Rights, in real situations
Witnessing & recording
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Witnessing & recording
Can I record a conversation without telling everyone?Background reading
Background reading
It depends on the state, who is speaking and whether the conversation is private. Some laws require everyone’s permission; others allow one participant to consent.
Select a state to see any local answer we have added. Calls across state lines, hidden cameras and sharing recordings raise additional questions.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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Virginia law
For this situationA private person recording a conversation they participate in in Virginia. This is an audio-consent guide, not a guide to every police encounter.
Virginia’s interception law permits recording a conversation you participate in, or one for which a participant gave prior consent.
What to do next
- Check that you are a participant and where everyone is located.
- If relying on another participant’s permission, obtain it before recording.
- If anyone is in another state or country, check those rules too. If uncertain, obtain everyone’s express permission before starting or wait for legal advice.
Words you can use
I would like to record this conversation so I can remember it accurately.
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- This local rule may not control an interstate call.
- Permission to record does not settle trespass, restricted places, unlawful purpose or later sharing. Federal recording law also applies.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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New York law
For this situationA private person recording a conversation they participate in in New York. This is an audio-consent guide, not a guide to every police encounter.
New York’s eavesdropping definitions generally allow you to record a conversation you participate in without every other participant’s consent.
What to do next
- Check that you are a participant and where everyone is located.
- If relying on another participant’s permission, obtain it before recording.
- If anyone is in another state or country, check those rules too. If uncertain, obtain everyone’s express permission before starting or wait for legal advice.
Words you can use
I would like to record this conversation so I can remember it accurately.
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- This local rule may not control an interstate call.
- Permission to record does not settle trespass, restricted places, unlawful purpose or later sharing. Federal recording law also applies.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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District of Columbia law
For this situationA private person recording a conversation they participate in in the District of Columbia. This is an audio-consent guide, not a guide to every police encounter.
DC’s private-person exception generally permits recording when you participate or a participant gave prior consent.
What to do next
- Check that you are a participant and where everyone is located.
- If relying on another participant’s permission, obtain it before recording.
- If anyone is in another state or country, check those rules too. If uncertain, obtain everyone’s express permission before starting or wait for legal advice.
Words you can use
I would like to record this conversation so I can remember it accurately.
Replace the brackets with your details. Keep only what is true for you.
What could change this answer?
- This local rule may not control an interstate call.
- Permission to record does not settle trespass, restricted places, unlawful purpose or later sharing. Federal recording law also applies.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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Can I photograph police or government buildings in public?Background reading
Background reading
When you are lawfully in a public place, photographing things in plain view generally has constitutional protection, including officials doing their jobs.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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Can I skip a federal witness subpoena because the date is inconvenient?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA witness ordered to appear in a federal criminal proceeding.
No. Contact the issuing attorney promptly about the conflict; the subpoena remains binding unless you are released or the court changes it.
What to do next
- Read the date, location, requested materials and issuing attorney’s contact information.
- Explain the conflict promptly and keep proof of the request to reschedule.
- Confirm any change directly with the responsible office; otherwise arrange to comply with the existing order.
What could change this answer?
- A voluntary interview request is different from a subpoena.
- An emergency requires immediate communication, not an assumption that attendance is excused.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Should I book my own flight before testifying for the federal prosecutor?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA government witness traveling to testify in the Western District of Washington.
Contact the US Attorney’s Victim-Witness Program first. Required airfare and lodging are generally arranged through the government’s travel process.
What to do next
- Send the coordinator your subpoena date, travel origin and accessibility needs.
- Ask the office to approve arrangements before purchasing airfare, lodging or a rental car.
- Keep receipts and complete the expense form provided when you testify.
What could change this answer?
- Day trips and overnight travel have different expense rules.
- Other districts may use different booking contacts and administrative procedures.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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How do I claim payment for required federal witness attendance?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA government witness claiming fees for required attendance in a federal criminal case.
Ask the Victim-Witness staff for the witness voucher. Eligible witnesses generally receive a $40 daily attendance fee plus authorized expenses.
What to do next
- Confirm with the coordinator which appearance and travel days qualify.
- Keep your attendance dates and permitted expense receipts.
- Complete the voucher accurately and keep a copy with a current payment address.
What could change this answer?
- Waiting under an attendance requirement can count even if testimony is delayed.
- Expense eligibility and government-employee status can change payment.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Must I agree to a voluntary interview with the defendant’s investigator?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA witness contacted for a voluntary interview in a federal criminal case.
You may choose whether to participate in a voluntary interview. A witness does not belong to either side.
What to do next
- Ask the person to identify their name, role and which side they represent.
- Decide whether to speak and state any requested conditions, such as having your lawyer present.
- If you agree, give only truthful information and distinguish what you observed from what others told you.
What could change this answer?
- Potential self-incrimination makes independent legal advice important.
- Court-ordered testimony has different obligations from a voluntary discussion.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Can an unsigned witness interview still be used to challenge my later testimony?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA voluntary government or defense interview of a federal criminal witness.
Yes. An oral or unsigned statement can be used to challenge inconsistent testimony.
What to do next
- Ask who is conducting the interview and whether a written account is being prepared.
- Review any proposed statement carefully and correct errors before deciding whether to sign.
- Request a copy and promptly tell the interviewer if you later discover a factual mistake.
What could change this answer?
- A signed account can create additional evidence of what you adopted.
- Privilege or compelled testimony raises separate issues requiring legal advice.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Someone threatened me because I may testify in federal court. Who should know?Safety & practical steps
Safety & practical steps
For this situationThreats or harassment connected to participation in a federal criminal case.
Notify the case agent, federal prosecutor or Victim-Witness Unit promptly. Seek emergency help immediately if danger is imminent.
What to do next
- Move to safety and contact emergency services if necessary.
- Save messages and record the exact words, time, sender and any witnesses.
- Contact the assigned prosecutor or Victim-Witness Unit and ask how to provide the evidence and discuss safety arrangements.
What could change this answer?
- A threat can be a separate criminal offense.
- Release conditions or courtroom arrangements may need review when new threats arise.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Practical guidance, not a statement of a legal right or a guarantee of an outcome. Legal review pending.
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Can my lawyer sit beside me while I testify before a federal grand jury?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA witness testifying before a federal grand jury.
Your personal lawyer is ordinarily outside the grand jury room. You may request a reasonable opportunity to step out and consult retained counsel.
What to do next
- Consult your own lawyer before the appearance and show them the subpoena.
- Arrange where counsel will wait and discuss how to request a consultation.
- Ask to step outside when legal advice is needed rather than guessing about a privilege or unclear question.
What could change this answer?
- An interpreter is different from personal counsel and may be authorized in the room.
- Immunity orders or your status as a target require specific legal advice.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Does a federal grand jury subpoena mean I must answer questions that incriminate me?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA person subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury.
A witness may invoke the privilege against self-incrimination for a question whose truthful answer would tend to incriminate them.
What to do next
- Give the subpoena and any target letter to independent counsel promptly.
- Discuss potential incriminating subjects before appearing.
- Attend as required and request counsel’s advice about invoking the privilege for particular questions.
What could change this answer?
- The privilege does not excuse false testimony.
- Court-ordered immunity requires a different analysis from a prosecutor’s informal assurance.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Can witnesses compare what they said while a federal trial is still going on?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationWitnesses participating in a federal criminal trial.
Follow the court’s witness-separation instructions. Do not exchange testimony with other witnesses while the trial is underway.
What to do next
- Ask the case attorney or courtroom staff what separation instructions apply.
- Avoid testimony discussions in waiting rooms, messages and social media.
- If someone shares testimony with you anyway, tell the attorney rather than repeating it to others.
What could change this answer?
- A crime victim may have separate attendance rights that the court must address.
- Permission to sit in court does not automatically permit discussions with other witnesses.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Does a public federal criminal trial let spectators film the proceedings?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA spectator attending a federal criminal court proceeding.
No. Rule 53 generally prohibits courtroom photographs and broadcasts of federal criminal proceedings.
What to do next
- Check the particular court’s device policy before traveling.
- Keep recording features off and follow courtroom staff instructions.
- Ask the clerk about official transcripts or other authorized records if you need an account of the hearing.
What could change this answer?
- State court camera rules can differ.
- Ceremonial events and appellate access have separate policies; do not infer permission for a criminal trial.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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May I attend someone else’s immigration court hearing as an observer?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationPublic observation of an EOIR removal proceeding.
Removal hearings are generally public, but protected cases, closure orders and capacity limits can restrict access.
What to do next
- Confirm the court location, hearing format and public-access procedure with the court.
- Ask the respondent whether there are privacy concerns or a request for closure.
- Follow security and seating instructions, and seek authorization before attempting to attend a closed proceeding.
What could change this answer?
- An asylum respondent can request closure of the evidentiary hearing.
- Detention facilities can impose additional admission procedures.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Can I use my phone to record an immigration court hearing that is open to the public?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationParties, witnesses, observers and media attending an EOIR hearing.
No. Only the immigration judge’s authorized equipment may record removal proceedings.
What to do next
- Turn off recording and follow the court’s electronic-device instructions.
- Use permitted written notes without disrupting the hearing.
- If you are a party who needs the official record, ask the court about access to the Record of Proceedings.
What could change this answer?
- Counsel’s limited permission to use business devices does not authorize recording.
- A facility may prohibit bringing devices inside at all.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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Can I ask to view MPD body-camera footage of my own noncriminal encounter?Background reading
Background reading
Choose DC for this jurisdiction’s answer.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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District of Columbia law
For this situationA subject of qualifying DC Metropolitan Police Department body-camera footage.
MPD offers a subject-viewing process for qualifying noncriminal incidents and certain noncriminal misconduct complaints.
What to do next
- Wait at least 48 hours for upload, then identify the incident time, location and involved district.
- Submit the viewing request online or at the district station and provide identity verification.
- Attend the scheduled viewing; if access is denied or you need a copy, use MPD’s FOIA route.
What could change this answer?
- Criminal incidents can require a different access route.
- A minor’s parent or legal guardian must establish the relationship.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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How do I request a copy of DC MPD body-camera footage instead of only watching it at a station?Background reading
Background reading
Choose DC for this jurisdiction’s answer.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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District of Columbia law
For this situationA person seeking a copy of an existing MPD body-worn-camera recording.
Submit a FOIA request to MPD identifying the recording. Disclosure may require redaction or be limited by an exemption.
What to do next
- Specify the date, time, location and complaint number if known.
- Use DC’s FOIA portal through MPD’s request page; provide identity proof when seeking your own incident records.
- Retain the tracking number and review any denial for appeal instructions and deadlines.
What could change this answer?
- Body-camera requests have a special response period distinct from ordinary DC records.
- Another agency’s camera footage must be requested from that agency.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Applies only to the setting described in this guide. Legal review pending.
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Can I challenge an unreasonable federal criminal subpoena for documents?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA recipient of a document or object subpoena in a federal criminal proceeding.
Rule 17(c)(2) allows a prompt motion to quash or modify a document subpoena when compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive.
What to do next
- Keep the subpoena, service date and deadline and preserve potentially responsive records.
- Identify the actual burden, privileged material or overbroad categories for counsel.
- Seek a timely court ruling or written adjustment through counsel instead of silently withholding or destroying records.
What could change this answer?
- Personal or confidential victim information has additional Rule 17 protections.
- A civil subpoena follows a different rule and objection procedure.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
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How can I document a public encounter more safely?Background reading
Background reading
Keep space between you and the encounter. Do not interfere.
Recording government officials working in public has constitutional protection. Restrictions and circumstances still matter; this card cannot decide whether a particular position or recording is lawful.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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Does my state’s consent rule mean I can record?Background reading
Background reading
Check the setting and audio rules, not just the state’s consent label.
Recording a private conversation and documenting officials in public can involve different rules. The conversation-recording question in this directory has limited state additions; none is a blanket permission to record.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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What if someone wants to search my phone?Background reading
Background reading
State your lack of consent calmly. Do not struggle over the device.
Seizing a phone and searching its contents are different questions. Warrants and exceptions require case-specific assessment. Preserve your recollection afterward; this card does not promise protection from seizure.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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How should I preserve a recording?Background reading
Background reading
Start with the original recording or file; what you observed directly; context and any later edits.
Keep your own observations separate from what someone told you. These are preparation steps, not a finding about your rights or eligibility.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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These guides cover the situations they name. They are source-checked drafts, not a complete state law library or a lawyer’s review. County rules are not inferred from your state.
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