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Social media has become somewhat of a normal, daily activity. It has helped to shape our lives in many ways, connecting us to our jobs, our families, and our friends across the world. Through social media, we can meet others who share our favorite hobbies and interests and stay up-to-date on current events. Social media has even helped law enforcement to get the word out in emergent situations, such as shelter-in-place warnings and Amber Alerts.
Law enforcement now often utilizes social media to discover incriminating evidence against criminal suspects and can help to locate them through things such as “check-ins,” for which an individual lists where they are located. This is because each and every day millions of people the world over share some of the most private information about their lives.
When we think of crimes that can be seen online we often think about homicides and high-speed chases. However, the majority of crimes that can be found online include stalking, bullying, threatening, and harassing other people. People may also sign into an account that isn’t theirs and/or impersonate others. Crimes committed online are just as illegal as those committed offline.
Think Before You Post
Because so many crimes are committed on social media every day, it’s extremely important that each of us stops and considers the risk of anything we are about to post.
Posting too much information about yourself, your family, or your current location can serve as a means for others to commit criminal acts against you. By sharing things like where your children go to school, the name of your employer, and when you’re taking your family trip to Florida, you may just be giving others the necessary information to stalk you or rob your home.
It’s really important that you also understand that sometimes people use social media to conduct criminal activity. Individuals, who use social media to conduct criminal business arrangements, are still guilty – whether or not the business itself was conducted online. In fact, using social media only makes it easier for law enforcement to make a case against you, as you are leaving behind a trail of evidence.
Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Charged with Committing a Crime
A criminal conviction can have a very long-lasting impact on your life. Not only can it affect your ability to obtain or keep certain jobs, but also it can have a permanent impact on your reputation. That’s why it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you fight these charges and obtain the best possible outcome for you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!