It is nearly impossible to downplay the importance social media has in our lives. Whether you use it to post and see pictures of your friends, stay on top of new trends, get yourself from Point A to Point B, find your next job or apartment, or anything else, social media has weaved its way into every aspect of the average person’s routine.
Criminal law is no exception. Things posted on social media can be used by both the prosecution and the defense as evidence or liability in any given case. In Illinois, there are legal guidelines dictating how social media can be incorporated in cases. A knowledgeable Illinois criminal defense lawyer can help you understand this and other aspects of your case.
How Can Social Media Be Used as Evidence in Court?
According to Illinois law, social media evidence can be admissible in court if it can be proven to be authentic and reliable. Authenticity can be established by proving who the content belongs to and showing that nobody else had access to the account when the content in question was created. Digital forensics, witness testimony, and defendant testimony can all be used to prove this.