Can Social Media Be Evidence in a Criminal Case?

Social media has become a significant part of our lives today, with millions of people using it for various reasons. According to Pew Research Center, more than 70% of Americans use social media nowadays.

While it can be an excellent platform to connect with friends, social media can also turn against us, especially in legal matters. Criminal cases are a serious matter, and prosecutors are always looking for the slightest evidence that can help them secure a conviction. But can social media be used as evidence in criminal cases?

The short answer is “Yes.” If you are facing criminal charges and are worried that your social media posts, pictures, videos, messages, connections, or other types of content could be used as evidence in your criminal case, contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers immediately. Our Gwinnett County criminal lawyers can help you build a strong case and challenge the evidence used against you.

The Use of Social Media in Criminal Cases

The use of social media as evidence in a criminal case is becoming increasingly common worldwide. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat are used to gather evidence in criminal cases ranging from assault, drug trafficking, and even murder. Social media posts, messages, photos, and videos have proven to be valuable in more than one instance, helping prosecutors secure a conviction.

When social media is used as evidence in court, the information gathered can help build a case. Social media posts, for instance, can indicate a motive, opportunity, and even plan the crime. The information collected from social media can also identify potential witnesses and provide further insight into the defendant’s character.

Is Social Media Evidence Admissible?

While social media can be compelling evidence, its admissible nature in a criminal case depends on the authenticity and admissibility criteria. Social media evidence must be authentic, meaning that It is necessary to prove that the account holder created the post, sent the message, or made the video recording. Other admissibility criteria such as the reliability, credibility, and relevance of social media evidence must also be established.

Investigators should not rely solely on social media evidence when building a case. Social media evidence should be treated like any other evidence, and supporting evidence should be gathered to support social media evidence with other sources of evidence such as eyewitnesses and physical evidence.

Stop Using Social Media While Your Criminal Case Is Pending

Social media can either help or harm a criminal case. What you post on your social media can be used against you in court. It is therefore advisable for individuals facing criminal charges to abstain from posting statements, videos, or photos that could incriminate themselves. It is advisable to take a break from social media and seek legal advice.

Seek Legal Help

If you wonder about the potential impact of your social media content on your criminal case, contact a lawyer. Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers can review the facts of your case and help you understand how social media can be used as evidence in your case. We represent defendants facing charges throughout all of Georgia, including Gwinnett County, Cobb County, Fulton County, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Atlanta, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Call 770-685-6400 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/