It goes without saying that facing charges for a domestic violence-related crime is a stressful experience. With so much at stake, you may be tempted to post about your case on social media, perhaps to draw support or advice from close friends and family. Unfortunately, social media content is usually admissible as evidence in court, and the last thing you want to do is post something that the prosecutor can use against you.
In fact, online profiles have become a primary source of evidence for investigating officers and prosecutors. Even if you’re certain that a post would only prove your innocence, it’s best to stay off social media while your case is pending. At the very least, you should avoid these three critical mistakes:
1. Posting About the Incident
If you’re innocent, you might be tempted to share your version of events online, but doing so could ultimately harm your defense. You may inadvertently admit to behavior that you didn’t know was illegal, or write something that contradicts prior statements, thus reducing your credibility.
2. Seeking Legal Advice
If you have friends or family who have faced similar charges, you might think it wise to write a post asking for advice about your case. But at the end of the day, you never know how the prosecutor will interpret your posts. If you’re in need of legal advice, it’s best to reach out to a domestic violence defense attorney.
3. Posting About Your Accuser
Criticizing your accuser is never a good idea. It’s important that you let your attorney handle all correspondence with the opposing party so you don’t say something that could harm your defense. Any insulting or threatening remarks you post about your accuser could impact the outcome of your case.
Should I Delete My Social Medial Accounts While My Case Is Pending?
Generally speaking, the most effective way to prevent the prosecutor or investigating officer from using your social media content against you is to disable or delete your accounts altogether. However, you should talk to a lawyer before doing so. Depending on the circumstances, deleting your social media accounts could be considered tampering with evidence.
In most cases, domestic violence defense lawyers advise their clients to disable their accounts temporarily. If this isn’t an option, delete any connections you don’t know personally, decline new connection requests, and update your privacy settings.
Discuss Your Case with a Criminal Defense Attorney in New York
If you’re facing domestic violence-related charges, contact LoTempio P.C. Law Group to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Our attorneys have more than 200 years of combined experience in the legal field and have defended thousands of clients.
Despite having the resources of a large practice, we are committed to providing the personalized counsel of a small, local law firm. We will give your case the attention it deserves from day one. Call 716-855-3761 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in New York.