How Social Media Can Hurt Your Georgia Criminal Defense Case

In this article, you will discover:

• Whether Georgia prosecutors can use your social media against you in a DUI or drug case.
• The types of social media posts that raise red flags in Georgia criminal defense cases.
• Whether deleted social media posts can be recovered by Georgia prosecutors.

Can Georgia Prosecutors Use Social Media Posts As Evidence In DUI Or Drug Cases?

Social media posts are considered “character evidence.” Suppose you’re arrested on a marijuana charge, and there’s a social media video clip of you smoking a joint. Prosecutors can use that.

It’s never wise to incriminate yourself online, because that evidence is always there and easy to find.

What Types Of Social Media Posts Are Most Damaging In Criminal Defense Cases?

If you have criminal charges pending, you should delete your social media posts and shut down your accounts. Their presence can have a collateral effect.

Prosecutors sometimes view your social media to see how flexible or strict they want to be with you. Suppose you have a drug charge, and your social media posts are over the top, filled with boasts about partaking in drugs. The perception of that can only be negative.

Even if the prosecution doesn’t use social media against you in court, they may leverage that information later in the offer to settle your case, where it can have a significant impact.

Attorney George Stein is a skilled defense attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, who has helped countless clients like you navigate the intricacies of criminal defense law. With years of experience, he is prepared to advise you about your social media and its role in your case so that the prosecution can’t use it against you.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact George Stein, The DUI Lawyer, today to schedule an initial consultation.

Can Deleted Social Media Posts Still Be Recovered And Used In Court?

The technology is there, so recovery of deleted posts is always possible. If somebody working for the FBI wants to find your private posts, they probably can. However, is it realistic for a prosecutor to take extraordinary steps to hire that level of expertise to access your social media?

In less serious cases, such as a DUI, deleting social media posts is fine because it would be too much trouble for a prosecutor to obtain them. However, if it’s a statutory rape case, the prosecution will probably take those extraordinary measures.

Notes From The Field: Advice On Social Media Use After An Arrest

I always tell clients who have a social media account to delete it. Just play it safe. Clients always seem to have that one friend who says something inappropriate in the comments section and gets them into trouble.

The best advice I can give is to simply have no social media presence.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on social media and criminal defense in Georgia, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (404) 681-4000 today.