Rodney Bradford's New York criminal defense attorney was able to set him free of Rikers Island with a little help from Facebook. The popular social website allows people to stay in touch with their friends, join groups, and now, possibly offer a defense.
Bradford, 19, was accused of mugging a group of people with a gun on the night of October 17. Both of his parents said that he was home with them, but it didn't seem to be enough. He was sent to Rikers Island for 12 days before his New York criminal defense attorney was able to bring up "WHERE MY IHOP?"
This message that Bradford posted on Facebook to his girlfriend was sent out at 11:49am. It was proven through the IP address that Bradford had sent that message out when he was home. Since his home is over 13 miles away from where the mugging took place, it would not have been possible for him to get there in time to commit the crime.
If he had posted the Facebook message from a handheld device, like an iPhone or a Blackberry, he would not have as strong of an alibi (although it might have been possible to find his coordinates with the help of the GPS device).
NBC New York reports that this is one of the first or possibly the first case in which Facebook has been used for evidence. And what a great piece of defensive evidence it was. What could this mean for the future of credible alibis? What other technological devices could keep you out of jail?
Related Resources:
- What Is An IP Address?
- New York Criminal Defense Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
- The Alibi Defense (FindLaw)
- What Is Facebook? (Facebook)
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