In today’s world, what you post online doesn’t always stay online. For people facing criminal charges in Mississippi, social media posts can become powerful tools for the prosecution.
Photos, comments, private messages—even deleted posts—are increasingly showing up in courtrooms. Prosecutors use them to establish timelines, prove intent, or undermine your credibility.
How Social Media Is Used Against Defendants
Direct Evidence – A photo of a gun or drugs posted to Instagram can corroborate charges of possession.
Circumstantial Evidence – Facebook check-ins can place you near a crime scene.
Character Evidence – Even posts unrelated to the case might be used to portray you in a bad light.
You might think setting your accounts to “private” protects you. It doesn’t. Courts routinely grant subpoenas for social media content, and platforms cooperate with law enforcement.
What Should You Do?
Stop Posting – Anything you post while under investigation could be used against you.
Don’t Delete – Deleting posts can be viewed as destroying evidence.
Talk to Your Lawyer – Before taking any action on your accounts, get legal advice.
Your Defense Starts Online
At Eichelberger Law Firm, we help clients navigate not just the courtroom, but the digital minefield too. If you’re facing charges, call us at 601-202-9981 before you post another word.