united-states pennsylvania recording sentencing
Penalty for recording conversation in PA
<p>I was in jeopardy of losing my job so when I was called into a meeting with my boss I recorded without their knowledge for my own use because I was so scared I knew I wouldn't remember the conversation and I wanted to listen later to be sure I made all the corrections wanted of me.  When asked during that meeting if I was recording, I did not lie. I said yes. I was asked to give a copy but wanted to wait to see if my boss would do as he said so I could correct my problems. He did not. Instead he called the company lawyer to see if he could fire me for recording and that is what he did. I am deathly afraid waiting for him to have me arrested. What kind of sentencing am I facing?</p>

<p>I am not a lawyer either, though I have been through Pennsylvania a few times. The relevant law is <a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&amp;ttl=18&amp;div=0&amp;chpt=57" rel="nofollow">18 Pa.C.S. 5703</a>, which prohibits recording without consent of all parties (Penna is a "two-party consent" state, like Florida and Washington). Unfortunately, violation of that law is a third degree felony, which has a maximum of 7 year prison. A specific instance of someone getting in trouble for recording their boss is <a href="http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Superior/out/J-A34028-15o%20-%201025519436173103.pdf?cb=1" rel="nofollow">Commonwealth v. Smith</a> (Smith used a cell phone to record his boss, then argued that a cell phone isn't a "device"; the court determined that it is, and that was Feb 16 2016 so who knows the final outcome). An attorney in Pennsylvania might be able to tell you how often people actually serve time for violating the law. You should call one.</p>
