Following the technological boom that changed the early 2000s, social media has become an integral part of many people’s lives. Not only does it allow you to connect with friends and family worldwide, but you can find new ideas and become inspired. However, despite how beneficial social media can be, it can also have negative impacts. If you are facing criminal charges, it’s necessary to understand whether or not your social media profiles can be used against you and how a Cobb County criminal defense attorney can assist you through this process.
Can Social Media Impact a Criminal Case?
If you are currently facing criminal charges, the police and prosecution will do everything possible to uncover information that proves you are guilty of the allegations against you. This includes searching through your social media profiles to find any evidence they can use against you.
Even though your profiles may be set to private, investigators can still access your posts. As such, anything you have posted, liked, shared, or commented on can be taken into evidence to use against you.
For example, if you are charged with theft and post a photo of yourself with the item you’ve allegedly stolen in the background of the picture, this can incriminate you in the crime. Additionally, if facing a DUI and the police find you tagged in a photo with an alcohol bottle in your hand on the night of the crime, this can serve as evidence against you.
Similarly, any messages sent or received over social media can also serve as evidence. Therefore, you should never have any conversations regarding criminal activity over social media, even if it’s a joke.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
It cannot be stressed enough that if you are facing criminal charges, you should not touch your account until you have spoken to an attorney. Any attempt to delete potentially incriminating posts can be seen as an attempt to destroy evidence, which can lead to additional criminal charges. As such, you should contact an attorney immediately if you believe your online presence can pose a threat to your freedom.
It’s essential to understand that everything you post on social media can last forever. Even posts you deleted months ago can be uncovered by technology experts. As such, you should never post anything to social media that could have negative impacts on your life, as once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s imperative to connect with a criminal defense attorney. Whether accused of a misdemeanor or felony crime, the legal system can be complex to navigate without the assistance of someone familiar with the process. That’s why the team at Miller Law Practice, LLC, is ready to guide you. We understand how a criminal conviction can affect the rest of your life. As such, we will do everything we can to help you. Reach out today to learn how we can help you.