These days nearly everyone has a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account. These outlets can be a great way to keep up with friends and family, and to share what is going on in your life. But there are certain things that should be kept off the internet, and remain private. One reason it is important to keep things to yourself is because what you post online could end up being used as evidence against you if something bad happens. Couples going through a divorce are advised to refrain from posting suggestive photos while seeking child custody, and are also counseled to refrain from posting shots of expensive purchases or vacations if property distribution is an issue. The reason is that when you put things online that show where you are and what you are doing, if those things are not in line with what you are trying to achieve you will have a hard time overcoming the image you’ve created. In a criminal case it is just as important to be careful about what you post to your social media accounts. It might seem acceptable to snap a shot of your dinner and glass of wine while out with friends and #nightout, but if you wind up being pulled over on suspicion of DUI later, that photo might be the evidence that shows you have had too much to drink.
This issue is not new, and it has been reported here at home with a great deal of frequency. One case that made headlines is the “2 drunk 2 care” driver. In that case, Kayla Mendoza tweeted this phrase a few short hours before she was in an accident that took the lives of two young girls. Mendoza was found guilty and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. This is one example of how social media plays a role in your case, but here are two other ways your case can be impacted by the world wide web:
- Your “friends” on Facebook or “followers” on Twitter can tag you, and those images can be used against you. It might seem harmless, and who doesn’t want to be tagged in a photo so it is shared on multiple timelines? But, if the post is potentially damaging, take a minute to “untag” yourself or ask your friend to remove the image until a later time.
- Judges and attorneys are people too, and many of them have social media accounts. You never know who is connected to who, so be careful what you say and what you post.
If you have been arrested and there is damaging information out there online, you must aggressively defend the case against you. We have experience with these types of issues, and can help you develop a strategy that works. Call us today for more information.
For answers to questions about how social media can impact your criminal defense case, call an experienced criminal defense attorney today. Skilled criminal defense attorneys in Stuart and the Treasure Coast are here to help you reach workable solutions. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.