At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our Washington D.C. and Maryland criminal defense lawyers know that social media is a huge part of many of our clients’ lives — and they are not alone. It is estimated that 4.48 billion people currently use social media worldwide, up more than double from 2.07 billion in 2015.
Whether you use social media to connect with friends or family members, network professionally, promote a business, for dating purposes, or to communicate with followers, law enforcement and prosecutors also extensively use these platforms. During investigations and interrogations, after an arrest or criminal charge, social media accounts become key sources of evidence when they are building cases against individuals throughout Maryland and Washington D.C.
Here is why your social media feeds may help them succeed.
Social Media Posts Can Provide Evidence You Did Not Know — or Forgot — Existed
Whether you are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, your profile and posts are visible to most people — including law enforcement — even when your account is set in private mode.
This means, essentially, anything that you post — pictures, text, videos, and even reactions to other posts or content — can potentially be used as evidence to undermine the strength of your defense.
For instance:
- If you told the police you were at home during the time a crime was committed, but your Instagram account places you directly at the crime scene, that information can be used to strengthen the prosecutor’s case.
- If you were arrested on embezzlement charges, or another white collar crime, and your social media feeds show you spending lavishly at high-end restaurants, clubs, or on vacation, prosecutors can speculate that their theory about your involvement in the crime was correct.
- If you are charged with a gun crime, and your Facebook feed is full of pictures of you holding the weapon, law enforcement can use the images to help build their case, and potentially locate the gun.
There are literally thousands of social media scenarios that can jeopardize your criminal case. If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland or Washington D.C., your best course of action is to deactivate your social media accounts — all of them — until your case is resolved.
Contact Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland
Contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Maryland and Washington D.C. at Lotze Mosley, LLP by calling 202-393-0535 today for help. We can help you understand how your social media accounts can negatively impact your case, so you can make informed decisions about your legal journey. This will allow us to pursue the best outcome together by ensuring your rights are protected from the beginning.
