How Immunity Works In Federal Criminal Cases.

Immunity is a powerful tool that gives federal prosecutors leverage that can help them win big cases. When a person has information about a crime, they may feel compelled to keep quiet. Sometimes, they are under threat from an outside party, but often, they are simply afraid of prosecution for their own involvement in the crime.

If a person is suspected to have knowledge of a crime, or they are suspected to have been involved somehow, the federal courts may choose to offer them a form of immunity in exchange for providing the court with their information.

A variety of situations can lead the government to offer immunity:

• The person was directly involved in a crime, but they have information that could potentially bring down a criminal that the authorities feel is more dangerous to society.
• The person was a witness to a crime and needs immunity to avoid prosecution for withholding evidence or other charges that could result from their indirect involvement.
• The person has already been charged for their involvement in the crime, and rather than full immunity, they are offered a reduced sentence in exchange for a statement.

What Are the Different Types of Immunity in Federal Court?

Not every type of immunity offers blanket safety for the person in question. Some guarantee more safety than others.

Proffer Letter Immunity