California is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under Penal Code §632. Recording any confidential conversation — in person, by phone, or electronically — without the consent of all parties is a criminal offense. This applies to audio recordings by security cameras, phone calls, and any electronic eavesdropping.
California Penal Code §632 makes it a crime to intentionally record or eavesdrop on a confidential communication without the consent of all parties. A 'confidential communication' is any conversation where the parties have a reasonable expectation of privacy — this includes phone calls, in-person conversations in homes or offices, and audio captured by security cameras. The law applies equally to residents of unincorporated Riverside County and all of California. Penal Code §631 separately prohibits wiretapping telephone lines. Penal Code §632.7 extends protections to cellular and cordless phone communications. Key exceptions include: (1) law enforcement with a court order; (2) recordings made in the course of official duties by certain public safety personnel; (3) conversations where no party has a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., shouting in a public place). California courts have held that a person speaking in a public place in a loud voice may not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, a conversation in a restaurant booth or backyard may qualify as confidential. Video recording without audio does not fall under §632, but separate privacy laws (PC §647(j)) restrict recording in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
First offense: fine up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in county jail. Subsequent offenses: fines and imprisonment increase. Civil liability: the injured party can sue for $5,000 per violation or three times actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees (PC §637.2). Evidence obtained through illegal recording is inadmissible in California courts.
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