If you use social media with any kind of regularity, you may do so to network, connect with loved ones, catch up on news and/or seek out connection of virtually any other kind. As such, logging off of your social media accounts for a few days, weeks or months may sound like a no-go. However, if you are facing criminal charges, the instinct to maintain your digital presence can lead to significant legal consequences.
For a host of reasons, it’s important for you to strongly consider staying off of social media until your criminal case has been fully resolved. These reasons include – but are absolutely not limited to – the following.
Potential for self-incrimination
The most compelling reason to avoid social media during a criminal case is the risk of self-incrimination that social media activity poses. Anything you post online can be used as evidence in court, regardless of your privacy settings. Prosecutors can access your photos, comments and even location check-ins to build a case against you. For instance, a seemingly innocent picture at a bar or a comment about an incident can be interpreted in ways that could corroborate allegations or suggest a motive.
It’s additionally worth keeping in mind that posts on social media are frequently taken out of context or misinterpreted. What may seem like a harmless joke or venting frustration could be perceived as an admission of guilt or a lack of remorse.
In criminal law, preserving the integrity of your defense often means guarding against providing the prosecution with additional ammunition. By staying off of social media right now, you can better ensure that you don’t contribute to a higher risk of suffering a negative outcome at the conclusion of your case.