When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the last thing you expect to learn is that social media has led to your arrest. Whether you violated the law by using these apps or you accidentally posted evidence of criminal activity, you may wonder if the police can even use your online presence against you in court. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how this process works, as well as the importance of connecting with Houston criminal defense attorneys to help you navigate these difficult legal matters.
Can Social Media Posts Be Used as Evidence?
In Texas, anything you publish online, publicly or privately, can be used against you to hold you accountable for the commission of a crime. This includes your posts, comments, photos, videos, tagged locations, and even your private direct messages. There is a common misconception that private accounts are completely protected, which is far from the truth, as screenshots and subpoenas can still be obtained during a court case.
You’ll find that police can uncover evidence of driving while intoxicated, selling drugs, engaging in prostitution, committing assault, or even owning illegal weapons can all be uncovered through social media platforms.
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of a Crime?
If you are accused of a crime in relation to your online presence, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to best protect yourself during these matters. Generally, the most important thing you can do when facing criminal charges in Texas is to refrain from posting anything on social media. This includes things that may even be completely unrelated to your charges. However, anything you upload can be used against you in court.
Additionally, you should not delete anything you may have posted online. This can be viewed as evidence tampering and can result in additional charges against you. If you have already deleted posts that could be related to your case, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately.
Finally, you should inform your friends and family to refrain from speaking about you or your case, as well as to avoid posting any photos or videos about you until your case is closed. Investigators and the prosecution can use these posts against you, even if you did not author them.
As you can see, navigating a criminal case related to social media can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why working with the experienced team at the Gonzalez Law Group is in your best interest. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be, which is why we are committed to helping you through these matters to fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Connect with us today to learn more.