It goes without saying that text messages are one of the most common ways people communicate. They can also become important evidence in a criminal case. Many people are surprised to learn that texts they thought were private can be presented in court. If you are facing charges, you may wonder how much weight those messages carry and whether they can work against you. If you have concerns about this, our Blaine, MN criminal defense lawyer will be happy to review your situation and help you understand what options you have.
Text Messages As Evidence
Text messages are often treated like any other piece of evidence. Prosecutors may try to use them to show intent, prove a timeline, or connect you to certain people or events. For example, if a case involves drug charges, texts discussing sales or meeting arrangements could be introduced. In a domestic violence case, messages may be used to suggest threats or admissions.
However, just because text messages exist does not automatically mean they will be admitted in court. There are rules about how evidence must be collected and presented.
Authenticating Text Messages
Before a court accepts text messages as evidence, they must be authenticated. This means the party presenting them must show they are real and were sent or received by the person being accused. Authentication can involve testimony from the person who received the texts, phone records, or even technical data from the device. When there are any doubts about who sent the message or whether it was altered, your defense attorney can challenge its use.
Privacy And Search Issues
Another key question is how the text messages were obtained. Police usually need a warrant to search the contents of a phone. If messages were taken without proper legal authority, they may be excluded. Even if they were collected with a warrant, the scope of the search matters. If officers went beyond the limits of the warrant, that could also be grounds to challenge the evidence.
Context Matters
Texts can easily be taken out of context. A short exchange might look incriminating when read alone but mean something very different when paired with earlier or later messages. Sarcasm, shorthand, or missing parts of a conversation can all create misunderstandings. That’s why reviewing the full context of the messages is critical.
Deleted Or Recovered Messages
Sometimes prosecutors attempt to use deleted messages that were recovered from a phone or backup. Even then, the same rules about authentication and legality apply. If there is any question about how those messages were recovered or whether they were tampered with, they can be challenged.
Let’s Build A Solid Defense
Text messages can play a significant role in a criminal case, but they are not automatically conclusive. Whether they help or hurt your situation depends on how they were collected, how they are presented, and whether they can be properly challenged.
If you’re facing charges and worried about the texts in your case, you don’t have to deal with it by yourself. At Archambault Criminal Defense, we are here to help you protect your rights and build a strong defense. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.