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As I was reading posts today I began looking closely at the handles we use in lieu of names, which was interesting.
Then, my mind began to wander thinking about a sd justified shooting scenario. Now we're in the courtroom and they pull all of our posts, through court order, and they review our chosen handle, in lieu of our name, and reveal it to a grand jury. Would that be enough to cause doubt in a grand jury's mind by the handles we use?
Just curious as I saw some revealing handles, not naming any to embarrass anyone but just thinking ahead of time to what an outcome might be in this type of instance?
What are your thoughts?

Conduct yourself in written communications as though everything you write is legally discoverable, because it is.

There's nothing I've written here, or elsewhere, that I would not be willing to stand accountable to. Even the things I regretted saying

HarleyDave wrote:As I was reading posts today I began looking closely at the handles we use in lieu of names, which was interesting.
Then, my mind began to wander thinking about a sd justified shooting scenario. Now we're in the courtroom and they pull all of our posts, through court order, and they review our chosen handle, in lieu of our name, and reveal it to a grand jury. Would that be enough to cause doubt in a grand jury's mind by the handles we use?
Just curious as I saw some revealing handles, not naming any to embarrass anyone but just thinking ahead of time to what an outcome might be in this type of instance?
What are your thoughts?

Could happen.

My handle was selected and my posts are written with this possibility in mind.

When I took my screen name I did not think of it being possibly used against me in court. I do have the mindset that all things in my life are serious & positive. I do know that I am very accountable for all that is said so I behave & write accordingly.

So, does that mean if you are accused of theft of a Harley motorcycle you will be toast???

Well, I did notice one screen name that I did find somewhat inappropriate.
If it were brought up in court, it certainly would not serve that person's best interest.

I think they will figure mine out pretty easily.

I can hear it on the stand now.

Lawyer: Keith B, a questionable screen name sir. Keith B what might I ask.???

Keith B" You may sir. Keith B good, sir. My Mom taught me.

Lawyer:

Terryg...



Yep, MILK TOAST!

No deserving Harley rider would ever think of stealing another one's Harley? At least I hope not!

I noticed the same thing with a few user names recently. My wife and I discussed that briefly last night, as well as some questionable text in a few signature lines (same user(s) in some cases). ...what you say WILL be used against you -- after things go sideways and your behaviours and actions are called into question. Everyone should keep that in mind.

Definitely something to think about. My user name is a bit out there, but I think I will be in more trouble from my political ties to the Tea Party and my "Come and Take It" banner in the backyard. Not to mention the amount of guns and ammo that I have.

I saw a Criminal Minds episode the other day where they were trying to portray a group as radical extremists because the group of 200 people had a total of 450 guns. If owning 2-3 guns makes you an extremist, then I am in trouble.

On a related note, I wonder if a gun retailer has ever gotten in hot water for having one of those signs that says "We don't call 911". Then again, I think it would be pretty rare for someone to try and rob a gun shop while employees were there since they generally all OC.

And for the record, I love our dear leader . He's all right with me

Middle Age Russ wrote:I noticed the same thing with a few user names recently. My wife and I discussed that briefly last night, as well as some questionable text in a few signature lines (same user(s) in some cases). ...what you say WILL be used against you -- after things go sideways and your behaviours and actions are called into question. Everyone should keep that in mind.

Well, if your quick about it, signature line changes appear to effect old postings as well - just like avatar changes. Not that I would encourage questionable sigs.

terryg wrote: Well, if your quick about it, signature line changes appear to effect old postings as well - just like avatar changes. Not that I would encourage questionable sigs.

Google's cached pages won't update the signature. Never assume you can retroactively cover yourself, and if you're under "discovery", such actions will remove the mantle of innocence.

Signature changes might not be updated to the wayback machine. In any case, my signatures almost invariably include a biblical verse and/or a quote from an important political observer/philosopher.

As to my screen name, I was "The Annoyed Man" several years before I joined this site. I own annoyedman.com, a small political discussion board, and the domain was first registered in 2002. I have so much stuff out there already that I tend not to worry about it too much.

That said, Charles did say in his legal seminar last weekend that he almost never posts what he would do in a given tactical situation, because THAT is the kind of stuff prosecutors might dig up.

This is something I must admit that I never thought of before but it does make sense to be careful with what we say online. I know I'll be ok in the name area and I'll be sure to be extra careful in the area of what I type. Good stuff Harley!