What is a primary consequence for a witness who chooses not to testify because of self-incrimination fears?

A witness who chooses not to testify due to fears of self-incrimination may indeed face contempt of court charges. This situation arises when a witness is subpoenaed to testify but refuses to do so, particularly if they do not invoke the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination properly. The court expects witnesses to comply with subpoenas, and failing to do so without a proper legal basis can result in contempt being charged, which can lead to penalties including fines or even imprisonment.

It is important to understand that the right against self-incrimination is a fundamental protection in the legal system, but it must be invoked explicitly. If a witness does not provide a legitimate reason for their refusal to testify, the court may interpret their actions as contemptuous, especially if they have not formally asserted their rights. This emphasizes the need for witnesses to be aware of their rights and the correct procedures for asserting them in a legal context.