We don’t think much about the texts we send. They’re usually quick replies, inside jokes, or short updates sent without a second thought. But if you’re involved in a criminal case, the things you type into your phone might appear somewhere you never expected — in front of a judge or jury. In Texas, text messages can be used as evidence in court. That’s true for both the prosecution and the defense, but not every message automatically makes it in. Like any evidence, texts must be “authenticated” before being admitted. In simple terms, the court needs to be reasonably sure the message is real and came from the person it’s attributed to. According to the Texas Rules of Evidence, this can be shown through context, testimony, or distinctive details in the conversation itself. That said, proving a message is real doesn’t mean proving who typed it. A text coming from a certain number doesn’t always link it to a person — especially if others had access to that phone. Courts often consider what a message says, whom it’s sent to, and how it fits into the larger picture of the case. When a message makes it through that filter, it carries serious weight. Texts have been used to show intent, support timelines, and establish relationships between people involved in a case. They’ve also caused trouble for people who assumed a sarcastic message would be understood that way or didn’t expect an old conversation to be dug up. If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s best not to assume that any message is private. Be cautious with your words and avoid discussing the case by phone or text. Even when emotions are running high, take a step back and think before responding. A calm pause now can save you a world of trouble later.
WHEN TEXTS BECOME EVIDENCE NOT EVERY MESSAGE IS PRIVATE
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water Teriyaki Beef Skewers
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil,
and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
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