How Social Media Can Incriminate You

We live in a world where everyone is all too eager to share what they are doing with the entireworld. But as any defense attorney will tell you, giving everyone a window into your life can come back to haunt you. Time and time again, social media has been used by prosecutors to convict defendants. These individuals may have been totally oblivious to the fact that they were incriminating themselves when they posted this content.

If you are facing charges, you should know that your social media accounts may be used against you. The best way to protect yourself is to enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney right away. Our legal professionals can push back against social media evidence. We may even be able to have this evidence dismissed under certain circumstances. Of course, the best option is to never post self-incriminating content on social media in the first place. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to get in touch with a defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you start working with one of our legal professionals, the better.

An Example of How a Social Media Post Can Go Wrong
On November 9th, the Department of Justice reported that a man from Massachusetts had been sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and three years of supervised release. Although this might sound fairly routine, the manner in which this individual was caught is noteworthy. After absconding from parole in Massachusetts, the defendant traveled to Maine. During his time in Maine, he was filmed engaging in target shooting. The video was posted to social media, and law enforcement officers saw the post. As a result, his firearm was confiscated and he was arrested. This particular individual faced steep penalties for possessing a firearm, as he had been previously convicted of two felonies. Felons almost always lose their gun rights in the United States. This is a clear example of how incriminating social media evidence can be. It is also a reminder that law enforcement officials may be watching your social media posts along with your close friends.

When Can Prosecutors Use Social Media Against You?
Prosecutors can use all of your social media posts against you in court. This content might have been published privately to a few friends, or it might have been published publicly for the whole world to see. In addition, prosecutors can use social media posts that you have taken down. You should remember that nothing is truly ever “erased” from social media sites like Facebook. Instead, it is merely hidden from view. The authorities can connect with social media platforms in order to view content that you have deleted.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the West Springfield area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty. Over the years, we have become very familiar with some of the newer tactics that prosecutors tend to employ, such as using social media posts as evidence. With our help, you can give yourself the best possible chance of a positive legal outcome, even if you are facing considerable evidence. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately get to work on an effective defense strategy for you. 413-732-8356