Social Media Can Hurt Your Criminal Defense Case: 5 Reasons Why
Most of us have gotten so used to social media that we forget about the negative repercussions that even a casual, “harmless” post can have. If you’re facing any kind of criminal charges, it’s imperative to understand how you could hurt your criminal defense case just by posting pictures to Facebook or sending messages through Instagram or through other ways you might normally use social media.
- Your Social Media Posts Can Be Used As Evidence Against You. Whether you’re describing your day, sharing a few photos, or checking in at a location, your social media activity can be used by the court against you. According to Forbes, “courts today are more than willing to admit social media content as a form of evidence both for and against you.” Something as innocent as a photo of you and your friends having a beer at a sports bar can be twisted into something as serious as evidence that you have an alcohol problem. Assume that your post could be used for the worst. And if you’re involved in a criminal case, a good rule of thumb is usually to not post anything (including “private” messages).
- You Might Assume Something is Private When It’s Not. In a recent article about social media and legal cases, Forbes advised to “never assume that anything you share online (publicly or in private messages) is fully confidential…If you are involved in any case or proceeding, or even a case or proceeding that is reasonably foreseeable, think twice before posting anything that can be self-incriminating or used against you in the courtroom.” Even deleted content and posts or messages marked as “private” can be uncovered and obtained by people who know how.
- Public Social Media Posts Do Not Count As Illegally Obtained Evidence. This means that at any time the court (or the opposing party in your criminal case) can present your public social media posts as evidence against you. Forbes reports that, contrary to popular belief, it is completely legal to use communications garnered from social media sites as evidence. Judge Michael Corriero explains that “the prohibition against using illegally obtained evidence applies primarily, essentially solely, to law enforcement. It doesn’t apply to another civilian.” And although it is perhaps counter-intuitive, this rule applies for private or direct messages on social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp too. If you’re at risk of criminal convictions, it’s a good idea to not post or message anything that you wouldn’t mind the whole world hearing.
- Your Friends Post Something That Can Be Used As Evidence. Even if you are being aware and careful about what you post on your own accounts, remember that something your friends or family posts can be equally incriminating. Even if you’re not tagged in the photos that your friends post, the opposing attorney can easily look through your friends’ social media content for anything that could be used against you.
- You Make the Mistake of Trying to Delete Something On Social Media During Your Trial or After Being Accused. Just like attempts to hide physical evidence would be seen as suspicious, attempts to delete social media posts while your case is in progress will also be a red flag to the courts. Experts writing for Forbes strongly advise against deleting anything during your case. Judges will see this as evidence that you were trying to hide evidence that would incriminate you. And remember that deleted content can be recovered. It’s also highly likely that someone you know would have seen the content before you deleted it, and they could be called upon as a witness. According to Forbes, even “permanently” deleted content can be recovered using new-gen forensic recovery methods.
Remember that social media can be used against you even if you are innocent. According to LegalMatch, many kinds of criminal charges can arise from social media posts. Text, photos, tags, and videos of any kind can imply your involvement in a crime.
Are you wondering if something that’s been posted on social media can be used against you in court? Or maybe you’ve posted something you regret and you need help navigating the situation effectively. You have every right to an experienced, caring, and efficient criminal defense attorney.
Are you facing criminal charges in the Orlando, FL area? Don’t risk the lifelong consequences of a criminal conviction. At The Law Office of Donald A. Lykkebak, our goal is to get justice for your case.
Call 407-425-4044 or contact us online for a free consultation.
The Law Office of Donald A. Lykkebak
Phone: 407-425-4044
Orlando Office:
390 N. Orange Ave., Suite 2300
Orlando, FL 32801
Winter Park Office:
250 S. Park Avenue, Suite 200
Winter Park, FL 32789
