California is a two-party (all-party) consent state under Penal Code 632. Recording any confidential communication without all parties' consent is a crime. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio on security cameras throughout Sacramento County.
California Penal Code 632 requires the consent of all parties to record any confidential communication. A confidential communication is one made in circumstances where the parties have a reasonable expectation that the conversation is not being overheard or recorded — this includes phone calls, private in-person conversations, and any exchange in a setting not open to the general public. The law applies to residents of Sacramento County for all communications made from within California. For security cameras with audio, the two-party consent rule means you cannot record conversations without all participants' knowledge and agreement. The law does not apply to non-confidential communications — conversations in public places where speakers have no reasonable expectation of privacy may be recorded. California Penal Code 631 separately prohibits wiretapping (intercepting communications over wires or electronic channels). Recordings made in violation of these laws are inadmissible as evidence in California courts.
First offense under PC 632 carries a fine up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in county jail. Subsequent offenses can result in fines up to $10,000. Civil lawsuits can recover $5,000 per violation or three times actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees. Illegally obtained recordings are inadmissible in court.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
See how Florin's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.