Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Pleading the fifth

Does a mother have to testify against her son in court?


Asked on 1/24/07, 11:30 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Pleading the fifth

There is no parent-child privilege. Testimony of the mother against the son can be compelled just as any other type of testimony.

As to "pleading the fifth", this is a right that all persons have. If anything you say may tend to incriminate YOU, then you are allowed to invoke the fifth amendment. You are not allowed to invoke the fifth amendment if your testimony will incriminate another person.

If you are thinking about using the fifth amendment, I recommend retaining your own attorney.

Read more
Answered on 1/24/07, 11:37 am
Marc V. Taiani AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law

Re: Pleading the fifth

Simply put, yes, you can be compelled to testify against your son. Retain legal counsel before proceeding any further on this matter. In PA protected communications include, attorney-client, husband-wife, minister-congregation members, but not parent-child.

Read more
Answered on 1/24/07, 1:44 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania