Are you reporting your daily life on social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram? Did you know that a post you may make could lead to your arrest and/or conviction for driving under the influence?

How? Most people post when they are out having fun. A tweet holding a martini in a bar, a snap of drinking a beer, even a game of “quarters” has ended up on facebook. Even if you aren’t the one posting, you can end up being “tagged” in someone else’s posts. These can all be damaging posts legally. If the posted photo is of someone who ends up getting arrested that night, it can end up as the State’s best evidence at a trial. Photos posted by you or a friend include locations and times – exactly what a prosecutor needs to place you in a certain place at a certain time. You will need the best criminal defense attorney.

What about the privacy button? Most people think they can control who sees what. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. So much personal information is being put on all social media platforms with the assumption that it’s safe. If found involved in a lawsuit, a judge could order discovery of social media accounts. Furthermore, anything shared with another person is oftentimes considered and becomes public information.

The Bottom Line: It goes without saying that if you have broken the law, it’s probably not a good idea to publicly brag about it on any social media platform. It’s also not a good idea to post photos of you drinking. What you post online, stays online, it should never be considered safe or private. Assume that anything posted being sent directly to a law enforcement officer. If you don’t want the police to see the post, don’t post it. If you have been arrested, call 513.260.2099.