When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you may find that the officers have discovered your illicit activities through your social media posts. Whether you used an online platform to perpetrate the offense or you posted something concerning the charges against you, you may wonder if the police even have the right to access your online profiles. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about these matters and the importance of working with a Cobb County criminal defense lawyer to help you fight for the best possible outcome.
Can the Police Use My Social Media Posts Against Me?
It’s important to understand that, in Georgia, like other states, anything you post on the internet can be held against you, regardless of whether or not your accounts are private. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that so long as there are limits on who can view your posts, whatever you upload will remain private. However, the police have methods of obtaining information hidden behind privacy settings through subpoenas to social media companies or by discovering screenshots.
Common crimes uncovered on social media include drug possession, drunk driving, assault, firearm possession, and sex crimes, among others. Typically, the police can look at your posts, likes, locations, and messages to link you to criminal activity.
What Should I Do if I’m Charged With a Crime?
If you are charged with a criminal offense in relation to your social media profile, it’s critical to understand your legal options. Generally, you’ll find that the most important thing you should do is immediately refrain from posting anything on our social media profiles. This includes liking or commenting on posts. In addition, you should inform your friends and family to refrain from posting anything about you or your case. This can still be used against you, even though you didn’t author the posts.
In addition, you should refrain from deleting anything from your social media profiles, as this can be seen as an attempt to destroy or conceal evidence. It is relatively simple for police agencies to recover deleted posts, so the police will uncover what you’ve tried to delete. As such, if you remove anything, you can face additional charges of evidence tampering. If you have deleted anything from your social media profiles, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
As you can see, social media can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your case. That is why it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Miller Law Practice, LLC, we understand the impact these matters can have on the outcome of your case, which is why our firm will work tirelessly to assist you through these difficult times to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances.