Chatting and tweeting on social media helps people stay in touch with family and friends. However, do you know posting online might make it harder for criminal defense attorneys to protect their clients’ interests? Here are ways in which sharing information online can harm someone facing criminal charges.

3 Ways Social Media Can Affect Your Criminal Defense

1. Helps Prosecutors Prove Guilt

Courts have ruled that what people post on sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, is public information. Investigators and prosecutors search the internet for evidence that helps them prove guilt. For example, a driver who posts about drinking beers until midnight while watching the game helps prove a driving while intoxicated charge during a traffic stop an hour later.

2. Exposes Trial Strategy

Telling your friends online how a criminal lawyer is developing an alibi defense exposes the trial strategy to the world. Keep discussions with a criminal defense attorney between just the two of you or risk having them used against you.

3. Connects People to Crimes

Police and criminal investigators look online for photos and comments that connect people to crimes. Posting pictures that associate individuals with crime scenes, suspects, or weapons makes it harder for criminal defense attorneys to deny their client’s knowledge of alleged events. Posted threats or negative remarks about victims, witnesses, or law enforcement can lead to additional charges, or cause a prosecutor to raise a misdemeanor to a felony charge.

At the Law Office of Mike Hamilton in Columbia, MO, clients facing criminal charges benefit from attorney Hamilton’s personalized approach to their circumstances. Backed by more than 20 years of experience as a successful criminal defense lawyer, attorney Hamilton offers skill, passion, and professionalism. Clients receive wise counsel and peace of mind in even the most difficult cases involving social media evidence. If you are charged with a crime, contact attorney Hamilton for a free consultation. Call (573) 825-5698 or contact him via the firm website now.

“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.”“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.”​​​​​​​