Self-incrimination may occur as a result of interrogation or may be made voluntarily. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protects a person from being compelled to incriminate oneself. Self-incrimination may also be referred to as self-crimination or self-inculpation.

What happens when you incriminate yourself?

Self incrimination is making a statement that accuses oneself of a criminal offense that may lead to criminal prosecution now or in the future. Self-incrimination may occur directly or indirectly. The judge, prosecutor and even the defendant's attorney may not force the defendant to testify. ...

Can you testify against yourself?

Witnesses can assert the privilege against self-incrimination in civil proceedings as well as criminal ones, despite the seemingly limiting language of the Fifth Amendment.