A Kastigar Letter Agreement, also known as a Kastigar Agreement, is a legal document that protects individuals who provide testimony or information to government agencies in investigations or trials. The agreement is named after the United States Supreme Court case, Kastigar v. United States, which established guidelines for the use of immunized testimony in criminal trials.
If you are involved in a government investigation, you may be called upon to provide information or testify. However, you may be concerned that your testimony could incriminate you in some way or expose you to legal risks. In such cases, a Kastigar Letter Agreement can help provide you with some protection.
The Kastigar Agreement is a binding contract between the government and the individual who is providing testimony or information. The agreement stipulates that the government will not use the individual`s statements against them in any criminal proceedings. The government is also prevented from using any evidence that was obtained as a result of the individual`s testimony or information.
In exchange for providing testimony or information, the individual may be granted immunity from prosecution for any crimes related to the investigation. The agreement may also specify that the individual will not be subject to any adverse actions by the government due to their cooperation.
However, it`s important to note that a Kastigar Agreement does not provide complete immunity from prosecution. If the individual provided false information or committed perjury while under the agreement, they may still be subject to legal action.
A Kastigar Agreement is a complex legal document that should be prepared and reviewed by an experienced attorney. It`s important to understand all of the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing it. Once signed, the agreement is binding and cannot be revoked without the government`s consent.
In conclusion, a Kastigar Letter Agreement can provide important protection for individuals who are providing testimony or information in government investigations. However, it is a serious legal document that should be carefully considered and reviewed by an attorney before signing. If you are involved in a government investigation, it`s important to understand your legal rights and options.