Why You Should Think Twice About Posting on Social Media If You’re Accused of a Crime
When you are accused of a crime, the prosecutors will be doing everything possible to gather evidence to convict you. This may include reviewing past and current social media posts, including posts you make and share and your comments on other people’s posts. It’s in your best interest to completely avoid using social media during the length of your trial or court case.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on whether to delete your social media accounts or make them private, and will counsel you on what you can safely say about your case and to whom. If you want to set up a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, AZ, call Janet Altschuler today. Here are just some of the reasons you should think twice about posting on social media if you are accused of a crime.
You Might be Providing the Prosecution with Additional Evidence
Law enforcement officers and the prosecutors in your case can use your social media posts, comments, and other information to prove their case against you. They may even be able to subpoena your private messages. You should do everything legally possible to limit the information and evidence the prosecutors have access to. A criminal attorney can advise you on the best ways to protect yourself.
Your Social Media Activity May Contradict Information You Have Provided
When you are questioned about your potential involvement in a crime, law enforcement officers will record everything you say. If your statements change, they may use that as evidence that you are not telling the truth or providing accurate information. What you post on social media may also be used to discredit you or challenge information you have provided. If your social media activity or posts contradict statements you have made, they could undermine your defense.
Social Media Activity Can Increase Public Scrutiny
If you have been charged with a high-profile crime or one that is widely publicized, your use of social media may increase public scrutiny surrounding your case. Others in your community, or even nationwide, may discuss and scrutinize the details of your case and judge the comments or posts you make online. Even your past social media posts, shares, and comments may be analyzed. This could affect your ability to get a fair trial.
You Might Reveal Incriminating Information
Even if you don’t mean to, you may accidentally reveal incriminating information on social media. Whether it is in public posts, posts shared with ‘friends only,’ or in private messages, you may say things that could be used against you or misinterpreted. A good criminal lawyer can help you reduce your risk of incrimination by advising you about what you can and can’t say to others about your case.
Your Location May be Tracked
Some social media platforms track your location and may provide that information to law enforcement. Your activity, even if it is just signing in, browsing, or ‘liking’ posts, can give law enforcement a timeline of your whereabouts, which they may use against you.
You Might Face Additional Charges
If law enforcement officers or detectives find additional evidence in your social media posts, accounts, or data, you may face additional charges. They may be able to use information on your social media to prove further involvement in a crime. If you delete or alter existing social media posts, you could also potentially be charged with destroying evidence or covering up information.
Consult with an Attorney Immediately
If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or even questioned in association with a crime, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your crime lawyer can give you legal advice, help you build a strong defense against your charges, negotiate on your behalf, and potentially get the charges against you reduced or dropped. The best criminal defense attorneys can also offer guidance and advice on the actions you take on social media and elsewhere, and help you understand the risks and consequences of using social media after being charged with a crime.
If you’re looking for an experienced attorney in Tucson, AZ, schedule a consultation with Janet Altschuler. Ms. Altschuler used to be a criminal prosecutor attorney and is uniquely suited to help her clients understand the risks associated with posting on social media during a trial or case. Call us today at (520) 247-1789 to schedule a free consultation with a defense attorney in Arizona.