DRAG inter-NET

Todayʼs detectives must utilize all of the resources available to them within the perimeter of the law. That perimeter now includes the World Wide Web. In the last 20 plus years, the internet has connected the world like a digital transcontinental railroad. And on that railroad, have sprung up social media sites similar to the rough and tumble towns that were strewn along the limitless tracks of the old rail line. Like many of those towns, social media sites are often frequented by criminals. Criminals who are all too willing to disclose information regarding deeds they had committed...in a public forum.

George Orwellʼs classic, ʻ1984ʼ, depicts a society where, “big brother is watching you”--Never has that rang more true than today. Many times, police will go to the internet to check out a lead, or perhaps confirm and identify a suspect. Like a proud parent wanting to show off their newborn, many people will take to social media (Twitter, Facebook,YouTube) to boast about their exploits; In doing so they will have admitted guilt in print or in some cases the crime itself will be in picture or video form allowing for swift prosecution.

Nearly all members of law enforcement use the internet as a tool to catch suspects. Admission of guilt and placing suspects at the scene of a crime are key components to prosecution. When the suspect is providing those key components voluntarily with digital time stamps et al; law enforcement has the upper hand. If Twitter was around during Elliot Nessʼs time--he would have had it a lot easier.

So the next time you log into your Facebook or Twitter and you decide to post a picture or a comment, remember: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.

If you have been arrested for a crime through posting information on the internet, contact Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut.

The Law Offices of William Chestnut
1625 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126
E: williamchestnut@msn.com
P: (408) 298-6990
F: (408) 899-2269
www.lawyersanjose.info
www.williamchestnutlaw.com