UGA Employee Alleged Conduct Demonstrates Privacy Crimes in Georgia

Kevin Purvis, an equipment manager for the UGA Football Team is being accused of using a hidden camera in the individual showering area of the locker room. The investigation started when someone actually found the hidden camera around a month ago. According to reports, Purvis turned himself in to the Athens-Clarke County Sheriff's Office on charges of eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication that invades the privacy of another in Georgia.

Invasion of privacy crimes in Georgia are taken very seriously, and the punishments are harsh. No one who is accused of a crime should be considered guilty. If you have been charged with invading the privacy of another in Georgia, you need a top-rated Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer who can apply the most applicable Georgia Criminal Defenses to defend your case. 

What's the law say about eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication that invades the privacy of another?

The Georgia Code outlines the various ways that a person can commit the offense of eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication that invades the privacy of another. 

• Intentionally overhearing, transmitting, recording or attempting to overhear, transmit, or record the private conversation of another that originates in any public place;
• Using a device to observe, photograph, or record the activities of another that occur in a private place out of public view without the consent of the persons being observed;
• Going on or about the premises of another or any private place for the purpose of invading the privacy of others by eavesdropping on their conversations or secretly observing their activities;
• Intentionally and secretly trying to intercept by the use of any device, instrument, or apparatus the contents of a message sent by telephone, telegraph, letter, or by any other means of private communication;
• Divulging to any unauthorized person or authority the content or substance of a private message;
• Selling, giving, or distributing, without legal authority, any photograph, videotape, or recording of the activities of another which occur in any private place and out of public view without the consent of all persons observed. (O.C.G.A. §16-11-62)

What's the penalty look like if convicted?

In order to be convicted of eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication that invades the privacy of another, the state of Georgia will have to prove that an accused person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by demonstrating that he or she acted with the actual intent of invading the privacy of another person. 

A conviction for eavesdropping, surveillance, or intercepting communication that invades the privacy of another in Georgia is considered a felony and the punishment include between one and five years of imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both. 

As I mentioned above, if you have been charged with committing a privacy crime in Georgia, you need the help of a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney. Contact us today.