Peeping Tom laws—also known as voyeurism laws or invasion of privacy laws—generally make it illegal and a criminal offense to peek into windows or doors on private property to view a person who is fully or partially naked for the purpose of sexual desire or gratification.
Peeping Tom laws vary from state to state and some states require that the victim not realize he or she was being viewed and that the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy (was in a place where it was reasonable to expect privacy). And some states specifically address the use of unmanned aircraft (drones), cameras, video cameras, and binoculars in connection with such peeping. Some state statutes specifically prohibit peeking into bathrooms, dressing rooms, showers, and baths. And some states characterize this criminal offense as trespassing with the intent to peer or peep.
Peeping Tom laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.
In Ohio, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under the state's voyeurism statutes. Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.08 defines voyeurism as a criminal offense, which occurs when a person for the purpose of sexual gratification is found guilty of trespassing or surreptitiously invading the privacy of another, to spy or eavesdrop upon another. This includes peering into windows or doors of a home or other building, or other private places, where the person being observed has a reasonable expectation of privacy. The law also covers situations where the individual being watched is in a state of nudity or in a situation where they would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The use of devices like cameras, binoculars, or other means to enhance the ability to observe the victim may also be covered under these statutes. The severity of the offense can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as prior offenses or if the victim is a minor.
