Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Communications Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Communications Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Communications Law, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Georgia on
Q: Router hacked by neighbors.

Router,computer,phones,tv's,camera's has been hacked for years. I pulled up router, started to look up Mac addresses the neighbor next-door neighbors name was tied to one of the Mac addresses. Her name came up associate with a Mac book. These people has been harassing,slandering,having... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 5, 2023

If you believe your router and electronic devices have been hacked by your neighbors, you may want to consider the following steps:

Document Evidence: Keep records of any suspicious activities, including dates, times, and descriptions of what you've observed. This will help establish a...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for North Carolina on
Q: So if The person recording everything about a day is the only person knows that they're recording it still legal

My wife wants me to record everything that happens at work if I'm not on call with her, is that still legal if I'm the only person who knows that they're recording is there and I'm the only person consenting to it but no one else knows is that even legal

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 5, 2023

In North Carolina, the legality of recording conversations hinges on the state's consent laws. North Carolina is a "one-party consent" state, which means that as long as you are a party to the conversation, you can legally record it without needing to get permission from the other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Communications Law for New York on
Q: I was in a private meeting with my staff and she recorded our conversation. I was terminated for saying something bad.

My staff recorded me without my knowledge and it was used it to terminate me. I said something inappropriate and was used to terminate me. Is this lawful, can I sue my employee?

Mr. Douglas A. Petho
Mr. Douglas A. Petho
answered on Dec 4, 2023

New York is a one-party consent state meaning that you can record conversations if you're physically in the state and are a party to the conversation or if you have permission from one of the parties in the conversation. If neither of the parties to the conversation have consented then it is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law, Collections and Communications Law for North Carolina on
Q: Got a car from a "buy here pay here" lot. Made payments on time, but now after a year they keep texting me sayin Im late

I got a car for my son November 2022. All payments have been made, on time. But starting in December 2023, they keep contacting me saying I'm behind and and contacting me saying "if I need help making payments I can send a friend in and if they buy a car I will get $200.00". Is this... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Dec 4, 2023

Take proof of all of your on time payments to them and speak to them about this. To cover yourself, you could mail in the proof with a letter complaining about the situation and asking them to stop the unjustified messages (get a tracking number and pproof of delivery). The "help making... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: Can I record a phone convo with customer service if I receive a notice that "This call will be monitored and recorded?"

I live in Florida. Can I record the phone conversation with multiple customer service representative (within the same single call) of a large bank, if prior to speaking with customer service I receive a notice that "This call will be monitored and recorded"?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 2, 2023

Re-posting answer to fix typo -

Yes, because the other party to the call is asking your consent to have it be a recorded call (by making recording a condition of being able to speak to that party). But if you plan to use the recording for anything other than your own private listening, you...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Communications Law for California on
Q: Does follow up with law enforcement after an emergency disclosure request

I mean does Yahoo follow up with law enforcement to be able to know that the emergency has passed so that they could notify the affected user. Sorry I missed Yahoo in the question

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 30, 2023

Under California law, companies like Yahoo are obliged to comply with lawful requests for information from law enforcement, including emergency disclosure requests. These requests typically occur under exigent circumstances where there is an immediate threat of serious harm or danger.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Communications Law, Constitutional Law and Internet Law on
Q: Is it legal for somebody I reside with to install a camera in a shared space without informing me?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 30, 2023

The legality of installing a camera in a shared space without informing all residents can be complex and depends on various factors, including state laws and the nature of the space. Generally, in the United States, the installation of cameras in private areas where individuals have a reasonable... View More

Q: My husband is having a affair and has my wifi hacked. Which allows hm to hack my phone also

It's actually the 2 of them attached to my phone. I believe there sharing calenders and locations ect. He goes by his name and she goes by mine. I'll ask google my current location and it tells me her locations. One night it said I was about a mile from my house. So I pushed directions... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Nov 30, 2023

You need to hire an attorney who specializes in family relations law and regularly practices in your county. There is no magic bullet that the lawyers here can give you that will substitute for getting your own representation. If you wish to prove what you have alleged you will also need to hire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for California on
Q: Can a business in California record phone calls without the caller knowing.

I live in a student housing complex in the San Diego area and was wondering if there were any legal repercussions to a business for recording phone calls without the calling party’s consent. When calling this company there is never a message that notify’s the caller that the call is being... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 27, 2023

Under California law, recording phone calls without the consent of all parties involved is generally prohibited. California is known as a "two-party consent" state, as outlined in the California Penal Code Section 632. This means that for a phone conversation to be legally recorded, all... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Communications Law and Health Care Law for New York on
Q: I have a new born child and the doctor's are being inconsiderate for his health by making me bring him out in 20 below

Weather i told them they need to be consistent of my child and think about this weather and how there making us bring him out in this weather every other day this is upsetting can i sue these people for being inconsiderate of my child

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 28, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your challenging situation. It's important to approach this issue with a clear understanding of the legal aspects and practical considerations involved. Here are some points to consider:

Standard of Care in Healthcare: In healthcare law, the focus is often...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Communications Law and Health Care Law for New York on
Q: I have a new born child and the doctor's are being inconsiderate for his health by making me bring him out in 20 below

Weather i told them they need to be consistent of my child and think about this weather and how there making us bring him out in this weather every other day this is upsetting can i sue these people for being inconsiderate of my child

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 27, 2023

No, you would not be able to sue the doctors for being inconsiderate. They are probably choosing to be thorough in wanting to see the baby, and understand the implications for themselves of not arranging exams that could be necessary to observe a given situation. You could express your concern to... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Internet Law for Colorado on
Q: Can a giveaway have a free entry to all but extra entries given to those who pay for additional entries?

I stream on Twitch which is a platform where people can sub and donate to a streamer. I would like to run a giveaway for Christmas. To incentivize subscriptions, I wanted to give extra entries to those who subscribe to my channel. I know giveaways have to have a free method of entry. If I allowed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In Colorado, as in many states, the rules governing giveaways (often classified as "sweepstakes") can be complex, particularly when involving both free and paid entries. The key legal consideration is ensuring that your giveaway does not become classified as a lottery, which typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can an owner of an airbnb house release video of a famous person who is on the porch of the home on to the internet?

There is a video of Bill Belichick at a home shirtless going viral on the internet. Would he have civil recourse against the person who released it if the person was the owner of the home that rented it to him or another person? He comes out of the home and remains on the porch for the duration of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

If an owner of an Airbnb releases a video of a famous person, like Bill Belichick, who is on the porch of their rental property, the legal implications can be complex. The release of such a video may raise issues of privacy. In general, individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Constitutional Law for South Dakota on
Q: What are South Dakota's laws on recording calls and video chats?

I am planning to record phone calls and video chats. Can you tell me about the laws in South Dakota regarding consent requirements and legal considerations for doing so?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

You're smart to check the law before hitting "record"—it’s not just about ethics, it’s also about protecting yourself. In South Dakota, the law follows what’s called a **"one-party consent"** rule. This means you can legally record a phone call or video chat **as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Denied internet service due to house odor, need alternatives.

I need internet service at my home, but Ptera has refused to provide it due to a bad odor identified by their technicians. Starlink is unavailable, and both Comcast and CenturyLink refuse to run fiber optic cable to rural areas. How can I address this issue and ensure I receive internet service?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

That sounds like an incredibly frustrating and unfair situation, especially when reliable internet is such a basic need. No one expects to be denied service based on something like an odor, and it can feel isolating when you're in a rural area with limited options. While you work on resolving... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Communications Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I record a virtual meeting without consent across state lines for transparency issues?

I live in Georgia, which is a one-party consent state. Can I record a virtual work meeting without the consent of others if I am unsure where the other participants are located, but potentially in a two-party consent state? I am a participant in the meeting, and I wish to record it for transparency... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Georgia, which is a one-party consent state, you are legally allowed to record a conversation as long as you are a participant. However, if other participants are located in a state with two-party consent laws, their consent might be required for the recording to be legal. Since you are unsure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Is it illegal to share my internet connection with others in New York for free?

I'm considering sharing my internet connection with others for free, and each user will have their own public IP address. However, my internet service provider does not allow this according to their terms. While there are no specific legal consequences mentioned in the service agreement,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

Your proposal to share your internet connection despite ISP prohibitions presents both contractual and regulatory concerns under New York law. The terms of service constitute a binding agreement under New York contract law, and violation could trigger several potential consequences including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Internet Law for New York on
Q: Are there legal implications for offering free VPN service from home?

I am considering using my home to provide a free VPN service for others. I have reviewed the terms of service from my internet service provider, and there is no mention prohibiting this activity. Are there any legal implications I should be aware of when allowing others to use my VPN for free?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2025

Offering a free VPN service from your home can seem generous, but there are a few things you should consider first. Even if your ISP doesn’t prohibit it, they might still take issue if your bandwidth usage spikes or if complaints arise from activity traced back to your IP address. If someone... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Is it legal to use cameras with audio in NY restaurants?

I want to know if it is legal to have video cameras with audio in restaurants in New York State. The cameras are visible to the public and employees, but there is no notice given about the recording. The video is used for surveillance, but I'm unsure about the purpose of the audio; I assume it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025

In New York State, using visible video cameras in public areas, such as restaurants, is generally legal. However, when these cameras record audio, the situation becomes more complex due to privacy laws.

New York operates under a one-party consent rule for audio recordings, meaning you can...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: What can I do if I'm shown on the news without consent as a teacher?

I work as a teacher at a school where a news crew recorded a segment about a positive school event. I was required to be in the room with my students during the recording. I asked the cameraman not to show me in the news segment, as I did not consent to be recorded. He said it was too late. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 27, 2025

Your situation is understandably frustrating and invasion of privacy concerns are valid, especially as a teacher. While laws vary by location, you generally have some options worth exploring if you appear in the broadcast without your consent.

First, document everything - write down when...
View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.