.2007221809550.jpg)
Unfortunately, with all the good to come from social media also comes the bad. That being said, if you’re currently involved in a Title IX investigation involving sexual misconduct, you should be wary of what you post on social media, as it can be used as evidence against your case.
Always Watching
It’s important to remember that when it comes to social media, nothing you post is truly private. While you can set your profiles to private, which prevents individuals from seeing what you post, it will not prevent law enforcement from getting the information they need.
Social media companies often work hand in hand with local law enforcement, meaning that they provide law enforcement officers with any information they need to make a conviction.
Remember that everything you post can and will be used against you! Think before you post on social media, especially if you’re involved in a Title IX investigation. If you need immediate assistance, the team at The Law Offices of Jed Silverman is here to help. Call us today (713) 597-2221 to learn more.
How Can Social Media Be Used Against Me?
There are many ways that social media can be used against you in your Title IX hearing.
Some of the most common ways include:
- Posting threats or harassing the alleged victim on social media
- Sharing private messages, emails, or text messages between yourself and the alleged victim on social media
- Tagging your location on social media (this is often used to link you to the scene of the crime)
While there have been many recent Title IX investigations that have included a review of social media posts and communications, whether or not social media can be used as evidence in a Title IX hearing truly depends on the school’s sexual harassment policy. Additionally, for social media to be used as evidence against you, the school must have jurisdiction to discipline individuals for their off-campus behavior.
It’s not uncommon for schools to have policies in place that only allow social media posts to be addressed and used as evidence if they were made on campus or at an event hosted by the university or college. On the contrary, there are countless schools that allow social media to be used as evidence, regardless of where the post was created.
Protecting Your Future
If you’ve been accused of sexual misconduct on campus grounds, it is imperative for your future that you take the proper steps to protect your name.
Refrain from Using Social Media
As stated earlier, social media has become an integral part of many of our lives, making it hard to step away from. However, it’s crucial for your future that you avoid using social media while taking care of your pending Title IX investigation.
DO NOT Speak to the Alleged Victim on Social Media
While it’s common to feel that you should reach out to the victim and attempt to resolve things, doing so could have lasting legal ramifications. This is especially true if there is some form of no-contact order filed against you. Speak with your attorney to discuss your situation before you reach out to the victim.
Put Your Trust in The Law Offices of Jed Silverman
When you’re involved in a Title IX investigation, the odds are already stacked against you. To protect your future and move forward from your past, you’ll need an experienced defense team who won’t back down from a fight.
The Title IX defense team here at The Law Offices of Jed Silverman is ready to discuss your situation and explain how we can help today. If you’ve been arrested and are currently involved in a Title IX investigation, time is of the essence.
Call us today (713) 597-2221 to set up your free consultation.