Case Delayed For Valley Man Charged With Recording Law Enforcement
By: Patrick Fazio
Updated: June 8, 2012
We have a follow-up to our investigation of a local man facing prison time for an obscure law.
Michael Allison had a pre-trial hearing on June 2, 2011, in Crawford County, Illinois. His case was delayed until later in the summer after a judge granted the prosecution's request for more time to prepare.
Allison faces five felony eavesdropping charges, each count carries up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
He publicly recorded audio of law enforcement officials without their consent. That's perfectly legal in most states. But it's actually a crime in Illinois, based on an old eavesdropping statute.
For updates on this case and Illinois' eavesdropping law, click here to watch our original investigation.
Michael Allison had a pre-trial hearing on June 2, 2011, in Crawford County, Illinois. His case was delayed until later in the summer after a judge granted the prosecution's request for more time to prepare.
Allison faces five felony eavesdropping charges, each count carries up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
He publicly recorded audio of law enforcement officials without their consent. That's perfectly legal in most states. But it's actually a crime in Illinois, based on an old eavesdropping statute.
For updates on this case and Illinois' eavesdropping law, click here to watch our original investigation.
Comments
Glik vs. Boston
http://www.citmedialaw.org/blog/2011/victory-recording-public
http://www.citmedialaw.org/blog/2011/victory-recording-public
Ro B.
August 31, 2011 at 7:28 pm
I'm surprised there's been no update regarding the Glik v. Boston case in which the the First Circuit Panel affirms the right of vigilant citizens to videotape police actions. http://www.citmedialaw.org/blog/2011/victory-recording-public As a news organization covering the story you should be aware of the 1st amendment implications of allowing this sort of nonsense to stand. While I normally agree with non opinionated news when it comes to our rights this should be thrown out the window. The way this story has been covered is directly responsible for our loss of rights in this country. Citizens are part of the free press in this country and often the best stories start with citizen action!
Ro B.
August 31, 2011 at 7:27 pm
