Professionals often utilize social media as much for business purposes as for personal ones. Yet, regardless of why you may be tempted to log on to one (or more) of your social media accounts right now if you are suspected of white collar wrongdoing, it’s important to remain logged off.
Anything that you post on social media can be used against you in court, no matter how you have configured your privacy settings. Even seemingly innocent updates or comments can be misconstrued or taken out of context by prosecutors to build a case against you. For instance, a post about a lavish lifestyle might be used to suggest financial impropriety or fraudulent activity.
Also, if you start deleting your activity – instead of just leaving it alone – you could be accused of tampering with evidence or obstructing law enforcement efforts. In short? Just stay off unless directed otherwise by your legal team.
What you risk by remaining logged in
To better ensure that your legal team has the best possible chance to defend you, it is important to avoid any actions that could jeopardize their efforts. Uncontrolled social media activity can disrupt a strategy designed for your benefit. For example, if you post something that contradicts what you’ve told your attorney or what is presented in court, it can undermine your credibility and complicate your defense.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep potential collateral consequences of your activity in mind. White-collar crime allegations can already damage your professional reputation. Social media activity can exacerbate this by providing a platform for speculation and judgment. Employers, colleagues, clients and partners may see your posts and form opinions that can lead to professional isolation or career setbacks. Don’t give them any “material to chew on” that could haunt you later.
In this day and age, staying off of social media is easier said than done. However, your future self may ultimately thank you profusely for doing just that right now.
