When you are charged with a criminal offense in California, the last thing you may expect is to learn that the police have linked you to this offense through your social media profile. Unfortunately, many assume that their online presence cannot be held against them, especially if the accounts they own are private. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, you can be arrested and charged with a criminal offense based on your online accounts. As such, understanding why your uploads can be held against you and the steps you should take if you’re charged with a crime is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters and the importance of connecting with a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer to help you explore your legal options.
Can My Social Media Posts Be Used Against Me?
In California, like other states, you can be charged with a crime and have your social media profile held against you as evidence. This is true even if your social media accounts are private, as investigators can subpoena the platforms or find screenshots of your online activity.
Generally, the police will look at every aspect of your online presence, including what you post, your tagged locations, who you follow, and even your direct messages. This can help them link you to various crimes, from driving under the influence and drug possession to stalking and assault.
What Should I Do After I’m Charged?
In the event you are charged with a crime in California, it is critical to take the necessary steps to protect yourself during these difficult matters. Generally, one of the most important things you can do is immediately cease all social media activity. This includes posting, liking, commenting, and even direct messaging, as your online activity will be scrutinized to use against you.
In addition, you should inform your friends and family to refrain from posting anything about you, including photos, or commenting on your case in any capacity. Even if you are not the author of posts, uploads made by friends and family can still be held against you.
Following your arrest, you should also refrain from deleting any posts from your online profiles. Not only can the police still recover deleted content, but it can also be viewed as an effort to conceal evidence. As such, you could face additional tampering charges.
As you can see, social media can drastically impact the outcome of your criminal case in California. That is why it is critical to ensure you connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes to explore your legal options. Our firm will do everything possible to help you fight for the best outcome for your unique circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during these difficult times.
