Another Case of Selfies Gone Wrong

Though they’re often attributed to teens, there’s no age limit on selfies.

There’s also, apparently, no age when grown adults realize that a selfie can do more than just get you likes—it can get you a long sentence in prison. That’s the lesson that Samuel Morales Jr, 34, recently learned, according to a report from the Seattle PI.

Anything You Post Can and Will Be Used Against You

Morales, of Seattle, has done his fair share of time - however, it seems that being in and out of prison didn’t help keep him from making a very big error.

Morales was already a suspect in a shooting when the feds found a selfie he’d posted which showed photos of him posing with two guns that matched the description of the firearms used. And while Morales did show some forethought when posting the selfie by covering his face, his extremely recognizable hand tattoo was still visible.

Now, of course, simply owning a firearm that’s the same as one that’s used in a crime isn’t necessarily an open-and-shut case, but posting a photo of yourself with both of the firearms used in a crime is a little more damning.

Instagram As Evidence

Selfies have created a new challenge for legal professionals—in some cases, they’ve been admitted, while in others, they’re deemed inadmissible. But in the internet era, when our photos are everywhere and we share every detail of our lives, it’s a good idea to be aware of what you’re sharing and posting.

Consider a DUI case. If you were to get pulled over late one night and the officer believed he smelled alcohol, breathalyzed you, and charged you with a DUI, the right criminal attorney could probably get you off or at least create the best possible outcome. However, if there’s a selfie of you with a beer in your hand just an hour before you were behind the wheel of the car, their job is going to be a lot more difficult.

Posting photos publicly can be a great way to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and generally feel like a social person—but remember that if your best friend can see your selfies, so can law enforcement and legal professionals.

If You’ve Been Charged with A Crime in Seattle, Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws

The expert defense team at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing a multitude of charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!