Social media is an important part of the lives of many people today. However, the same sites that allow you to connect with friends and stay in touch with family could threaten your rights and freedom if you face domestic violence charges. The things you post on social media could be considered abuse or harassment, or the court could view them as evidence. What should you know about social media and domestic violence charges?
Your activity on social media could lead to domestic violence charges.
Abuse is defined broadly under California law. While the things that you post on social media might not involve physical contact, the court might still consider them domestic violence. If your posts could be considered a threat or if the court views your activity as a form of stalking, harassment or disturbing your partner’s or ex’s peace. Contacting your ex on social media could also be a violation of a restraining order.
Social media could also be used as evidence.
Even if domestic violence charges are not directly related to your social media activity, your posts may still come up in a criminal case. Some surveys indicate that up to 96.4 percent of law enforcement agencies consider social media during criminal proceedings. They could use your posts to compare your account of an event, confirm an alibi or even introduce new evidence.
If you wonder whether social media posts will harm your chances in a domestic violence case, it can be helpful to speak to an experienced attorney. Just as the prosecution can use social media posts against you, a skilled attorney can examine your activity, use your posts to strengthen your defense and push back against potentially life-changing charges.