When you can and can't record 🤳

Hey there

Another Tuesday, another legal insight to help you deal with real-life situations like a pro. 

This week, you’ll learn:

• Something that could make the difference between winning and losing a court case... when you can film the cops to capture evidence

• What you should do if you find $10k in your bank account

• What happened when I ate illegal foods from around the world

When you can and can’t record the cops

Picture the scene: Your buddy’s getting grilled by the cops, and you instinctively whip out your phone to start recording.

Suddenly, the officer tells you to put it away. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to freeze and follow orders. 

But what should you do?

The First Amendment has your back... mostly

The Constitution says you’ve got the right to record police officers when they’re on duty in public spaces. 

Yep, the First Amendment grants you the freedom to record their actions. 

Courts have made it clear: Police officers don’t have an expectation of privacy when they’re out there on duty.

Can the police take your phone?

Nope, police generally can’t confiscate or search your phone without a warrant. 

If they try, you have the right to politely refuse. Even if you’re arrested, they need a warrant to access your digital files (check out this post if you want to learn about when the cops can unlock your phone).

And under no circumstances are officers allowed to delete your photos or videos.

What about recording the audio?

Now, some cops might try to get clever and say you’re violating state wiretapping laws by recording the audio...

However, in most public places, audio recording is allowed too. States with “one-party consent” laws (like Texas) let you record conversations you’re part of, no problem. 

If you’re just observing, it’s usually fine too as long as it’s in a public space where there’s no expectation of privacy.

When you whip your phone out, remember: Be polite, don’t interfere, make it clear, and then hit record. It’s a powerful way to keep the cops accountable. 

How well would you deal with a heated situation?

So you know you can record the cops, but would you know what to say in a heated situation?

I’m putting together some easy-to-follow guides on the basics to keep you one step ahead at all times.

Want early access? Hop on the waitlist here!

You find $10k in your bank account... What should you do?

What would you do if you opened up your bank account and found $10,000? This kind of thing happens more than you’d think... 

Time to start browsing for a new whip?

First, let’s talk about the consequences. Is it actually legal to spend that mystery money? Let’s find out.

Spending the money could be considered theft

Tempted to go on a spending spree? Hold up. If you don’t know where that money came from, spending it could actually be considered theft.

Yep, even if it’s sitting in your account. One guy went on a splurge after finding $31,000 mistakenly deposited, only to end up with ten years of probation and a hefty bill to pay it all back.

Can you withdraw it to keep it safe?

Alright, so maybe you’re thinking, “Fine, I won’t spend it. I’ll just pull it out in cash and keep it somewhere safe.” Not so fast. 

Even withdrawing that mystery money can land you in hot water. 

Just ask the lady who found $1.2 million in her account, moved it to another bank, and got hit with theft charges. Turns out, taking it out or transferring it to another account could be breaking the law too. 

Can you just keep it in your bank account?

What if you just ignore it, pretend nothing happened, and hope nobody ever notices? Could that actually work?

In this video, I’ll show you exactly what you should do. 

That’s it for today. Until next Tuesday, this case is closed.

But if you’re hungry for more legal insights already, go check out my latest video where I eat illegal foods... You won’t believe some of the crazy foods that have been banned around the world.

Speak soon

Mike