The practice of wiretapping is nothing new. Government officials have been secretly monitoring individuals’ telephone conversations for decades.
However, the practice has recently been highlighted among various media outlets. A massive wiretapping operation in the state of California has many pondering the legality of the practice.
According to court records, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a wiretapping operation that involved 2 million phone conversations and texts messages-all in an effort to tag suspected drug offenders.
However, the justice department refuses to move forward with any indictments. It seems the agency objected to the original request.
So why was the operation given the initial ok?
According to court records, the authorization came from a state court judge in Riverside County-a judge with an alleged track record for issuing overzealous wiretap warrants.
And it seems other state court judges have been sought out for other wiretapping warrants-despite federal jurisdiction. But why?
Going through the state route is allegedly quicker for eager, impatient federal agents looking to crack down on drug traffickers. And the numbers prove it. Wiretaps have tripled in the last 10 years thanks to the alleged ease of obtaining state court orders.
This issue, however, points out yet another reason to remain suspect of police and authorities. Are they skirting the law? Maybe; maybe not. But it certainly highlights the importance of getting a criminal defense lawyer who knows the laws and can provide vital advocacy.
Related post: Justice officials fear nation’s biggest wiretap operation may not be legal
