Social Media And Your Criminal Case: What You Need To Know

Social media is as widespread as it has ever been, and it may potentially even be used against you in court if you’ve been arrested for a crime. Here’s what you need to know about how social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram may affect your criminal case and how to seek aid from a skilled New York criminal attorney. 

It Could Ruin Your Alibi 

Prosecutors assigned to your case will undoubtedly scrutinize your public posts and may potentially even be able to review private posts. They’ll look particularly at any posts made just before and after the alleged crime. These might be used to invalidate your alibi if any information in your social media posts contradicts it.

Let’s imagine you have a witness alibi claiming you were at a gas station at a given time when the supposed crime occurred. But say you made a social media post from a friend’s house in the same neighborhood where the alleged crime took place. This could be used to void your alibi and possibly even incriminate you.

There May Be Photographic Evidence Against You 

The prosecution will also examine your photographs for evidence linking you to the alleged offense. If you are the lead suspect in a homicide investigation, for example, detectives may search your posts and photos for evidence that you possessed the murder weapon or a specific, unique item found at the crime scene. 

Other Users Might Reveal Sensitive Information 

Other users’ remarks on your social media posts may likewise be a source of worry. For example, if anyone else is accused of the same alleged offense as you talked with you on a social platform, this information might be utilized to establish a relationship between you two.

Another example might be if someone with inside information about the case uploads damning images or textual content on your social media pages. Unfortunately, these might be used to infer that you had inside information too and were somehow connected to the crime.

How to Secure Your Social Media During a Criminal Defense Case 

You should follow the advice of an experienced New York criminal defense attorney in regard to social media and your case. Scott Cerbin is a seasoned defense lawyer that can help advocate for your rights and interests in a court of law. Call today for a consultation by dialing 718-596-1829.