Super Lawyers
Justia Lawyer Rating
The Best Lawyers in America
Avvo Clients' Choice
Avvo Rating 10.0
National College for DUI Defense
National Collage for DUI Defense
American Council Of Second Amendment Lawyers
Avvo Clients Choice Award
Avvo Rating
Trial Lawyers University
Best Lawyers
James Publishing Author
Super Lawyers
Trial Lawyers College

Social Media Evidence in a DUI Case

With the proliferation of social media over the past decade, many people fail to realize the impact that these platforms can have on their lives. For instance, if you are charged with a criminal offense, investigators can look to your social media accounts for evidence in the form of timelines of events and/or patterns of behavior.

Over the past decade, social media have become a normal part of our everyday lives. Millions of citizens routinely post updates to their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts several times a day without a second thought as to how it may impact them in the future. While these "social" networks may seem harmless, you should be aware that posts you have shared or been tagged in could be used as evidence against you if you are charged with drunk or drugged driving during the DUI case process.

If you have been charged with a crime such as drunk or drugged driving, it is imperative that you monitor what you share through your social media accounts. Even if you have not been charged with a crime, you should use good judgment when posting to social media in order to prevent sabotaging yourself in the future.

Prosecution Using Social Media

Depending on the nature of the charge and the facts of the case, the prosecution could use your social media posts or posts that you have been tagged in to establish a timeline of events. For instance, if you posted photos of yourself and friends taking shots at the bar at midnight and were subsequently pulled over while driving at 12:30 a.m., the prosecution could use this against you.

If you are facing a drunk driving charge, you should not comment about it through your social media accounts. Again, criminal investigators routinely access the Internet to obtain information about defendants, and anything you say could potentially be used against you.

Cases Involving Social Media

In one highly publicized case, a Florida woman was convicted of two counts of DUI Manslaughter after being involved in a head-on collision that resulted in the deaths of two people. Prior to the accident, the woman posted a tweet that read, "2 drunk 2 care." The prosecution also introduced other posts from the woman's Twitter account that referenced her habitual alcohol and marijuana use as evidence against her.

Use Good Judgment When Posting to Social Media

Even if you have never been charged with a criminal offense, it's important to use good judgment when it comes to social media. Many people—mostly young adults—have been charged with serious crimes after posting evidentiary content through social media. Live tweeting your night out drinking with friends and your subsequent drive home is generally not a good idea.

A woman in Florida, for example, decided to Periscope herself driving home while intoxicated. Periscope is a live video streaming platform, and everyone watching this woman online witnessed her state that she was drunk numerous times as she drove her car. One watcher called the local police, and she was subsequently arrested and charged.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.