Criminal Cases and Social Media

 Posted on May 27, 2024 in Criminal Defense

The way we live today is how “the distant future” was depicted only a few decades ago. We walk around with phones that are essentially computers fitting in our pockets. We have access to endless information, we have capabilities that people used to only be able to imagine, and our technology helps us accomplish so many things. Unfortunately, with this technology so accessible to so many, things that we do and write can be seen by people we do not even know.

That is the problem with social media. On the one hand, it makes life easier because it is a very convenient way of staying in contact with people. On the other hand, it means we hardly have any privacy anymore. We can never be sure who might end up seeing the things we post. And this is why, when a criminal case is still underway, you should be careful about how you act online. If your criminal case is not yet resolved, speak with a skilled Cook County, IL criminal defense attorney who can advise you on specific modifications to your social media conduct that might benefit you.

How Can Social Media Use Impact Your Case?

The saying not to judge a book by its cover is heard often for a reason: by nature, we judge others based on how they look. The pictures of you online might make you look a certain way, but of course that has nothing to do with the kind of person you really are. There are certain ways of dressing or acting that are sometimes associated with certain actions. If you are involved in a criminal case, the prosecution could use your image to paint a picture about you that might not be true. They can use location check-ins, friends, memes that make jokes about drug use, comments, and pictures to make claims about you.

Unlike private communication like emails and phone records, prosecutors do not need a warrant to access activity on social media, and posts online are increasingly used in trials to serve as evidence about a person’s character. Privacy settings are generally easy to get around, and you should assume that everything you put online can be found.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Cook County, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you trying to get criminal legal proceedings resolved, you might be unaware of the impact that your social media profiles can have on the outcome. An experienced Chicago, IL defense attorney can offer you guidance based on similar cases. At Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward, and we work hard to give you the best chances in court. Call us at 312-627-9482 to schedule a free consultation so we can work on a strong defense and help you avoid mistakes along the way.