Function

• Not only can both sides of a trial use voice-mails and text messages as evidence, they are also part of the discovery process. During the discovery process, each side in the trial displays the evidence they plan to use.
  
  

Significance

• Voice-mails could potentially be more damaging than text message communications. Text messages do not indicate the tone of voice or sincerity, but voice-mails reveal more of a person's intentions.
  
  

Features

• In order to obtain voice-mail and text message records, prosecutors usually subpoena the cellphone service provider. According to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the government may even be able to subpoena a person's cellphone records without informing the owner of the account.
  
  

Considerations

• According to Law Crossing, even people who are not part of a lawsuit may have to relinquish voice-mail and text message archives if they are pertinent to the case.
  
  

Warning

• People facing a trial should take caution to protect the integrity of their voice-mail and text messages. Destroying evidence germane to a case could lead to criminal charges, such as obstruction of justice.