We’re always amazed at what people are willing to share with the world. And as attorneys, it makes us a little nervous. Posting photos on Facebook, making clever comments via Twitter, and pretty much anything else online can really come back to haunt you.
What starts as a harmless comment can turn into evidence. Yes, the cops look at this stuff, as do divorce attorneys, workers’ compensation insurance companies, and private investigators. And it can hold up in court.
If you are injured at work and collecting workers’ comp, don’t post photos of your weekend golf trip. If you’re fighting for custody of your kids, don’t comment on your party habits (or post photos of anything illegal) on Facebook. Don’t use Twitter as a way to brag about things that may implicate you in a crime.
Traditional evidence – documents, witnesses, medical records – is expanding to include social network activity. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t want a judge or police officer to read it or see it, then keep it off the internet.
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