If I live in Maryland, a recording can be used as evidence in a criminal trial?
If someone does not know that are occurring, but are, and admit that they were guilty in a criminal case, the test can be used in court?
Admissibility of surveillance images from tape, or any other material, ultimately for the court. Overall, the film is almost always allowed into evidence. A derogations Generally there are: 1) If the State can not prove / reveal who shot the footage. For example, a YouTube video that shows you commit a random crime can not be admissible if the State can not find the camera man. This exception is based on the modification of the sixth assurance he can face his accuser. 2) If the tape no probative value (as in, does not help to show the state of an element of the offense). 3) If tapes probative value is outweighed by its prejudicial effect. For example, if you is accused of buying alcohol age and there is a video of you take what could be a beer while you are wearing a KKK uniform and kicking a puppy, the tape may be excluded from evidence. The fact that you did not know were being recorded could have an influence on whether or not the tape can be entered evidence. Were you in a public place when they registered? If you were in a public place or a place that could be seen from a public place (such as inside a store or standing in a house with windows open), the film is likely to be admitted into evidence. Maryland has a law on consent of both parties (Both parties must know that you are recording) of recorded conversations. This does not apply to the surveillance tape. Note that the State may have had an order allowing recording. Talk to a lawyer, tell him / her the details of your case, and he / she will give a more detailed response.