When you’re dealing with a legal case, posting on social media can interfere with your case. In some cases, it can even serve as evidence against you. During your case, lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting anything that could be used against you in the future, including these four key areas.

1. Information About the Case

Once you know there is a legal case against you, avoid posting anything about it on social media until it is resolved. That includes everything from information that you have been charged with a crime to anything about the specific terms of the case. When you post about a legal case on social media, you will often share your unfiltered opinion–and in some cases, that can act as evidence against you as the investigation continues or your case goes to court.

2. Any Information Pertaining to the Area of the Charges Against You

If you are dealing with a domestic violence charge, you do not want to post anything about the person who reported you, the case, or the person you have been accused of violence against. That increases in importance if the other party has a restraining order against you, which may prevent you from talking about them or contacting them on social media. Your lawyer can provide you with more information about the type of content you should avoid sharing.

3. Photos That Could Incriminate You

The saying is, “Pictures are worth 1,000 words,” and with good reason. When you post a photo on social media, it can say a lot–especially when you’re in the middle of a legal battle. Watch your photos carefully. You want your photos to portray you as an upstanding, contributing member of society, not one who is likely guilty of the crime of which you have been accused. Furthermore, keep in mind that your photos can say a great deal about the case itself, even if they are posted without context or do not seem to have anything to do with your legal battle.

Suppose, for example, that you are dealing with drinking and driving charges. A photo of you in your vehicle with a beer in hand could serve as evidence against you–even if you weren’t driving at the time of the incident. Furthermore, photos of you drinking with your friends could speak to your character.

4. Inflammatory Content

In the midst of a legal battle, you need to watch your interactions across social media–including the content you share. If you’re used to engaging in political discourse on social media, now is the time to keep that content more private and avoid those interactions wherever possible. You can resume your usual social media activities when the case is done.

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media During Your Legal Case

Dealing with a complicated legal case against you can feel daunting. It can impact every area of your life, including your online presence. By avoiding these posts on social media, however, you can avoid future accusations against you.