GPS Tracking Laws Indiana- Is It Legal To Track Someone’s Car In Indiana?
If you are going through a nasty child custody case or believe a spouse might be having an affair then it is very likely you considered using a GPS tracker to gather information. But before you use GPS tracking devices on a personal vehicle or someone else’s car it is important to know Indiana code as it relates to the use of tracking devices. In this article, will go over the legal and illegal ways of using a GPS device according to Indiana Courts. More importantly, we will answer your questions regarding GPS tracking laws Indiana has.
Indiana Code Title 35-31.5-2-337.5.
Police Use Of GPS Trackers In Indiana
First of all, it is important to note that the Supreme Court’s decision on criminal law and procedure as it relates to law enforcement use of GPS monitoring is that probable cause must be established and a search warrant must then be obtained. In the case of United States vs. Jones, criminal defense attorneys stated that the drug crimes against Jones should be dropped because law enforcement did not first obtain a search warrant affidavit, thereby violating Jones’ privacy rights. The Supreme Court agreed with the criminal defense, overruling the circuit court which said that the police were in the right. Criminal charges were dropped and the defense lawyers prevailed.
The court of appeals showed that any police department must acquire a search warrant affidavit before using any vehicle tracking devices. But as long as they do, they can legally track your vehicle without you knowing!
Can I Put A GPS Device On My Partner’s Car In Indiana?
The expectation of privacy is clear when a person is inside their home, but a vehicle tracking device equipped on the outside of their car is not so clear. Are a person’s movements in their automobile as they drive around town really considered a “private space”, and should there be some sort of an expectation of privacy? Unfortunately, the Indiana Supreme Court or the Indiana Court of Appeals has not been clear on this so we will do our best to demystify what is clearly illegal when it comes to GPS tracking laws in Indiana!
Teen Drivers: If your teen has received their license, is under the age of 18, and potentially driving unsafely, you can legally track their vehicle without notifying them.
Spouse Is Cheating: Indiana criminal courts are clear that you cannot enter someone else’s vehicle. But if you equip a tracking device on the outside of their car that is where experienced attorneys could argue that the tracking devices are no different than hidden cameras in the public domain, and therefore should be legal. As long as you 1) equip the GPS tracker to the car while the vehicle is parked in a public setting and 2) do not enter the vehicle, you should be fine. But, this is not legal advice, and you want to be careful to avoid criminal offenses.
Track Employees: The court ruled that as long as you are the registered owner of the vehicle you can legally track it, but some states have required employers to notify employees if they are being monitored with GPS technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents legally track their minor children in Indiana?
Yes, parents can legally track their minor children. It has become increasingly common for parents to use GPS tracking devices or similar technologies to monitor their children’s movements for safety purposes. Even so, as this touches upon kinds of unbelievably invasive actions, it’s always advisable to consult an attorney to understand the nuances of these Indiana laws.
How are lawmakers like Sen Mike Crider R-Greenfield and Sen Liz Brown R-Fort Wayne influencing GPS tracking laws in Indiana?
Sen Mike Crider R-Greenfield and Sen Liz Brown R-Fort Wayne are playing key roles in shaping the legal landscape around GPS tracking in Indiana. They’ve been involved with bills aimed at criminalizing certain uses of GPS technologies and setting the standards in the Indiana Senate. As this legal field evolves, tracking what’s happening in the Indiana General Assembly can help you stay informed.
Are there any recent bills passed in the Indiana Senate that impact GPS tracking laws?
Yes, the Indiana Senate recently passed a bill aimed at making secret tracking illegal. This bill, involving legal minds like Michael Crider R-Greenfield and Liz Brown R-Fort Wayne, targets the use of unbelievably invasive devices, which is increasingly common. Keeping an eye on the activity of the Indiana General Assembly can ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest legislative changes.
GPS Tracking Laws Indiana – Legal Disclaimer
This article, although offering insights on Indiana’s GPS tracking laws, is not a substitute for legal advice. Whether it’s the use of GPS devices, secret tracking, or laws surrounding tracking minors, we encourage you to consult with an attorney. Remember, legal landscapes shift and the information we provide is purely informational. We accept no responsibility for the misuse of this information. Always refer to a legal professional for current, accurate advice
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