Although social media has essentially become a dumping ground of the trials and tribulations of our daily lives, posting about your DWI or DUI case anywhere online can have serious and far-reaching consequences. We consistently share updates about our personal lives, jobs, families, opinions, and even seemingly trivial legal matters without a second thought – like getting a parking ticket 5 minutes after the meter expired or a speeding ticket for going 3 mph over the limit. If you’re facing DWI or DUI charges, the experienced Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys suggest you stop posting anything online.
Everyone from attorneys and law firm staff to investigators and judges can access and scrutinize social media posts and pages to find potential impeachment materials. Simply put, anything you post on social media can be used against you. Here’s why you should avoid discussing your DWI/DUI case online.
Don’t Make the Mistake of Posting About the Case on Social Media
Here’s what our DWI/DUI attorneys say you avoid by not posting:
Risk of Self-Incrimination
Anything you post online can be used against you in court. Even what you consider an innocent post or comment can be taken out of context and used to build a case against you. For example, a seemingly harmless photo of you drinking a beer in your backyard after cutting the grass could be used to suggest a pattern of behavior that might very well negatively impact your defense.
Privacy Concerns
Once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to control who sees it and how it is used. Even if your social media accounts are set to private, there’s always a risk that your posts can be shared, screenshotted, or accessed by anyone. This can lead to widespread dissemination of information you meant to keep private.
Impact on Public Perception
Public perception can absolutely influence the outcome of your case, particularly if your DWI/DUI charges garnered media attention. Negative comments or posts can sway public opinion and possibly impact the general attitudes of judges or jurors. It’s best to lay low and avoid adding fuel to the fire through social media activity.
Compromising Your Defense Strategy
Your DWI/DUI lawyers should work hard on your behalf to build a strong defense. If you’re posting away on social media, you may inadvertently reveal details about your defense strategy or share information that contradicts what you’ve told your lawyer. It’s happened before, many times unfortunately. This severely undermines your attorney’s efforts and weakens your position in court.
Employment & Personal Repercussions
Many employers monitor their employees’ social media activities. Posting about your DWI/DUI case could jeopardize your current job and/or future employment opportunities. Also, friends, family, and colleagues may view you differently, leading to strained personal and professional relationships.
How to Protect Yourself Online Following DWI/DUI Charges
Social media posts can seriously damage your DWI/DUI case. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Avoid Posting Anything About Your Case: This is the safest course of action. In fact, it may be best to refrain from using social media at all until your case is over.
- Don’t Delete Existing Posts or Accounts: Do not “clean up” or delete any posts or accounts. This could be considered spoliation of evidence.
- Inform Your Family & Friends: Be sure that your friends and family don’t post or comment on your case. Their posts may also be monitored and used as evidence against you.
- Consult Your DWI Attorney: Before posting anything online, consult with your Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer. We can provide guidance on what is safe to share and what should be kept private for the sake of your case.
