Key Highlights
- Criminal defense attorney Michael Stoll expresses frustration over Harris County Constable Precinct 4 posting client’s photos on social media despite DWI case dismissal.
- Photos posted by Pct. 4 show his client being cuffed and undergoing field sobriety tests, without clear indication of charges or dismissals.
- The issue highlights concerns about how law enforcement uses social media to inform the public, potentially harming clients’ reputations even after cases are resolved.
- Stoll argues that these posts could negatively impact his client’s future employment and personal life despite legal proceedings being over.
The Frustration of Post-Disposition Social Media Posts
A criminal defense attorney is raising serious concerns about how law enforcement agencies use social media to disseminate information about ongoing or resolved cases. According to Michael Stoll, a Houston-based lawyer, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 (Pct. 4) has been posting photos of his client on social media platforms despite the case being dismissed.
Stoll notes that these posts seem to depict his client being cuffed and participating in field sobriety tests, without any mention of charges or dismissals. “There is no disclaimer that it’s just accusations,” Stoll emphasized. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.” He further highlighted the issue by pointing out two specific instances where his client was featured on Pct. 4’s social media page.
Case Details and Dismissal
The first post, dated December 6th, documented a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) stop, but failed to indicate that charges were filed or later dismissed. “It was just here’s a drunk driver we pulled off the road,” Stoll explained.
Despite the case being fully resolved by a judge, with court records showing no probable cause for an arrest, Stoll found it particularly troubling when Pct. 4 reposted these images. The second post named his client as one of 28 suspected drunk drivers arrested in recent days, without any explanation or context provided.
Impact on Client’s Future
The attorney expressed deep concern about the long-term impact such posts could have on his client’s life and career. “These posts will live on forever,” Stoll said. “When you have a client whose case has been dismissed, two years later he might get googled, and it will pop up, and there is no explanation our clients can give other than the fact that it was dismissed.”
Johnathan White, another criminal defense attorney working with Stoll, echoed these sentiments. “I don’t like the public shaming aspect of it,” White said. “When we’re putting faces and identifiable information, it changes things.” He noted that while law enforcement has a duty to inform the public about their work, such aggressive social media tactics could backfire.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
In response to these concerns, ABC13 reached out to Pct. 4 and was informed that they cannot monitor all social media activity and were unaware of any specific requests from Stoll or his client for the posts to be removed. However, Stoll spoke directly with representatives who admitted they did not know if the posts would come down.
Furthermore, ABC13 learned that Pct. 4 has refiled the case, adding another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation. “The fact that the case has been refiled makes this even more problematic,” Stoll said. He called for a clearer and more consistent approach from law enforcement when it comes to posting such information on social media.
As the debate over how law enforcement uses social media continues, these cases highlight the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on digital platforms for disseminating legal information.
For now, Michael Stoll’s client remains caught in a public relations nightmare that he hopes will soon be resolved. For more updates and developments, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
