Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

You may have read our first blog, “Is It Legal to Install a GPS Tracking Device on Your Spouse’s Car?“,  reviewing when installing a GPS tracking device could be deemed legal. In this article, we will discuss what unlawful installation of tracking device is. We will also review the defenses to this charge. Finally, you will learn about the consequences of unlawful installation of a tracking device if you or your spouse get convicted.  If you put a tracking device in your spouse’s vehicle without their permission, you could face charges for unlawful installation of a tracking device. On the other hand, if you catch your spouse spying on you with a tracking device, you could have them charged with this crime. Regardless of which situation you face, there is some information that you need about this crime. 

What is Unlawful Installation of Tracking Device?

In the state of Texas, unlawful installation of tracking device is an offense. This offense tries to deter people from monitoring other people’s whereabouts without consent. Without the owner of the vehicle’s consent to the tracking device, there are still a couple of ways that you can install such a device in their vehicle:

  1. If you obtain a court authorization or court order to do this, you may install a tracking device without fear of facing this charge. 
  2. If you are a police officer installing a tracking device in the course of an investigation, this is allowed. 

You can face a charge for unlawful installation of tracking device in some cases. This  could happen if you knowingly install a mechanical or electronic tracking device on a vehicle that is owned or leased by someone else. 

Penalties

If charged with unlawful installation of tracking device, you need to know what you face. This crime is considered a Class A Misdemeanor. For a Class A Misdemeanor, you could face up to one year in a county jail. You could also face a fine of up to $4,000. These are the most severe penalties that a person can face for this crime. If you hire an attorney, or present evidence at trial to support your case, you could face smaller penalties. 

Defenses

If you face unlawful installation of tracking device charges, you need to defend yourself. Make sure that you can defend yourself in court so as to avoid serious penalties. There are three main defenses that you can use:

  1. The first consists of “effective consent”. This happens if the owner of the vehicle (your spouse) gave you consent to put a tracking device in their vehicle. If you have that verbal or written consent, you can use it as a defense. This can help if they try to have you arrested for this charge.
  2. Secondly, another common defense occurs if you got deceived into installing a tracking device.
    • If you helped another person install a tracking device, it might not be your fault.
    • If you believed that they were a peace officer, but they are not, this is not your fault.
    • Or, if a person is a peace officer, but they don’t have the authorization to have a tracking device installed, that is not your fault. You can use this as a defense.
  3. The final common defense occurs if the person who installed it was a licensed private investigator. If the investigator has written consent or authorization from the court to install the tracking device, this can count as a defense.

Consent

Defenses get based on effective consent. This could mean implied consent or explicit consent given by the owner of the vehicle. Either way, you need to get verification in writing or verbally from your spouse. Your lawyer will have to argue this in front of a judge, so having written consent will make it easier.  One other defense is that you did not know that you were putting a tracking device in a car. If you did not know that it had tracking capabilities, then you might be able to use this as a defense. 

Getting Help

Whether accused of installing a tracking device or you think that your spouse has done this without your consent, you should contact an attorney to assist you. By explaining your situation to an attorney, you can determine if you have a case and what to do next. 

Vista, CA – Sometimes during a divorce, one spouse wants to know what the other has been doing, who they have been associating with, and where they’ve been going. With the proliferation of smaller and smaller tracking devices, finding this information out has never been easier. With devices able to be attached to cars and people, and with many more being disguised as common items like clocks and smoke detectors, a spouse can discover quite a lot about the spouse they will be divorcing.

The Decision NOT to Track 

While tracking a spouse may be tempting, especially if cheating is involved, any respected California divorce attorney will advise their clients to refrain from tracking anyone or anything.

Family law attorney John Griffith of Griffith, Young, and Lass, advises his clients not to track, because the practice is illegal. He said, “The unauthorized spying and tracking of an individual is illegal in the state of California and can subject the person to criminal as well as civil penalties.”

Griffith added that these rules even apply to divorcing spouses and covers every device from hidden cameras and spyware installed on the computer to listening devices and GPS trackers.

California penal code 637.7 bars against tracking someone’s location or movement, unless the person has consented. A tracking device in this respect could refer to a GPS tracking device for a vehicle or any other device that tracks movement or location by the transmission of electronic signals.

If someone breaks this statute, it would be considered a misdemeanor that could result in a fine and jail sentences of six to twelve months.

When You Are Being Tracked

What happens if one spouse suspects the other is tracking their movements or location? “There are steps you can take,” advised Griffith. For instance, the divorce lawyer advised to search for keyloggers being installed on the computer or strange apps being installed on one’s phone.

The fact is, trackers are becoming smarter, smaller, and much more difficult to detect. Anyone who suspects that they are being tracked in California as their divorce looms should contact an attorney to assist with their case. That is the only way to ensure that all tracking devices are identified, and their information is not used as evidence during the divorce process.

To learn more, visit the website of California family law firm Griffith, Young, and Lass, serving Carlsbad, San Diego, and the surrounding areas. Call Now!

About GYL: Griffith, Young & Lass is a family law firm operating in Carlsbad, San Diego, Vista, La Jolla, and other areas throughout California. Compassionate and aggressive, the family lawyers are dedicated and committed to getting their clients the best possible outcomes for their cases.
 

© 2018 Millionairium and Griffith, Young & Lass. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Griffith, Young & Lass are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq.
  • Joshua Yee, Esq.
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq.
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    John Griffith has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2009. John is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified as an expert in the area of family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to opening Griffith, Young & Lass, he worked as the managing partner of one of the largest family law firms in North County San Diego.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Catie E. Young excels in child custody cases and move-away trials. She has a unique approach to child custody cases and clients of Griffith, Young & Lass tend to gravitate toward her in these cases. Since joining the firm, she has continuously brought her zeal and compassion to representing clients in child custody and domestic violence cases, and in December 2011, she became a partner at Griffith, Young & Lass.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Amy Lass, a certified family law specialist, was born in New York and raised in San Diego, California. Amy graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2003 with a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Enterprise Accounting. Amy went on to earn her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated cum laude in 2006.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS

    Associate

    Attorney Shirin Asgari has a broad spectrum of legal experience and has handled matters in family law, criminal law, business law, and national security law. Currently, she focuses on family law matters and is a strong advocate for the rights of her clients. She dedicates time and attention to the needs of each client and the unique circumstances their case presents.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.

    Associate

    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts/Acting from Emerson College in Boston and a Juris Doctor ...

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Eric Cowdery, Esq. Eric Cowdery, Esq.

    Associate

    Eric Cowdery earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before earning his JD from Golden Gate University as part of the Honors Lawyering Program. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in 2013 and has been working diligently in the field ever since. Taking a personalized approach to each case, Eric Cowdery is committed to working with clients to help them through the often confusing and complex legal process of divorce.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Joshua Yee, Esq. Joshua Yee, Esq.

    Associate

    Attorney Joshua Yeereceived his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego. Joshua went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco. His experience working with a local Certified Family Law Specialist solidified his desire to become a family law attorney. Since becoming an attorney, Josh has exclusively practiced in family law.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq. Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.

    Associate

    Shaudi Malekzadeh is a Carlsbad family law attorney at Griffith, Young & Lass, advocating for the rights and interests of Southern California families in a variety of family law cases, such as child custody, alimony, spousal support, and the division of community property. She is committed to delivering effective legal representation to our clients, aggressively advocating for their legal rights, and offering compassionate legal advice.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq. Lea Trojanowski, Esq.

    Associate

    Lea Trojanowski is an attorney with Griffith, Young, and Lass, joining the firm in March 2021. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach to family law has allowed her to be successful in even the most emotional family law cases. Lea has effectively represented clients in a wide range of family law proceedings, but is particularly drawn to domestic violence restraining order cases.

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • Greyson Sharp, Esq. Greyson Sharp, Esq.

    Associate

    Greyson Sharp received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno. After ...

    Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

Is it illegal to put a tracking device on someones car in california

  • The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.

    “We were referred to John Griffith at GYL by our former attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh, and the firm performed flawlessly, and did ...”

    - MoMo M.
  • I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers.

    “I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers (I would stress these are actually rare qualities within the legal industry and ...”

    - Scott G.
  • You cannot find a better law firm.

    “I cannot say enough good things about John Griffith and this law firm. Each person i interacted with was responsive, intelligent, thoughtful and professional. Attorney Griffith worked very hard to ...”

    - Michelle P.
  • It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.

    “She doesn’t back down from anyone. It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.”

    - Ian R.
  • Understanding, accessible, and I was very happy with the outcome of my case. If I could give a higher rating I would!

    “Easy to work with, forthcoming about the process, set realistic expectations, and always kept cost in mind.”

    - Jennifer P.
  • All three lawyers worked together on the issues surrounding my case, which helped greatly when I was in need of answers or support.

    “The GYL team is always prompt at returning calls & emails. From personal experience, I can tell you that they will not step away from your case until it's finished.”

    - Kelsey L.
  • I couldn’t have made it without them! I highly recommend them!

    “GYL has been an extraordinary support and backing in my divorce. Being a male in the military, the process for divorce and custody is difficult. GYL was extremely helpful, and I was able to full custody of my children. That alone is such a monumental feat.”

    - Frankie S.
  • Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.

    “I hate seeing anyone go through custody battles but if you’re in that situation and need someone who is trustworthy and great at what they do, then I swear this is the place to get the help!”

    - Emily B.
  • I highly recommend GYL if you are ever in need of a family law attorney.

    “No matter who I corresponded with they were always knowledgeable of my case and quick to respond.”

    - Kimberley F.
  • Highly professional and supportive in a very uncertain time in my life.

    “My clearance was granted without any additional issues. I'd recommend this legal team to any Soldier needing help with their clearance.”

    - K. Brooks
  • Always willing to listen to your concerns. I would highly recommend.

    “Compassionate and kind, however, he will fight for you and your best interests. He is calm and calculated and extremely smart.”

    - Ann M.
  • Extremely helpful, responsive, and reasonable and got the job done amidst tenuous circumstances.

    “She and her team were extremely compassionate, sensitive with me while concurrently advocating strongly on my behalf.”

    - Jeremy R.
  • I felt like she was practical and knowledgeable and most importantly, she listened.

    “The professional and succinct assistance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the maze of hurdles and complications with our family law case.”

    - David R.

/

What can I do if someone puts a tracker on my car?

If you detect a tracking device on your car, the first thing you should do is report it to the police. Even if you are not having any criminal activity, there is still no law preventing people from using GPS trackers or hidden bugs.

Is it illegal to put a tracking device on your ex wife's car?

California penal code 637.7 bars against tracking someone's location or movement, unless the person has consented. A tracking device in this respect could refer to a GPS tracking device for a vehicle or any other device that tracks movement or location by the transmission of electronic signals.

Is it an Offence to put a tracker on someone's car?

“Meanwhile the Data Protection Act 1998 means you're only entitled to gather someone's personal data if you have their explicit permission to do so. “So the bottom line is that if you install a GPS tracker, you need to inform anyone using the car that it's in there.” There's one exception to the rule, however.

How can you tell if someone has put a tracker on your car?

Check the Exterior Using a flashlight, check both front and rear wheel wells. Use your hand to feel in areas that aren't easily visible. If a tracker is located in the wheel well, its magnet will need to be attached to a metal part, so look behind plastic covers that don't require removal.