While social media helps people stay connected, informed, and entertained, it also comes with some potential risks. For example, if the police charge you with a felony or misdemeanor offense, social media use is particularly hazardous. Below are a few ways posting on social media can adversely affect your case.

How Social Media Use Can Impact a Criminal Case

1. Public Posts Are Evidence

Anything you post on social media is public record during a court case. This means that the prosecution can use any details that you reveal to build an argument against you during a felony case. They can submit social media content as evidence in court, especially if it shows an admission of guilt. A person's social media account might also display violent tendencies, destructive behaviors, or threats of harm to another person or property.

2. Possible Story Contradictions

Status updates, location check-ins, photos, and videos are common aspects of the social media experience. However, if you are not careful with these features, they may present information that contradicts your story.

For example, if the police suspect you of being in a physical altercation at a party, you may claim you were not in attendance. However, if the prosecution later discovers that social media photos show you at the party, this could threaten the case’s outcome. Additionally, this can lead to additional charges of perjury if you lied during a sworn testimony.

3. Removal Can Be Seen As Guilt

Some people might realize their social media posts contain incriminating information, so they delete their accounts before information becomes accessible. However, once something is online, the prosecutors can find it, even after deletion.

Also, trying to hide and delete accounts makes a person look guilty or like they have something to hide and have not been entirely truthful. This can also result in a charge of tampering with evidence if you try to delete the post after it was accessed.

To best protect your case, refrain from posting anything on social media. When you need legal representation to further protect your rights and interests, trust James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law. Since 2002, this Cincinnati, OH, criminal lawyer has been offering legal representation in a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases, including OVI defenses and juvenile delinquency. Call (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation. Visit his website for more information about his practice areas.