Document text
Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 5, 2005 Since You Asked Pleading the Fifth works for criminal, civil cases Do those who claim the Fifth Amendment during a criminal investigation leave themselves open to a civil lawsuit? — Bill H., Medford? The short answer is no. Witnesses who refuse to testify under Fifth Amendment rights in either a criminal case or civil proceeding can suffer no negative inference, said Richard Yugler, Portland civil attorney and past president of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. If you’re actually wondering who has civil liability in a recent case during which several witnesses refused to testify before a grand jury investigating the fatal crash caused by Kevan Thatcher-Stephens, the answer is several parties. While police could not determine who furnished alcohol to the teens, that person still has potential civil liability, Yugler said after the Since You Asked staff briefed him on the case. If that person was a minor, his or her parents could also be liable. Thatcher-Stephens’ own parents have potential liability in several areas, either in knowing that such an accident was possible or by their son simply driving the family car, Yugler said. If Thatcher-Stephens consumed alcohol at a residence, that party’s homeowners’ insurance also could come into play, Yugler said. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to Since You Asked ">[email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s