Think twice before handing your smartphone to police officers during a criminal investigation. Phones store personal details about daily activities, conversations and locations. Without even realizing it, these elements could turn into evidence against you in court.
New Jersey courts may accept digital evidence from phones as proof in criminal trials. Your understanding of cell phone evidence might make a difference in protecting your rights during a criminal case.
What police look for on your phone
Police investigators probe phones for specific types of information that could link you to criminal activity. Digital evidence creates a snapshot of your movements, communications and habits. Here are elements they may be on the lookout for:
- Message history: Text messages and chat logs reveal conversations, dates and contact details
- Location tracking: Cell towers track where you go through GPS signals and network connections
- Digital activity: Social media posts, browser searches and app usage show your activities
- Media content: Pictures and videos contain data about times, dates and shooting locations
- Deleted items: Special tools recover items you deleted from your phone storage
Knowing what police might look for makes it crucial to understand how to protect your digital privacy.
Protecting yourself from phone searches
Smart choices about your data security can help you keep your privacy rights intact. Quick action can prevent unwanted access to your personal information. Stay safe by following these steps:
- Create strong passcodes instead of using fingerprints
- Turn on your phone’s encryption features
- Check your social media privacy settings
- Stop discussing your case through any messaging apps
- Talk to a lawyer before allowing the law to search your phone
Digital evidence holds more power in New Jersey courtrooms than most people realize. A criminal defense lawyer who knows the ins and outs of digital evidence cases may serve as robust protection from unwanted phone searches.
