Today more than ever we are a surveillance society. We are caught on video nearly everywhere we go in an urban area. The cell phones we carry track us. Every time we make a purchase, there’s some kind of record. This modern data will condemn the guilty or free the innocent. Eye witnesses have been replaced in courtrooms by custodians of records that bring virtually unimpeachable evidence into court rooms. A good defense investigator can mine the data that will uncover the truth.
In the past, unreliable eye witness testimony often dictated the outcome of criminal investigations. Today, however, we have a wealth of technological evidence that can objectively verify or disprove a suspect’s whereabouts at the time of a crime. If you can accurately recall where you were, multiple forms of data can be gathered to support your claim, including:
Surveillance Footage – Cameras are everywhere, from convenience stores to ATMs, gas stations, and traffic intersections. Reviewing available footage can confirm your location and activities.
Credit & Debit Card Transactions – Purchases made at stores, restaurants, or gas stations leave electronic records with timestamps, which can be cross-referenced with surveillance video. Be sure to check your bank statements for transactions that coincide with the relevant timeframe.
License Plate Readers (LPRs) – Many cities and highways are equipped with LPRs that track vehicle movements. If you were driving, these records can place your car at a specific location.
Cell Phone Data – Calls, texts, app usage, and GPS tracking can create a digital footprint that maps out your movements. Even passive connections to cell towers can provide critical location data.
Toll Booth and Public Transit Records – If you used a toll road, metro card, or rideshare service (Uber, Lyft, or taxi), these records can further confirm your location.
Social Media Activity – Posts, check-ins, live streams, or even photos with metadata (time and location stamps) can corroborate your alibi.
Something as simple as a Slurpee purchase at 7-Eleven could provide not only a time-stamped transaction but also surveillance footage that exonerates you. If you are facing accusations, it is crucial to gather and preserve this evidence immediately before it is lost or overwritten. Being proactive can mean the difference between a wrongful conviction and proving your innocence.
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