While social media is beneficial for networking and staying in contact with friends and family, it can be problematic for those who are entangled in legal matters. Police and prosecutors regularly investigate online activity to gather the evidence they need to support criminal arrests, including those involving drug charges. That’s why the attorneys at Reiman Law Firm advise Lincoln, NE, residents to be cautious about what they post on their profiles. They have spent more than a decade providing clients with effective defense strategies. Below, they explain how social media can negatively impact a drug possession case.

Incriminating Photos & Posts

Photos of drug use and related paraphernalia can be some of the most incriminating pieces of evidence used against those facing charges. Even if a picture was taken and posted years ago, it can help law enforcement and prosecutors establish a history of criminal behavior. Also, since photos taken on smartphones are often geo-tagged, location metadata can make it easy to determine where a defendant was at the time in question.

Routine status updates and check-ins can also prove detrimental to a case. Statements that may seem harmless can be misconstrued to present the wrong idea about what the defendant was trying to say. They can also contradict information a defendant gives to the police, making it look like they were lying when it was just a matter of forgetfulness.

Permeable Privacy Settings & Deleted Data

Even with strict privacy settings in place, law enforcement can gain access to social media accounts. They submit requests to different platforms, allowing them to see anything a defendant has posted. It’s also possible to retrieve photos and updates long after they’ve been deleted, so it’s crucial to think about this before posting something that may be considered questionable in a criminal case.

If you’ve been accused of a crime or are facing drug charges, deactivate your social media accounts. The skilled team at the Reiman Law Firm will guide you through every step of the process to ensure you best represent yourself and your case. They offer high-quality criminal defense and will fight to protect your rights and freedoms regardless of the evidence that’s brought against you. Contact them at (402) 477-2130 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to see a full list of practice areas they specialize in.