If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you are involved in social media. Whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat, your views, opinions, and photos can come back to bite you if you are ever called to testify as a witness. A handful of experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorneys routinely use social media to cross examine witnesses. Beware – I am one of them.
Why Is Social Media Fair Game?
Among the most common things that a criminal defense lawyer will use to discredit an opposing witness is evidence of bias. Maybe in a drug trafficking case the witness has expressed strong view in favor of, or against medical marijuana law. Or maybe in an aggravated assault case, a witness expresses strong views about the right to bear arms. Taking it a step further, maybe the witness has posted pictures involving marijuana or guns.
Any or all of these examples could be relevant as to why the witness is biased or predisposed to answer a question, or offer an opinion in a certain way. To a criminal defense attorney, a witness’ posting something on social media is just as important and valuable as making the same statement in front of a crowd of people. In fact, sometimes it’s better.
You Are What You Tweet
Let’s face it, once something is out there in the world of social media, it’s out there for good. If you’re the person posting things you might regret in the future, you should be even more concerned about an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer getting ahold of them.
If you’re the person who is accused of a crime and you want the prosecution’s witnesses put to the test using each and everything that’s possible, then Jason Lamm is the criminal defense attorney you want on your side. With 25+ years of experience and as one of Phoenix’s most highly regarded trial attorneys, Jason digs deep and has an uncanny reputation for finding the truth and getting unusual results for his clients.
If you or someone you know needs a different breed of trial attorney who’s not afraid to pull out all the stops, contact Jason at (602) 663-9100 to set up a confidential consultation.