Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

If you have not been summoned, then you do not have to appear. However, if you have been summoned, you risk being held in contempt of court if you do not appear, or if you refuse to answer questions on the witness stand. You do not have to speak to anyone, including attorneys, when you are not on the witness stand.

You might have a privilege not to testify, if your answer would tend to incriminate yourself. In that case, you may exercise your Fifth Amendment privilege.