Battle Creek, MI asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Michigan

Q: I am a witness of a situation, and I was wondering what would happen to the suspect if I plead the fifth.

I know some things about what happened to the victim and if I plead the fifth on some questions, I don't know what would happen.

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Unless you have been charged--or are being charged--for a crime yourself you cannot invoke the fifth amendment to shield the suspect. Nor can you invoke the fifth amendment "on some questions" but not others.

Brent T. Geers agrees with this answer

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Aside from what Mr. Minnick said, most reluctant witnesses discover through trial that the "key" they think they hold is already well known to the prosecutor.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.