18 U.S.C. § 2511 – Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications
This law makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept, use, or disclose wire, oral, or electronic communications without lawful authorization.
This statute targets unlawful wiretapping, electronic surveillance, and interception of communications.
It applies to the intentional interception of communications, the use of interception devices, and the knowing disclosure or use of unlawfully intercepted communications, subject to specific statutory exceptions.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they intentionally:
- Intercept, endeavor to intercept, or procure another person to intercept any wire, oral, or electronic communication
- Use or attempt to use any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept an oral communication under the circumstances specified by statute
- Disclose or attempt to disclose the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication knowing or having reason to know it was obtained through unlawful interception
- Use or attempt to use the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication knowing or having reason to know it was obtained through unlawful interception
- Disclose the contents of lawfully intercepted communications obtained during a criminal investigation with intent to improperly obstruct, impede, or interfere with that investigation
Penalties.
Except as otherwise provided, a violation of this statute is punishable by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. Certain conduct involving unencrypted satellite or radio communications may be subject to civil penalties instead of criminal punishment, as provided by statute.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal wiretapping or electronic communications statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
