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Defending Your Evidence With Tech Timestamps

Are you being accused of something that happened when you weren't around? Are you trying to find an alibi, but can't produce any witnesses or supporting details? The world of technology has made most systems faster, high definition, and with a lot more storage space that could hold just the right amount of proof for your situation. Here are a few proof points that could verify your story in the event of a criminal accusation.

Smartphone Positioning

When your smartphone is powered on, it can gather a lot of information. One thing that some privacy advocates don't understand is that the information isn't necessarily going anywhere; it's up to you to figure out if someone is actively monitoring, and proving your location with a smartphone is a fairly impressive exercise in getting that proof.

The global positioning system (GPS) function on most mobile devices is one big proof point. It can show your approximate longitude and latitude, as well as your position on a map. This information may be sent to different map apps that you use, and can help you figure out where you were at certain times. 

When you were out, did you use any websites or access any maps? Any website or app that has a reason to track your location will have a log of your access information, showing that you're accessing from a specific IP address (Internet Protocol, an address for devices on a network) and at a certain GPS location if your radio is on.

Some apps and services will have a log that you can access to show your past locations. You, your attorney, and the court system can request that the company holding this information gives verification, which will hold a lot more weight than showing off the location yourself.

Surveillance And Receipts

Did you stop at any stores or visit any public buildings when the alleged crime took place? You could be on camera at that location, which can save you from a lot of accusations if you can produce the evidence.

Think about where you were, and contact a criminal defense attorney. Search for any businesses or camera-equipped areas that could have had you in view, and ask for a copy of the surveillance video. This will usually come in the form of CDs, DVDs, USB drive saves, or other modern storage media.

Did you visit any stores? If you made a purchase, your receipt could have the timestamp of your visit. If you don't have the receipt, the store may have a copy, or your credit card company may have a record of the information. At the most desperate, you could hope that the clerk recognizes you. 

Contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss other ways to prove your innocence.