What are the rules of self-incrimination in criminal cases?

In criminal cases in Maryland, the rules of self-incrimination are very important. Self-incrimination is the act of providing evidence or information that could be used against oneself in a criminal trial. Self-incrimination is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. In Maryland, individuals have the right to remain silent if they are accused of a crime and have the right to not answer any questions or provide any information that could be used against them in a criminal trial. They also cannot be forced to provide information or testify against themselves. Additionally, law enforcement and prosecutors cannot use any psychological pressure, threats of punishment, or roundabout tactics to compel someone to divulge information. Individuals facing criminal charges in Maryland also have the right to ask for legal counsel before speaking with law enforcement or answering questions from the prosecution. This ensures that individuals will not be tricked into incriminating themselves. Lastly, if an individual does provide any information or evidence, such as statements, DNA, or fingerprints, and later finds out that this information is used against them, they may be able to challenge this in court. This is known as “the fruit of the poisonous tree” doctrine, which states that any evidence obtained as a result of self-incrimination cannot be used against the defendant in court.

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What are the rules of self-incrimination in criminal cases?

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