The Pellicano Case: Privacy Rights On Trial

Posted on March 19, 2008
Filed Under Celebrities, Criminal Law, Law, Laws, Police, Story |

Former “Private Investigator to the Stars” Anthony Pellicano has been on trial or in jail for the last five or six years of his life.  He was put in jail originally for possessing weapons (including practice hand grenades and enough explosives to take down a passenger jet) with authorities found while investigating him for a case involving Stephen Seagal.

Right when he was supposed to be released, he was indicted with racketeering and conspiracy, 110 counts worth.  Racketeering is engaging in an illegal business, and conspiracy is an agreement between individuals to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement.

Pellicano’s indictments could sent him away for 600 or so years.  Among his indictments, are charges that he allegedly:

  • wiretapped reporters without their consent on behalf of himself or third parties;
  • wiretapped a number of investigative targets on behalf of wealthy clients and with the help of his do-defendants; and
  • was involved in the Los Angeles Police Department and Beverly Hills Police Department who unlawfully accessed confidential information on celebrities and public figures and turned them over the Pellicano.

There are countless celebrities who are scheduled to testify in this case including Gary Shandling who has already testified, Kevin Nealon and many others.  Pellicano was hired by Tom Cruise’s attorney during his divorce from Nicole Kidman and allegedly taped their conversations.  Former Major League Baseball slugger Matt Williams also employed an attorney during his divorce who hired Pellicano to spy on William’s ex-wife.

Pellicano is acting as his own lawyer, against the suggestions of the judge in the matter.

Wiretapping without a warrant or some sort of court order is illegal, and if you think you have your phone tapped, all you need to do is call the telephone service.  If there is an illegal tap, they will notify you and the police who will take it down, all free of charge.

California privacy laws in fact prohibit most secret wire tapping.  If the police have tapped a conversation and are using it in court, it’s important to know whether or not that is a legal use of a wire tap.  California state law is more onerous than other state laws, prohibiting the use of surveillance and wire taps by law enforcement.

Written by Joe M

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