We won’t name any names, but you may recognize the case. In a local town, a then police officer made a rather public showing on social media. In fact, he seemingly documented his adventures at a nightclub. One of his pictures showed a couple of shots lined up on the bar. He was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), as the driver of a car that claimed two lives.
Of course, mere pictures aren’t enough evidence to convict someone of drunk driving. However, social media is dangerous. It doesn’t matter if you are pouring your words out in a Facebook post or have a friend taking a Snapchat of you drag racing. There are inherent risks to what is placed in the public domain.
Social Media Used in Investigations
Even if you think your social media accounts are heavily locked down, you could find something you posted used against you. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, more than eighty percent of their member police departments employ social media as investigative tools. Why? Because it works.
Law enforcement official use social media from a few perspectives. Here’s some examples:
- Locating those suspected or charged with crimes
- Keeping tabs on individuals who may be involved in criminal activity
- Documenting questionable activity via photographs or video
- Calling upon the public for assistance in identifying and/or locating a suspect
What should you gather from this? It’s used by the police as a two-way communication. Again, you might close off your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to people you think you know. But, it’s very rare to find such a limitation entirely foolproof.
Still not sure what we mean? We’ve all seen the sketchy videos of the person taking a slug at someone. Police may circulate the video on social media asking the public for assistance in identifying the assailant. Or, the victim may offer the video to the court to document simple assault charges. See how social media can hurt your court case?
Contact Us
At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we use our experience to advise clients concerning pending court matters. Did you receive a ticket for DWI or a disorderly persons offense? Contact our office to set up an appointment to discuss your issues.
