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THE TEXAS DEFENDER
TexasCriminalDefenseGroup.com | (888) 818-7130 FEBRUARY 2025
How Social Media Can Make or Break Your Criminal Defense Think Before You Post
their character. Suppose someone constantly posts about illegal activities they want to commit or even shares multiple pictures of themselves holding weapons or guns. In that case, law enforcement may use those to establish a pattern of behavior relevant to the charges against them. That’s why you must be extremely careful about everything you post or say on social media and the internet. It can come back to bite you, even if you deleted the content years before the alleged crime occurred. Let’s look at several high-profile cases directly impacted by social media. In 2015, Cheyenne Antoine and Brittney Gargol took a selfie and posted it on Facebook before going out for the night. The next day, Gargol’s body was discovered on the side of a deserted road in Saskatchewan, Canada. The selfie the two girls took before Gargol’s untimely death proved Antoine was behind the murder, as the belt Antoine was wearing in the photo had distinct markings found at the crime scene. When presented with this evidence, Antoine admitted that she strangled her friend in an episode of rage. In a situation much closer to home, Babak Taherzadeh used 10 separate Twitter accounts to harass a Texas judge. Taherzadeh thought he was just exercising his right to free speech, but the court saw it differently. The judge claimed he feared for his life and the lives of his family members. Taherzadeh’s tweets were used against him in court. He eventually pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor harassment charge and was sentenced to 100 days in county jail. Social media is a powerful tool in criminal cases, but it can also work to your advantage. It could show an alternate timeline, acting as your alibi. It can also prove witnesses are not credible or that a jury member is biased.
When social media started gaining traction, most had no idea how popular the platforms would become. In the early stages of social media, most people only used platforms like Myspace and Facebook to connect with long-lost friends, keep tabs on their loved ones’ lives, and share details about their own. As time passed, social media’s popularity grew until it became a constant in our culture and lives. These days, it’s common for Americans to scroll through X, Instagram, and other social media platforms throughout their lunch break, before they go to bed, and during any other free moment they get during their day. I could go on and on about social media’s hold on our lives, but instead, I want to focus on something many Americans rarely think about. How your social media posts could directly impact your criminal law case. Did you know law enforcement can use your posts, videos, photos, and messages as evidence in criminal cases? It’s common for investigators to search through a defendant’s social media profiles to gather evidence that can help build their case. They may have to get a warrant to access your private messages, but social media platforms regularly assist law enforcement in these situations. Sometimes, they can find proof that ties someone to a crime, but in other instances, they simply use someone’s posts to prove
Social media is a double-edged sword in criminal law, which is why everyone should be more aware of what they’re posting. Your posts could come back to haunt or save you.
—Stephen Hamilton
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Cutting-Edge Innovations Transforming Play-by-Play and Beyond TECH REVOLUTION IN SPORTS The days of simple stopwatches, baggy
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Athletes’ bodies are their “money makers” and can make or break their careers, so injury prevention and recovery are critical. Technologies like biomechanical analysis and motion capture make it easier for sports medicine physicians to examine replays in slow motion and study the athlete’s body movements to determine the root cause of injuries and establish preventive measures.
sweatpants, and striped tube socks are long gone. Thanks to technological advancements, the world of sports has changed drastically for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike. Technology has also revolutionized how we view and experience our favorite athletes. Play-by-Play Analysis Coaches no longer have to view game footage standing courtside or on the sidelines. College and professional sports teams can now access high-definition cameras and game analytics software, which allows coaches to study opponents and develop more effective plays and strategies. For example, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have made considerable strides in game simulations, ultimately transforming how coaches coach and athletes train.
also help non-athletes stay fit and tailor their own workouts to fit their needs. Fan Interaction Sports wouldn’t be the mainstay of everyday American life without the fans. And guess what? Technology has swept in and made significant transformations in the fan experience! That’s not to discredit cheerleaders, dressing in team colors, or the infamous stadium wave. Now, fans can experience play-by-play action with multi-angle cameras and instant replays on giant stadium screens — or showing fans in the crowd dancing, catching a foul ball, or getting caught on the “kiss cam.” Technology has shifted the fandom world from just “going to a game” to a next-level sports experience.
Performance Tracking/ Enhancement Devices Tracking devices provide game-
changing insights, from recording heart rate and speed to measuring distance and overall physical condition. This data empowers trainers to design tailored group and individual training programs for peak performance. Smartwatches, specialized vests, fitness bands, and advanced trackers are transforming how athletes train and compete. They
THE TOP 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID AFTER A DWI ARREST Getting arrested and charged with a DWI is one of the most stressful serious consequences that affect your career, driving privileges, and more. automatically mean you’re guilty, even if you took a Breathalyzer or blood
test. An experienced attorney can dig through all available evidence to help build your defense. Remember, you’re not guilty of a crime unless the prosecutor can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Telling Your Side of the Story When you get arrested, law enforcement may give you a Miranda warning by saying, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court.” This isn’t just them trying to keep you quiet. Anything you say in that moment could come back to haunt you in court. Rationalizing with the officer or trying to tell your side of the story will not convince them to let you go. Let your attorney do the talking if you don’t want to make your situation any worse.
situations you may experience. Tens of thousands of Texans go through it every year, and it’s crucial for everyone to know what to do directly after an arrest. If you don’t take action, it could lead to
Here are three of the most common mistakes people make after their DWI arrest. Doing Nothing When we go through hardship or a difficult situation, some of us may want to bury our heads in the sand to ignore the noise, but doing so isn’t going to make your DWI charge disappear. Failing to take action will actually have the opposite effect, depending on how far you take it. You may miss the opportunity to appeal a license suspension, and if you miss court dates, you could see increased penalties and an arrest warrant. Failing to Hire an Attorney Individuals often think they are guilty of the crime and do not need legal counsel. However, your arrest doesn’t
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HAPPY TCDG CLIENTS “The TCDG have been great in helping me with my case! Chase was straight forward about what to expect and that helped me prepare mentally about what was to come. Dominique and Kayla have been amazing at communicating to me what needed to be done throughout the process! I would recommend them to anyone!” -Juan M.
Game Day the Safe Way
Enjoy the Super Bowl Without the Risks
This month, Americans nationwide will gather to watch the Super Bowl, one of the biggest events in sports. Although the Cowboys and Texans came up short this year, Super Bowl parties and celebrations will continue throughout the Lonestar State. If you’re hosting or attending a party, it’s essential to make sure everyone gets home safely. Here are a few tips to help you do that! Hosts Your friends are coming over for the game, and you’ve stocked the fridge with everyone’s drink of choice, but are you planning to provide non-alcoholic options for the designated drivers? Be sure to have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available, including soft drinks and water. Pay attention to how much your guests drink, and make sure no one tries to drive after having too much. To ensure nobody overconsumes, you can pour drinks for them or cut everyone off at the end of the third quarter, just like they do at the stadium. If someone is too drunk to drive, help them get a ride home or let them stay at your house. Guests It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a buddy’s house or the bar; you should establish a plan before heading out. Decide who will be the sober driver and help them stay true to their responsibility. To sweeten the deal, you could even offer to pay for their food and drink if you’re going out. If you plan on taking a rideshare home, understand you’ll likely face surge pricing, as rideshares will be in high demand after the Super Bowl ends. So, don’t drink too much, and buckle your seat belt if someone drives you home. The Super Bowl is fun, but safety should still come first. Take care of yourself this year, and you’ll be ready to enjoy next year’s big game even more!
Bacon Spinach Dip
Inspired by Delish.com
Ingredients • 10 slices bacon • 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup sour cream • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 lb frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
• 1 cup freshly
grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded
mozzarella, divided • Tortilla chips, for serving (optional) • 1 baguette, sliced and toasted, for serving (optional)
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble. 3. In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in chopped spinach, bacon, Parmesan, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella. 4. Transfer dip to an 8-inch heatproof skillet and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 25–30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or toasted baguette, as desired.
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INSIDE 1 2 Your Social Media Posts Could Become Evidence in Your Criminal Case Exploring the Latest Breakthroughs in Sports Technology
What NOT to Do After a DWI Arrest
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Super Bowl Safety for Hosts and Guests
Bacon Spinach Dip
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Family Activities That Will Make Valentine’s Day Special TOGETHERNESS OVER ROMANCE
Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day
to write love letters to each family member, writing down what they love about that person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are. Make some sweet treats. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous.
Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple. You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. Write love letters. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to share what they love about each other. Give your kids and yourself time
Give gifts to each other. While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift-giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates are the go-to Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive!
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