LEGALLY SPEAKING – FEATURING MILLARS LAW
I have said it before, and I will say it again: be careful what you post online. Social media is a great way to connect with friends and stay in touch – or to brag about all the expensive things you bought at the mall. But it is also a tool more often used now to increase social status and further business or career aspirations. Kim Kardashian and her family built an empire off of just one video posted on social media. As more and more people aspire to become social media influencers, it seems like limits are being pushed, and the cops and the crown are watching and waiting.
The young lady now unfortunately famously known as #chairgirl was in a Toronto court in mid-February beginning the process of being sentenced for throwing a patio chair off the balcony of a high rise condo building, which crashed to the ground near a woman and her baby in a stroller. The video of this stupid act was put on Instagram and #chairgirl rose in popularity, acquiring nearly 50,000 followers, a modelling contract and social media influence. The crown focused their submissions on the purpose of posting the video online and all the advancements that the accused had made because of her criminal offence. The crown was arguing that the sentence should be aggravated by the reality that #chairgirl profited from the crime. The Crown wanted to hammer that fact home, making the sentence more severe.
I can imagine that this approach will continue as more and more people look to push the limits on their social media stunts into the realm of criminal activity in the name of fame. We need to look no further than the wannabe rapper on the plane to Jamaica, also in February, who thought it would be a good idea to put on a medical mask and tell the entire plane multiple times that he had just returned from overseas in hopes of raising his social media following on the eve of releasing his new ‘album.’
If the trend continues, there is no doubt that the Crown – and even the lawmakers themselves – will look to influence the court and turn attempted social media advancement into an aggravating factor to be considered in a sentence. The law is designed to change with the times, and it appears that there is a push to take it to the Internet and social media. If the need strikes, then push the limits – but don’t dance over the line. If you do happen to go too far, or you know someone who has, the team at Millars Law is here for you to ensure that one mistake doesn’t hang over you for the rest of your life. Call or DM for a consultation today, because you can’t afford to lose.
519-657-1LAW or info@millarslaw.com.
By Nick Cake
