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New York legal term

Eavesdropping in New York Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New York legislative session

In New York criminal law, “Eavesdropping” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.

What does “Eavesdropping” mean in New York criminal law?

"Eavesdropping" means "wiretapping", "mechanical overhearing of conversation," or the "intercepting or accessing of an electronic communication", as those terms are defined in section 250.00 of the penal law, but does not include the use of a pen register or trap and trace device when authorized pursuant to article 705 of this chapter. 2. (N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 700.05)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.