording with criminal or tortious intent is a felony and can also result in civil damages.
BUT…
There are circumstances and spaces that can affect whether you can legally record your abuser, even in a 1-party consent state.
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!
We know you, like all the others, probably already are documenting, but the problem is what and how you document probably doesn’t meet the criteria to be considered evidence in the legal system. The laws are very specific as to what is evidence and what is considered hearsay. And even if it does, if you can’t prove (chain of custody) that your documentation hasn’t been touched, edited, damaged, altered, or deleted, then the defense can argue it doesn’t count!
VictimsVoice can help you document the details that matter to you and matter to the courts.
- Save images safely and legally.
- Learn how to transcribe audio and transcribe video, then safely store it to legal standards.
- Perfect for protective orders, divorce and custody, and criminal cases.
We work to keep you safe and make sure you’re collecting information that the authorities see as court-worthy.
CLICK HERE to see the feature list.
*Only pay for the years you need it. We’ll keep your information safe if you need to come back – even if it’s years later.
What if I can’t afford a license? We work with donors and partners to purchase on behalf of those who may not be able to afford the yearly cost. CLICK HERE to find a partner in your area to get a FREE license.
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AUDIO SURVEILLANCE
Federal and state laws differ as to the legality of recording phone calls and conversations. Determining which jurisdiction’s law controls in cases involving recording devices or parties in multiple states can be complex, so it is likely best to adhere to the strictest applicable law when in doubt, and/or get the clear consent of all parties before recording.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Video surveillance laws differ greatly from state to state. There’s a total lack of federal laws prohibiting video surveillance in public, in the workplace, and elsewhere, sometimes known as CCTV, or closed-circuit television. Most states allow this surveillance to occur, but there are some small exceptions and some circumstances that require monitoring on a case-by-case basis.
If you discover any of the above information has changed, is outdated, or is otherwise incorrect before we do, please drop us an email and
Thank you.
*Information in the “Policy” section does not constitute as legal advice. Please consult an attorney for any and all legal advice.
(1) Recording Phone Calls and Conversations https://www.justia.com/50-state-surveys/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations/
(2) Video Surveillance Laws by State: Everything You Need to Know, https://www.upcounsel.com/video-surveillance-laws-by-state