Think your online presence is private? Think again. In California, prosecutors are increasingly using social media posts, messages, photos, and search history as evidence in sex crime cases. At LibertyBell Law Group, our sex crime defense attorneys have seen firsthand how innocent online behavior can be twisted into damaging courtroom exhibits. Here’s what you need to know before it’s too late.
How Social Media Becomes Part of a Criminal Case
Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, or dating apps like Tinder, your digital footprint is never fully erased. Police and prosecutors may:
- Subpoena your accounts or cloud backups
- Download deleted messages or images
- Access public profiles—even those of friends
- Use screenshots sent in by accusers or witnesses
Once obtained, this material can be introduced in court—even if it’s out of context or misleading.
Common Social Media Mistakes in Sex Crime Cases
- Flirty or explicit messages that seem consensual but are later alleged to be coercive
- Photos taken out of context that are used to suggest intent or behavior
- Private conversations that contradict your version of events
- Search history that suggests criminal interest or fetish—even if it was curiosity
One wrong message can derail your entire defense.
What to Do If You’re Under Investigation
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime—or think you may be under investigation—immediately:
- Stop all communication with the accuser or related individuals
- Do NOT delete or alter your online content (this could be seen as destruction of evidence)
- Take screenshots and preserve anything that supports your case
- Call a California sex crimes lawyer to protect your rights
How We Defend You
Our legal team examines the prosecution’s use of digital evidence to uncover:
- Photos or messages taken out of context
- Unreliable timestamps or altered data
- Improperly obtained records
- Violations of your privacy rights
We’ve had entire cases dismissed based on mishandled or misrepresented social media evidence.
Don’t Let a Post Destroy Your Life
Social media can either hurt you or help you. Let u
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