State of North Carolina v. Jeremy Folow

Raleigh, North Carolina criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with secret peeping.



In North Carolina, the "secret peeping" law,



G.S. 14-202, prohibits secretly watching or recording someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bedroom or restroom, or using a device to capture images of them without consent, especially for sexual gratification. The law makes secret peeping into a room a Class 1 misdemeanor, but using a device to create a photographic image for sexual purposes is a felony. Penalties can include jail time, probation, mandatory psychological evaluation, and potentially sex offender registration.

What is Secret Peeping?



Under North Carolina law, secret peeping involves observing or recording someone without their consent in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes:



Secretly watching a person in a private space like a bathroom, bedroom, or dressing room

Setting up a camera or similar device to secretly take photos or videos of someone.



Penalties

Consequences of Conviction

A conviction for secret peeping can lead to several serious consequences, including:



Jail time and significant fines.

Mandatory psychological evaluation.

Sex offender registration, which can have long-term implications.

Probation with specific requirements.



Exceptions

The law provides exceptions for certain individuals acting in their official capacity:



Law enforcement officers performing their duties.

Prison personnel and local confinement facility personnel for security purposes.

Licensed professionals engaged in their official duties.

A charge with not proof of guilt.