Be Careful Of Social Media When Facing Criminal Charges
According to a survey by CNN, more than 80 percent of prosecutors look for evidence on social media accounts. And for some, the search is fruitful: Graphic pictures of victims, pictures of the defendant committing the act, statements that indicate the defendant cannot be trusted — these can all help prosecutors obtain guilty pleas and verdicts.
Don’t let social media control your case. Instead, talk to the Michigan criminal defense lawyers at Marrs & Terry to learn how to protect yourself from harmful social media evidence and, when possible, use social media to your advantage. To discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys, call us toll free at 734-663-0555 or contact us online.
You Can Challenge Evidence From Social Media
Just like any other evidence used against you in your criminal case, it may be possible to challenge evidence obtained from social media. Was the evidence too prejudicial? Did prosecutors obtain the evidence illegally?
Unfortunately, evidence obtained from public social media accounts tends to be fair game. If you have a social media account — Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram — close it or at least make sure it is private. Above all else, avoid talking about your case, your judge or the alleged victim in any way, even abstractly.
Using Social Media To Your Advantage
Just like there are times when prosecutors find incriminating evidence on social media, there are also times when social media can be used to a defendant’s advantage. Potential social media posts that could help you include a Facebook comment or picture that proves you were somewhere else during the crime, a victim’s posts throwing his or her credibility into question and witness statements/pictures supporting your version of the story.
When social media can work to your advantage, the attorneys at Marrs & Terry will work to get it admitted into evidence.
We Know How Evidence Works. Contact Us For The Guidance And Defense You Need.
Among our lawyers are former law clerks — they have worked for judges in criminal courts and have a solid grasp of how judges approach social media evidence in criminal defense cases. To put our experience on your side, call us at 734-663-0555 or send us an email. Act now to protect your rights and learn what you can do to prevent social media evidence from harming your case.