Washougal, WA asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Oregon

Q: Can someone trespassing on your property record you even when you have told them they may not?

The area where the person was recording was NOT visible from anywhere in view or even by air (think thick grove of trees). The person being filmed was clear about not being recorded. No crime of any kind was being committed by the landowner. The person filming was trespassing after being told not to and being told to leave. Can the video be used in legal proceedings for any reason? (The landowner believes that the trespasser was attempting to set up the landowner in order to eventually assault them or use lethal force on the landowner). Is there Oregon statues for filming on private property against the will of the landowner?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In Oregon, recording someone without their consent in a private place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy is generally illegal. If you explicitly told the person not to record you on your property and they proceeded to do so anyway, their actions may constitute a violation of your privacy rights. However, whether the video can be used in legal proceedings depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the recording and any applicable laws or regulations.

If you believe that the trespasser was attempting to set you up for harm or harassment, it's important to document the incident and gather any evidence, including the video recording. You may want to consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options in this situation. They can advise you on the best course of action to protect yourself and pursue any legal recourse available to you.

It's essential to take proactive steps to address the trespassing and invasion of privacy, as well as to ensure your safety and security on your property. By seeking legal guidance and asserting your rights, you can work towards resolving the situation and preventing any further unauthorized intrusion or harassment.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.