If a defendant waives their Fifth Amendment rights, what implication does it have for their case?

Waiving Fifth Amendment rights, specifically the right against self-incrimination, means that a defendant agrees to testify or provide statements without the protection that the Fifth Amendment offers. This waiver allows the prosecution to call the defendant as a witness. If a defendant chooses to testify, they must be prepared to answer questions regarding the case against them, which can significantly impact the proceedings. When defendants opt to waive this right, they can provide potentially exculpatory evidence or their version of events, which can influence the jury's perception of the case.

This choice underscores the crucial balance between a defendant's rights and their strategic options during a trial. By waiving these rights, it can open the door for the prosecution to present the defendant's own statements against them, which may ultimately affect the outcome of the trial.