Many Georgia residents use some form of social media. What began as a way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones has evolved into a platform for up-to-the-minute news. Many law enforcement entities have their own social media pages, but some of the posts may hurt innocent people. Recently, people arrested for various drug charges are likely in the midst of preparing to defend against the formal accusations.
A Georgia police department arrested over a dozen people on drug charges. The police did not suggest that any of the arrests were related to the others. They posted pictures of all those accused, with a brief description of the allegations, on the department’s Facebook page.
This is not uncommon, and police departments across the nation use social media to garner tips and warn the public of possible crimes in their home area. Unfortunately, in this case, none of the accused have gone to court yet. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is provided in court, but if friends, family, or an employer sees a person accused of a serious crime on social media, the potential damage to one’s reputation is apparent.
Anyone facing drug charges in Georgia will want to secure experienced defense counsel at the first opportunity. An attorney can help a client ensure that his or her rights are protected throughout the criminal court process. An accused individual may be frightened and confused, but the right lawyer can level the playing field and help a defendant fight for a just result.