i was involved with an underage drinking scene where one of the kids got alcohol poisoning and they want us to go make a statement next weekend. is it illegal not to go? my parents dont really feel i should go.
2007-03-10 02:17:35 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Absolutely. You have the right to remain silent. (Even if you haven't actually been arrested.)
2007-03-10 02:20:46 · answer #1 · answered by catrionn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the US, you are always entitled not to provide testimony on the grounds that you might incriminate yourself. This is risky, since many police will (improperly) take this as a reason to start investigating you.
You do have to show up, especially if you have been issued a subpoena. But you can refuse to testify on 5th Amendment grounds.
The prosecutor can get around that by conferring immunity. In which case, your statements could not be used to incriminate you and you would have to testify.
2007-03-10 10:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can always pleade the fifth its your constitutional rights. If you are hiding something to help someone that did committ a crime its called Obstruction of Justice or Accessory to the Crime.
2007-03-10 11:19:47 · answer #3 · answered by Flanman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋