Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Witness harrassment

My husband witnessed an illegal act, and now the prosecutors are harassing him to testify. He has been Subpoenaed and has told them that he has nothing to say. Can they continuously question him and keep coming to my home with subpoena?


Asked on 6/29/09, 3:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: Witness harrassment

If he did in fact witness a crime, he can be subpoenaed to testify even against his will. That is part of the US system of justice. The good thing is that if a wrongly accused person wants a witness in court they can do the same.

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Answered on 6/29/09, 3:46 pm
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Re: Witness harrassment

Yes, and if he refuses to testify, he can be jailed for contempt of court, until the case ends or he testifies, whichever comes first.

If he evades service of the subpoena, then the court may issue a material witness warrant.

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Answered on 6/29/09, 4:43 pm


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