Opinion ID: 2465153
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Violations of the Wiretap Statute

Text: We next address the alleged violations of the wiretap statute. Because the violations that did occur were not substantial and did not undermine the purpose of the statute or prejudice the defendant, we hold that the evidence should not have been suppressed on account of these violations. Colorado's wiretapping statute permits an aggrieved person to move to suppress wiretap evidence if the communication is: (1) unlawfully intercepted; (2) the order of authorization or approval is insufficient on its face; or, (3) the interception was not made in conformity with the order of authorization or approval. § 16-15-102(10). In granting the motion to suppress, the trial court did not state under which ground it was suppressing, but it found that there had been a lack of compliance with both the statute and the court orders. Accordingly, for violations that result in a lack of compliance with the statute, we will address whether the violation amounted to an unlawful interception under section 16-15-102(10). For violations that result in a lack of compliance with the court order, we will address whether the alleged violation results in the interception being made out of conformity with the order. Communications may be unlawfully intercepted on the basis of either constitutional or statutory violations. However, not every failure to comply with the wiretap statute renders the interception of electronic communications unlawful. United States v. Donovan, 429 U.S. 413, 433, 97 S.Ct. 658, 50 L.Ed.2d 652 (1977). The test is whether the allegations show failure to satisfy any of those statutory requirements that directly and substantially implement the congressional intention to limit the use of intercept procedures to those situations clearly calling for the employment of this extraordinary investigative device. United States v. Giordano, 416 U.S. 505, 527, 94 S.Ct. 1820, 40 L.Ed.2d 341 (1974). Therefore, once it has been determined that there is a violation, the issue is whether the procedure that has been violated plays a `substantive role' with respect to judicial authorization of intercept orders and consequently imposes a limitation on the use of intercept procedures. Donovan, 429 U.S. at 435, 97 S.Ct. 658. We will not suppress wiretap evidence on the basis of a defect that does not undermine the purposes of the statute or prejudice the defendant. United States v. Radcliff, 331 F.3d 1153, 1163 (10th Cir.2003). Suppression is the appropriate remedy only if there is both lack of compliance with the wiretap statute and prejudice to a defendant. People v. Milnes, 527 P.2d 1163, 1166, 186 Colo. 409, 416 (1974).