Can I be made to provide evidence to who committed the crime if I was there but did not commit the crime myself?

Question

Steven Alpers · Answer

It depends. If you are a suspect or if you think you may be a suspect yo u have a right to remain silent. If you are being sought as a witness you do not have any right to remain silent, unless you think they may suspect you. Tell the police that you want a lawyer and you will not speak without a lawyer present.

Mark Bruce · Answer

There is no duty to cooperate with police.  Also, if you were there, you can assert your 5th amendment rights to not give any statement, as there is always the possibility that the DA will decide to file on you no matter how innocent you are.

Larry Dunn · Answer

A person is not required to provide information to the police other than   their own identification. If a person is called to testify in court they  could  be required to answer questions truthfully or be held in contempt of  court.

Jeffrey Pollock · Answer

You can plead the 5th and refuse to testify unless you are granted immunity   and then forced to testify.

Gregory Casale · Answer

I would need more information to answer this question. You certainly have the right not to incriminate yourself. However, withholding evidence that will not harm you can be an obstruction of justice charge. You should have a lawyer who can advise you specifically on this. It is an important issue.

James Osak · Answer

Always: NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE without your attorney present. Tell them you want an attorney and then SHUT UP.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Witnesses can be subpoenaed and compelled to answer on threat of contempt.

Mark Smith · Answer

No, you do not need to provide  evidence to the police when you may  well  be a suspect. The 5th amendment. You never have to talk to the  police.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

Possibly.  You could be held on a material witness warrant in an attempt to make you testify.

John Brennan · Answer

You may be compelled to be a witness.

Michael Palumbo · Answer

You can be subpoenaed to testify at trial.

Leonard A. Kaanta · Answer

No, unless you have deal with the prosecutor, you need an attorney.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

It depends on whether the testimony would incriminate you in the crime.  You should sit down with an attorney and discuss all the details first.

Jason Savela · Answer

Possibly, but it would take a court order or some kind.

John Patrick Yetter · Answer

You could be subpoenaed to come to court and required to testify unless you have some privilege.

Timothy Byrne · Answer

You can be called as a witness.

William Spern · Answer

Yes. You can be held as a material witness. A court can compel your cooperation or hold in civil contempt until you cooperate. As well, your failure to cooperate can well be a crime, ala, Martha Stewart and countless others.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

If what you mean by evidence is "your mouth," then you will have to testify in court if you are subpoenaed. But you do not have to speak to law enforcement outside of court, unless you choose to. One exception to your testimony in court is the 5th Amendment, where if what you say could incriminate yourself in another crime, then you can "take the 5th" and remain silent on any given question the answer of which could incriminate you.

Gary Moore · Answer

If you are not a codependent and only a witness, of course.

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Can I be made to provide evidence to who committed the crime if I was there but did not commit the crime myself?

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