<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cory wingate:
I was asked questions about a family I have known for a few years that are now being investigated for child neglect. The problem is that when I talked to the case worker I was not aware that my answers were not confidential.This parent has been acussed of drugs and being with not so nice people along with abuse of her kids. This parent has my phone number and address thanks to children and familys, and has been harrassing me. I have now received a Subpoena to be a witness for both sides. I have told lawyers on both sides I will be a hostile witness. I need to know just how much I can get away with on the stand. Do I plead the 5th to all questions ? do I not remember anything? What are my rights? I live in Fla.
HELP PLEASE<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
My response:
Since you are merely called as a witness, and not charged with a crime, you cannot invoke the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution against "self" incrimination. Taking the 5th was set up so no one would be required to testify against themselves, and thus be convicted of a crime.
You will be placed under oath, and to say "I don't know" when, in fact, you DO know the answer to the question, is perjury - - then, at your trial, for that crime, you can invoke the 5th Amendment.
IAAL
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