When you’re in a relationship it’s only natural to have a spat here and there. It’s human nature to disagree but some couples mix about as well as gasoline and a lit match so you just know it won’t end well. Many couples who engage in battle with one another, or even when it’s just one partner abusing the other, often do so behind closed doors. You’re used to the excuses flowing like water to cover up bruises and other injuries. Other couples seem to thrive on the drama of having violent arguments in public.
Lately there has been a very different display of domestic violence cropping up thanks to social media. These aren’t just public displays but very real, extreme violent acts for any stranger to see through live streaming. This technology is taking partner abuse and murder to a whole new level.
What is live streaming, and why are people using it?
No one is here for an in-depth technical article on the ins and outs of live streaming so simply put, it amounts to a live broadcast in real time online. It’s just like what you’re used to seeing when your favorite tv show is interrupted with breaking news. Nothing is filtered.
There have been a number of domestic violence incidents around the world that have been live streamed, including a Russian man who killed his pregnant girlfriend by forcing her onto a balcony unclothed in freezing weather during an argument. He allegedly took payment from at least one man to go through with the killing while talking to his subscribers about being distraught once he believed she was dead.
People use live streaming to:
- Garner attention
- Receive instant feedback and gratification
- Feel justified by the reactions of others
- Document the act because you don’t expect to survive
- Create shock and awe
- Seek out likeminded people to build a connection with
If what you’re looking to do is put yourself and your crime in the spotlight, then live streaming is the way to go, but you may not have thought it through to the end. You’ll need a fantastic criminal defense attorney like me representing you because you’ve likely done irreversible damage to your case that’s going to take vast legal experience to maneuver around.
Why you should avoid live streaming
It seems kind of obvious to say don’t record yourself committing a crime, but here we are. While it’s live video, the fact is that you’re also recording what you’re doing in real time for others to watch later, whether it be in 10 minutes or 10 hours. Another fact is that depending upon what you’re being accused of, you could end up not only being charged by the state but for a federal crime.
Think about the consequences of live streaming a domestic violence attack:
- The attention you’re getting might be what you desire in the moment, but it can turn into years in prison because there are now countless witnesses to verify everything you’ve done.
- Live streaming makes it tough to deny the allegations and even harder to defend them. You make it tough to create doubt once you’ve provided the entire internet a front row seat like they’re attending a prize fight.
- It’s hard to claim live video was tampered with to make it appear as if something happened that didn’t. Photos and recorded video can be manipulated. Live streaming removes that argument.
- Social media and gaming platforms have a chat room or post thread likely to contain evidence that you knew what you were doing, or posts by you stating your intentions in response to other comments.
It’s safe to say that engaging in domestic violence is a bad idea to begin with, but when you live stream any violent crime, you’re almost certain to be arrested quickly. There are times when video evidence could benefit you to back up your story if it was a case of genuine self defense from an attack but otherwise, you’ve left no time to protect yourself from what’s coming.
You need a lawyer who is quick on his feet and who can minimize the fallout now and throughout any deals being made or until you’ve been rigorously defended at trial. You need the criminal defense that Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law can provide you. Schedule your free consultation today in Drew’s Annapolis or Ellicott City offices by calling 410.271.1892 or by reaching out to him through his firm’s contact page.
And remember – Keep Calm, and Call Drew.
