Facing Charges? Be Careful What You Post
If you are facing criminal charges, you must be extra careful with your social media. The accessibility of even the most private pages is something that savvy prosecutors are banking on, because what they find might strengthen their case. The safest bet for anyone charged with a crime is to stay off social media entirely, and even consider reviewing past posts, because you never know what may come back to bite you.
Let our team of Seminole County criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A. help you with your defense, and guide you through the dos and don’ts of social media during your trial. Don’t make a mistake that could cost you your case, or worse, your freedom.
Contact us today at .
Ways Social Media Can Be Used Against You
Quite often posts are made in the heat of the moment, a picture is posted without even realizing it, a friend tags you at a local hangout or “checks you in” to your favorite bar. Unfortunately, when the prosecution is building a case, they can establish a timeline or determine motive based on these posts.
Here are 5 ways that social media may be used against you:
- A post taken out of context: Whether you were joking around, or you posted when you were drinking or emotional, a post that seems offensive or malicious can be taken out of context and used against you later. Unfortunately, the safest way to post is to think first about how strangers, or those against you, might take it. If you make a threat, even as a joke, that joking tone will fly out the window when it is read in court.
- You were caught in a photo: Even if you didn’t post a photo, your existence in the background of someone else’s photo, or a photo you are tagged in, can establish that you were at the scene of a crime.
- You are sharing updates about your case: Sharing anything about your case may go against what your attorney advises. Take that advice seriously: we have your best interest, and the outcome of your case, at heart.
- You did not disclose the whole story: If you told law enforcement or your attorney one thing, and your social media tells a different story, this can establish lying or hiding the truth in the eyes of the prosecution. Make sure that you disclose every detail of an event that your social media is going to reveal.
- Your Check-in’s establish a pattern: When you establish a pattern of behavior and regularly check in at the gym, a local pub or your office, law enforcement can track you down. Adversely, if you do something out of the ordinary on the day of a crime, that will be made obvious by the lack of check in on that day. Be aware that everything you do is being watched when you make it public information.
Protect Yourself: Schedule a Free Consultation
Your social media history, whether you delete it or not, can always come back to haunt you- especially when you are facing criminal charges. If you are charged with a crime, you need the legal guidance of an experienced attorney, one who can tell you what to do, and not do, when it comes to your online accounts. Don’t risk your case by posting if you are unsure about the content, let our team of Seminole County criminal defense lawyers help you navigate the legal system while advising you about online activity, as well. We know the law and we can protect your social media presence while building your defense.
Request a free consultation today at .
