New York statute
N.Y. Penal Law § 250.05 — Eavesdropping
Current through 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)
Part of Article 250: Offenses Against the Right to Privacy, New York Penal Law.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 250.05
Statutory text current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17). This publication reproduces the text of the Consolidated Laws of New York as provided by the New York State Senate's Open Legislation service (Legislative Bill Drafting Commission statutory text); it is not the official statutes of the State of New York.
250.05 Eavesdropping.
A person is guilty of eavesdropping when he unlawfully engages in
wiretapping, mechanical overhearing of a conversation, or intercepting
or accessing of an electronic communication.
Eavesdropping is a class E felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
What class of felony is eavesdropping in New York?
Eavesdropping is a Class E Felony in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 250.05.
Which New York statute covers eavesdropping?
Eavesdropping is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 250.05 (Eavesdropping).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.