Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Criminal Cases?

Text messages now play a major role in many criminal investigations.

Prosecutors may attempt to use:

Text conversations

Deleted message recoveries

Screenshots

Group chats

Messaging app communications

as evidence during criminal proceedings.

However, digital evidence is not always as straightforward as it appears.

Questions often arise involving:

Authenticity

Context

Missing messages

Device ownership

Whether messages were altered

Text messages are frequently central in domestic violence, drug, harassment, and assault cases throughout New York.