In this video, Managing Partner David P. Shapiro discusses potential offenses where your cell phone could contain evidence against you. While this video focuses specifically on sex crimes investigations, the concept applies pretty much to every offense imaginable, ranging from a misdemeanor DUI to murder. David provides a common example involving sex crimes where someone alleges an act occurred and there may be evidence of the crime on a cell phone. The police meet the suspect and ask if they consent to a seizure and then a search of their phone. Far too often the suspect, whether they “have something to hide” or not, hands over the phone, the password, and the keys to a conviction. Know your rights. Protect your freedom and future!

Exercising your rights does not mean you need to be rude or verbally abusive of law enforcement. David strongly suggests that you politely decline the request to answer questions about your cell phone, never give up the passcode, but let law enforcement know you will consider providing such information only after consulting with a quality, locally experienced, criminal defense attorney. Irrespective of whether the alleged behavior took place, you never know what information may be contained on your phone that you may not even know is there, let alone the things you know are there you wish to remain private.

If you have been accused of a crime and law enforcement wants to discuss the contents of your cell phone, politely decline to do so, do not give up your passcode, and immediately contact a quality criminal law firm to represent you and protect your interests. We can be reached at 619-295-3555.