Under what condition can a compelled witness avoid self-incrimination?

A compelled witness can avoid self-incrimination if they are granted immunity. Immunity protects the witness from the use of their compelled testimony against them in any criminal proceedings, effectively shielding them from the potential legal consequences that could arise from their own statements. This statutory protection allows witnesses to provide evidence without the risk of self-incrimination, which is a fundamental right under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

While having an attorney is beneficial and can help navigate any legal implications, it does not, by itself, offer protection from self-incrimination. In civil cases, the privilege against self-incrimination still exists, but it is not automatically avoided simply because the context is civil; the disclosure could lead to criminal liability. Similarly, pleading guilty does not provide a witness with the ability to avoid self-incrimination—rather, it implies acceptance of a guilty status, possibly removing the need for further testimony to establish guilt. Having immunity, on the other hand, directly addresses the issue of self-incrimination.