How Can Social Media Usage Impact My Criminal Case?

Social Media & Criminal Cases

Social media can be used as a tool by law enforcement to investigate and ultimately bring criminal charges against people. Social media posts and even private messages regularly end up being used as evidence against the defendant. Below we explain how social media can impact your case if used by prosecutors.

• Location Tracking: Many social media platforms allow users to share their location in posts, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Even if you don’t voluntarily include your location in a post, some social media platforms can track your location anyways. Law enforcement can use this data against you if it provides incriminating evidence of your involvement in the crime.
• Incriminating photos or videos: Prosecutors will review the posts you made before and after the crime was committed to determine your state of mind. For example, if you posted a photo drinking at a bar before you were arrested for DUI, it can be used against you in court.
• Deleted accounts: Even if you refrain from posting photos or videos after your arrest and decide to delete your account altogether, it can still significantly impact your case. Completely deleting your social media accounts can make you appear guilty since the prosecutor may view this as an attempt to destroy evidence.

What to Do After an Arrest

The time after an arrest can be overwhelming and confusing. To understand the next steps you should take and avoid after arrest, you should contact our team at Suzuki Law Offices. Our Arizona criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience helping individuals get their cases reduced or even dismissed. We are ready to walk you through your case from start to finish.