Social Media Evidence in DUI Trials

Social media outlets have become a commonplacequestion is identified to be drinking heavily. In addition,
center for people to share their pictures,status updates, tweets, or quick blog posts that
experiences, and video clips. As the internet plays afollow easily determined signs of intoxication, such as
more integral role in everyday life, some reminders ofunusual spelling or grammar mistakes, may be used
weekend parties or social get-togethers find theirto reinforce other pieces of evidence.
way onto major social media sites. While the resultPerhaps one of the most problematic aspects of
can be the scolding words of a family member orsocial media evidence is that anything posted that
employer for some, others may find evidentiaryshows other people at the event can give
support against them for a DUI charge. Sites likeprosecutors a record of possible witnesses. Knowing
Facebook, Twitter, and personal blogs can all providewho was at the party, what they saw, and when
visual and textual evidence that put a person at athey saw it can give prosecutors a clear
party and illustrate whether or not that person hadunderstanding of a time scale. This can refute claims
been drinking.that the driver sobered up between their drinking and
Social media evidence has been used in a few casesdriving if applied properly.
already, namely causing the accused to admit guiltHowever, in some cases, a piece of evidence may
given the overwhelming evidence against them. Asnot be allowed in the court, or may be considered
opposed to breathalyzer tests, it can be extremelytoo easily manipulated or dismissible to be accepted.
difficult to fight a picture or video that clearlyTo learn more about what evidence is permissible in a
indicates intoxication, especially if the person incourt of law, contact a DUI attorney today.