Text messages are becoming an increasingly common form of communication, even in remote areas like Humboldt County, and this can have a profound effect on both civil and criminal lawsuits.  “Smart” phones and overall increases in phones’ data capacity are creating both headaches and treasure troves for litigation attorneys.   As a cell phone user, you should know that if you are thinking of filing a lawsuit, or may have to defend against one, your text messages could be available to the opposing party and/or the court.  This may even include messages you have deleted from the phone.