Meta: Our Chicago domestic violence defense attorneys explain how social media can negatively impact your case before it even begins on our latest blog.
Social: Social media can completely reshape your future if used improperly.
Social Media and Your Domestic Violence Case
We live in a society that is tightly knit by connecting across social media platforms. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat being household names to many, it’s important to understand the power of social media; especially when talking about domestic violence charges.
While social media can be a great tool to share information and to help connect with friends and family, it can have damaging effects on your domestic violence case. With forced time indoors, it’s important to remember that what you post on social media can be used against you as evidence in court.
A Digital Witness
So now you’re likely thinking, “I’ll just make my profiles private and that takes care of that problem, right?”
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. When it comes to helping law enforcement solve crimes, social media platforms often do whatever is necessary to aid them in their investigations. This includes providing them your “private” information. Not only that, but many situations do not require obtaining a search warrant, meaning there’s not much stopping the police from viewing your “private” profile.
There are countless ways that the things you post on social media can be used against your domestic violence case. Some of the most common uses include:
- Showing new evidence
- Confirming statements
- Linking missing information together
- Finding new suspects, witnesses, or victims
- Confirming your location at the time of the crime
So, What Information Is Most Commonly Used?
Regardless of the content you regularly post on social media, whether it’s videos, pictures, or long-winded written messaging, what you post can and will be used against you.
Photographs
For this example, we will assume that you’re facing a domestic violence charge. The charge was filed by your girlfriend at the time. She stated that you were with her at your favorite diner when the abuse took place, but you denied that being true. Unfortunately, you posted a picture with her on your Instagram account, and now that post can be used against you in court.
Posts
Posts work the exact same way as photographs do when it comes to being used as evidence against your case. Following being charged with domestic violence, it’s common to feel extreme emotions. Your first thought could be to take to your spouse’s Facebook wall to express how you truly feel. However, we highly recommend that you don’t post anything about your situation on social media, it will do nothing but harm your case down the line.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, the odds are already stacked against you. Don’t let what you post on social media be the nail in the coffin for your freedom.
Our team is ready to discuss how we can help you handle your pending domestic violence charges. Call us today (888) 473-4058 to learn more over a confidential consultation over the phone.