Social Media and Domestic Violence Accusations
These days, you have to be careful about everything you say online. This is particularly important when facing domestic abuse charges in Colorado. Even when your privacy settings are on, prosecutors can access your social media posts and use this information against you in court.
Don’t make any effort to contact your accuser in any way, including via Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. And avoid making any statements about your case or your accuser anywhere online. It’s also good to avoid places where you might come across your accuser.
It can also be detrimental to post anything remotely connected to your case or your accuser. Even deleting certain content could be seen as tampering with evidence. That’s why it’s essential to consult with your attorney before you post, delete, or modify anything online.
The Impact of Social Media on Domestic Violence Cases
It’s imperative to be cautious about your social media presence during legal proceedings because both sides can use social media platforms to their advantage. Prosecutors can uncover posts, messages, or images that may suggest a pattern of behavior or contradict a defendant’s claims. Defense lawyers can also find information online to help establish their clients’ alibis. Your attorney can also use social media posts to challenge the credibility of accusations against you.
Even seemingly harmless posts can be interpreted negatively. A photo or a comment made in jest may be taken out of context and presented as evidence of a person’s character or state of mind. The effects of such self-incrimination are significant and can impact the outcome of a domestic violence case. It’s vital to exercise restraint and consider the potential legal consequences before posting anything online when facing serious legal accusations.
Privacy Settings Won’t Stop Prosecutors from Using Your Posts
After domestic violence accusations have been made, it’s imperative to reassess your social media privacy settings. People often make the mistake of assuming that your profile is secure and that only friends or followers can see your content. However, prosecutors can access your social media information through various legal channels, including court orders. They can also view content shared by mutual connections.
It’s a good idea to review your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and your profile. But the best practice is to refrain from posting anything that could be construed negatively by the court.
Contradictory Statements Have Legal Consequences
Making contradictory statements on social media can severely undermine your legal defense. For anyone facing Summit County domestic violence charges, consistency in narrative is key. Prosecutors are skilled at identifying discrepancies between what is said in court and what is shared online. A single post that conflicts with your testimony can cast doubt on your credibility and be used to challenge the integrity of your entire defense. This isn’t just about the content of posts – it’s also about the timing. A social media update that places you at a certain location or implies a particular state of mind can contradict earlier statements or evidence.
Avoid All Types of Interactions with Your Accuser
Avoiding any form of interaction with your accuser on social media is critical when facing domestic violence accusations. Any direct or indirect communication can be interpreted as an attempt to influence, intimidate, or even harass the accuser. This includes messages, likes, comments, and content sharing that’s related to the accuser or the case. Such actions may lead to additional charges or restraining order violations, amplifying the legal complications you may face. Even if the accuser initiates contact or posts publicly about the case, it is crucial to refrain from engaging.
Even passive activities such as viewing stories or profiles can be seen as a form of contact or stalking, intensifying your legal troubles. It’s vital to understand that social media platforms are not private spaces. All activities are potentially viewable by law enforcement and the courts. The safest course of action is to cease all forms of communication with the accuser on these platforms.
Breckenridge Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight for You
If you’re facing criminal charges in Colorado, contact our experienced attorneys at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, right away. Our Breckenridge domestic violence defense lawyers will pursue every legal avenue to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Our firm proudly holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and Kylie Whitaker has been recognized by Super Lawyers for significant professional achievement and outstanding peer reviews.
Call Whitaker & Penix, LLC, at (970) 368-0602 to schedule a FREE consultation today.