When people are in trouble, their first instinct is often to turn to Google. “What should I do if I’ve committed a crime?” or “What happens if I’ve been arrested?” These are common questions, but they also highlight a critical truth: what you search, say, or store on your phone can quickly become evidence in a criminal case.
At Just Criminal Law, attorney Christina Williams and legal storytelling specialist David Mann explain how digital searches, phone data, and online communications can play a pivotal role in criminal prosecutions—and how the right defense attorney can fight to protect you.
Why Your Google Searches Matter
If law enforcement suspects you of a crime, they may obtain a search warrant for your devices. This means your phone, your Google history, and even your private messages can be examined.
Prosecutors will look for anything that suggests guilt:
- Messages that could be interpreted as incriminating
- Search queries like “How long before a dead body smells?”
- Notes, photos, or records that hint at intent
Even innocent searches may appear suspicious when taken out of context. That’s why these digital traces are so dangerous in court.
The Role of Search Warrants
Law enforcement must stay within the boundaries of the search warrant. A warrant is a sworn statement reviewed by a judge, and it must be specific and narrowly tailored. For example, it should identify the type of data they’re looking for and the crime under investigation.
However, once a phone is seized, investigators may attempt a “phone dump”—extracting all data from the device. If they review material outside the scope of the warrant, a skilled defense attorney can challenge that evidence and move to suppress it.
Real Case Example: Evidence Suppressed
Christina shares a case where her client was accused of drug possession with intent to distribute. During the investigation, law enforcement pulled messages from Facebook Messenger, even though the warrant did not authorize access to those conversations.
Those messages could have been highly damaging. However, because the search exceeded the warrant’s scope, the defense filed a motion to suppress. The court agreed, and the prosecution was prevented from using that evidence at trial.
This outcome demonstrates how critical it is to have an attorney who knows the limits of lawful searches and how to hold the prosecution accountable.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal law is complex, and technology makes it even more so. Prosecutors will use every piece of evidence they can find, including your online activity. Without strong representation, you risk having your private data misused against you.
An experienced defense lawyer can:
- Challenge the legality of searches and seizures
- File motions to suppress evidence collected outside the warrant’s scope
- Protect your constitutional rights at every stage of the process
At Just Criminal Law, we believe you only get one shot at justice—so it’s essential to make it count.