Criminal Charges, Criminal Defence Lawyer, Youth Criminal Defence

How Online Posts Can Lead to Criminal Charges in Alberta

July 8, 2025

One Comment. One Screenshot. Real Legal Consequences:

You thought it was just a heated message after a bad day. But what you post online can become evidence in a criminal case.

Every year, people face criminal charges stemming from their messages, comments, or videos shared online. Sometimes they didn’t mean harm. Let’s take a look at how social media content can cross a line into the criminal.

What Kinds of Online Posts Can Lead to Charges?

The following types of content, posts, or messages can trigger criminal investigations:

Threats – Even vague “I should just burn the place down” type threats can be interpreted as criminal threats.
Harassment – Repeated messages, even made anonymously or through fake accounts, may amount to criminal harassment.
Non-consensual sharing of images – Sharing intimate photos or videos without the other person’s consent is a crime. Even if the sender originally shared them with you.
Hate speech or inciting violence – Posts targeting individuals or groups based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected grounds may violate the Criminal Code.
Impersonation and fraud – Fake accounts to damage someone’s reputation or trick others into financially supporting something that isn’t completely truthful.

“I Didn’t Mean It” Is Not Always a Defence:

Intent is a part of many criminal offences. But the effect of your words, and not just your intent, can matter.

“I was angry” – Emotions don’t excuse threats or harassment.
“It wasn’t public, only through DM” – Private messages can be criminal if they’re threatening or constitute harassment.

Who Is at Risk?

The issue often affects:

Teens and students who share online without realizing the legal risks.
Separated couples who use texting or social media to argue and fight.
Content creators or influencers who cross a line with speech that can be considered hate speech or an incitement of violence against another group.

What Happens If Someone Reports You?

In Alberta, police take online threats seriously. If a message is reported:

You may be contacted or visited by police.
Your devices or accounts may be searched with a warrant.
You could be arrested and charged.
You may be banned from contacting the complainant as a part of release conditions.
Your message could be presented in court, even if it’s been deleted.

A conviction can affect your employment, immigration status, and ability to travel.

What to Do If You’re Accused?

Consult a criminal defence lawyer immediately.
Avoid discussing the situation online, even indirectly.

How Shim Law Can Help:

At Shim Law, our Calgary-based criminal lawyers regularly assist clients facing charges, from teens who shared something impulsively to those caught in emotionally charged conversations.
We can:

Evaluate whether it meets the legal definition of a criminal offence.
Defend your freedom of expression and protect you from overreach.
Help you respond to police without self-incrimination.
Work to have charges reduced or withdrawn before they affect your future.

Think Before You Post, But Call Us If It’s Too Late:

Social media isn’t private, and the law treats your digital words just like your spoken ones. If you’re facing accusations or feel there is a risk of charges, we’re here to help.

Call our criminal defence team at (825) 521-9666 or request a confidential consultation at criminallawyeryyc.ca