When learning how to press charges for invasion of privacy, you must first understand its definition. Suppose you open your social media one day and see photos of yourself taken inside your house without your consent, or you see someone publicly sharing a personal detail about your life. In such cases, your expected right to privacy has been violated, and you can report, file a complaint, and seek damages. 

Invasion of privacy happens when someone violates a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” It means an intruder enters your personal space or business at a time or place when you expect it to be private. The same goes for personal affairs you want to keep hidden or secret. Privacy is our fundamental human right that protects our dignity, safety, and autonomy. In this article, our Muskegon injury lawyer will go in-depth on what constitutes a violation and how to press charges for invasion of privacy.

Signs and Examples of Privacy Invasion

Under Michigan Law, invasion of privacy has four types:

• Intrusion upon seclusion or solitude, or into private affairs
• Public disclosure of embarrassing and personal facts
• False light or spreading of misleading information, leading to damage
• Appropriation of name or likeness for benefit without consent

Since your privacy is valuable, you must learn to recognize signs of privacy invasion as soon as possible. Here are some common warning signs and examples:

Intrusion	Disclosure	False light	Appropriation
Eavesdropping on private conversations	Taking pictures of and inside your home without your consent	Intentionally posting pictures of you with unflattering captions or highly offensive statements	Receiving unusual calls and emails that seem to know your personal details
Stalking, following, or surveillance	Intentionally and maliciously sharing personal facts about you online	Publicly disclosing information that damages your reputation	Commercially using your photos without consent
Illegally taking photos of you through your bedroom window
Intercepting private calls
Browsing private records

Pressing Charges for Invasion of Privacy

Don’t dismiss or ignore signals of privacy invasion. If you can prove that someone has violated your right to privacy, you have the right to pursue legal action. 

Steps to Take

1. Identify the type of privacy invasion. This step is necessary to determine if the action was a violation. State laws regarding the elements of privacy invasion vary; that’s why hiring a local injury lawyer is beneficial. In Michigan, you must meet the following requirements:
   • • A private topic or subject exists.
     • There‘s a reasonable right to keep that subject private.
     • The defendant unlawfully obtained that subject matter’s information.
2. Be proactive in protecting your privacy and safety, whether online or physically.
3. If you feel your life is threatened due to stalking or invasion, seek help and report it to the police immediately.

Gathering Information and Evidence

• • Gather as much information and evidence, and as many witnesses, as possible. 
  • If an intruder breaks into your home and you have closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, show the police and request a copy of the police report.
  • If your neighbors witness someone snooping around your property, ask if they can testify or make a statement.
  • Keep records of documents that disclose your private information or put you in a false light. 
  • Document your harm, pain, and anguish due to the privacy invasion.

Working With a Lawyer

Working with an experienced lawyer could be your best bet regarding privacy invasion cases. A skilled Muskegon injury lawyer can assist you in determining whether you have a valid claim and what the possible remedies may be.

Preventing Invasion of Privacy

Knowing how to keep your privacy safe is just as vital as learning to keep yourself safe. You must stay vigilant against privacy invasions, whether online or in the real world. Here are some ways:

• Secure your devices and change your passwords if you suspect a data breach, identity theft, or online surveillance by hackers. 
• Passwords should never be saved or shared with anyone or any device.
• Clear your browser history.
• Invest in quality anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware software for your computers.
• Move, change locks, or secure your home if you feel unsafe. 
• If you sense you’re being followed, report it to the authorities, no matter how minor it seems.

We Make It Right

Winning a privacy invasion case can be challenging, especially with data privacy breaches. In fact, there have been many calls to update privacy legislation to keep up with the flood of digital information. Nevertheless, winning a case can still be done with proper research, enough evidence, and the skills of a Muskegon injury lawyer expert on state privacy laws. At Shafer Swartz PLC, we understand your privacy is essential and worth protecting. Trust our experience and expertise. Contact us here or call (231) 722-2444 for an appointment.