Another Ruling Against Illinois Eavesdropping Law
By: Patrick Fazio
Updated: November 22, 2012
Now to a follow-up of an Illinois law that NBC 2 has investigated for more than a year.
Another judge has ruled the Illinois Eavesdropping Law unconstitutional.
The decision came down last week in favor of Annabel Melongo of Chicago who recorded her phone calls with a government official.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says Melongo had spent over a year and half in jail on the eavesdropping charges because she couldn't afford bail.
This is the fourth ruling against the Illinois Eavesdropping Law. That includes a case in Robinson where Michael Allison had faced up to 75 years in prison for publicly recording law enforcement.
State lawmakers are still trying to change the Illinois Eavesdropping law, which makes it a felony to record audio of anyone without their permission, even in public.
Just last month, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law that will make it easier for police to record suspects.
Another judge has ruled the Illinois Eavesdropping Law unconstitutional.
The decision came down last week in favor of Annabel Melongo of Chicago who recorded her phone calls with a government official.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says Melongo had spent over a year and half in jail on the eavesdropping charges because she couldn't afford bail.
This is the fourth ruling against the Illinois Eavesdropping Law. That includes a case in Robinson where Michael Allison had faced up to 75 years in prison for publicly recording law enforcement.
State lawmakers are still trying to change the Illinois Eavesdropping law, which makes it a felony to record audio of anyone without their permission, even in public.
Just last month, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law that will make it easier for police to record suspects.
