Q: I was subpoenaed today to testify in front of grand jury in Baltimore as a witness this Tuesday.
Although Ive been assured verbally that I am safe from prosecution, I am worried that may not be true. Can I request immunity? Should I plead the 5th? What will protect me and my family from the person Im wanted to testify against?
A: Meet with an experienced defense counsel beforehand and go over what you might be asked and what you know. Anything you tell the lawyer is privileged. Invoking your Fifth Amendment right must be done properly, and the lawyer will guide you. If this is before a federal grand jury make sure the lawyer is admitted to practice before the federal court in Baltimore. If anything you say may tend to implicate you in criminal activity then you can claim the 5th. If you are then offered immunity then you need a lawyer to make sure you get the right kind of immunity to protect you. You then would have to testify, but you would be protected from prosecution.
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