Can police get text messages from tmobile?

The federal law that deals with law enforcement’s ability to obtain customer information is the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, known as ECPA. ECPA allows the government to obtain content as well as non-content. By way of example, content is an actual audio conversation, or a text message.

How do police get copies of text messages?

Text messages are treated like emails, according to the ECPA. That means, under this crucial and controversial law, officers must obtain a warrant from a judge for content stored by a service provider (like Verizon or AT) that is less than 180 days old, but not for content that’s 180 days or older.

Can text messages be used to convict?

Text messages can be used in court as evidence and it is possible to convict a crime based on text messages. Text messages need to be carefully documented and printed for court, mediation, or legal proceedings.

Can T-Mobile account holder read text messages?

The primary account holder or users with full access can see time stamp information of messages through my.t-mobile.com.

How far back can text messages be subpoenaed T-Mobile?

T-Mobile: Retains call record details for 5 years; cell towers used, “officially, 4-6 months, really a year or more;” text message details 5 years; text message content, not kept; Internet session and destination info is not kept.

How can law enforcement obtain your phone records?

If there is probable cause to investigate criminal activity, state or federal law enforcement officials would be able to obtain a search warrant, or wiretap authorization, from a judge. Such a warrant would give law enforcement the ability to collect certain records from your phone or service provider, depending on its terms.

What to do if your phone is being used for crime?

If you think your phone is being used for criminal activities, or if you are being harassed or threatened through text messages, you may be able to get a court order requiring the phone carrier to release the records. Also talk to an attorney or your local police department immediately.

Can a web-based e-mail provider be subpoenaed in a civil case?

Although there are some exceptions to the rule—such as a subpoena issued by a law enforcement agency—every court that has addressed the issue has held that web-based e-mail providers cannot disclose electronic communications in response to civil subpoenas.

Is it legal to pry into my child’s text messages?

In most instances, you would not be breaking any laws, although you may have an ethical duty not to pry or invade your child’s privacy. Most cell phones store messages and pictures until someone “cleans” or deletes items on the phone, or the phone deletes information automatically to make room to store new messages or pictures.