Wisconsin § 942.08 - Invasion of privacy.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 942.08 — Invasion of privacy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 942.08. Invasion of privacy.
942.08(1) (1) In this section: 942.08(1)(a) (a) “Nude or partially nude person” means any human being who has less than fully and opaquely covered genitals, pubic area or buttocks, any female human being who has less than a fully opaque covering over any portion of a breast below the top of the nipple, or any male human being with covered genitals in a discernibly turgid state. 942.08(1)(b) (b) “Private place” means a place where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from being observed without his or her knowledge and consent. 942.08(1)(c) (c) “Surveillance device” means any device, instrument, apparatus, implement, mechanism or contrivance used, designed to be used to observe, or capable of observing, the activities of a person. “Surveillance device” includes a peephole. 942.08(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (4) , whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor: 942.08(2)(a) (a) Knowingly installs a surveillance device in any private place, or uses a surveillance device to observe in a private place, with the intent to observe any nude or partially nude person without the consent of the person observed. 942.08(2)(b) (b) For the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification and without the consent of each person who is present in the private place, looks into a private place that is, or is part of, a public accommodation, as defined in s. 134.48 (1) (b) , and in which a person may reasonably be expected to be nude or partially nude. 942.08(2)(c) (c) For the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, looks into a private place that is, or is part of, a public accommodation, as defined in s. 134.48 (1) (b) , and in which a person may reasonably be expected to be nude or partially nude but in which no person is present. 942.08(2)(d) (d) Enters another person’s private property without that person’s consent or enters an enclosed or unenclosed common area of a multiunit dwelling or condominium and looks into any individual’s dwelling unit if all of the following apply: 942.08(2)(d)1. 1. The actor looks into the dwelling unit for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification and with the intent to intrude upon or interfere with an individual’s privacy. 942.08(2)(d)2. 2. The actor looks into a part of the dwelling unit in which an individual is present. 942.08(2)(d)3. 3. The individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy in that part of the dwelling unit. 942.08(2)(d)4. 4. The individual does not consent to the actor looking into that part of the dwelling. 942.08(3) (3) Whoever knowingly installs or uses any device, instrument, mechanism, or contrivance to intentionally view, broadcast, or record under the outer clothing of an individual that individual’s genitals, pubic area, breast, or buttocks, including genitals, pubic area, breasts, or buttocks that are covered by undergarments, or to intentionally view, broadcast, or record a body part of an individual that is not otherwise visible, without that individual’s consent, is guilty of a Class I felony. 942.08(4) (4) A person who commits a violation specified under sub. (2) is guilty of a Class I felony if a victim of the violation had not, at the time of the violation, attained the age of 18 years. 942.08 History History: 1997 a. 271 ; 2003 a. 50 ; 2007 a. 198 ; 2015 a. 80 , 292 , 320 ; 2017 a. 365 s. 110 .
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 942.08
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 942.08 cover?
Section 942.08 ("Invasion of privacy.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 942.08?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 942.08" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 942.08 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.