#Proffer session definition trial#

Rarely does a Proffer letter fully exonerate somebody from Prosecution.

Often, a formal written proffer agreement will not contain any express promises, rather your attorney and Prosecutor will have informally worked out an agreement outlining what the Defendant or witness is likely to provide and what the Prosecutor will likely exchange for that information. This is why a Proffer is sometimes called “Queen/King for a Day Immunity” because it protects the Defendant or witness from having their words or information provided at the Proffer meeting from being used against them at a future hearing.

#Proffer session definition trial#

This information and statements are what is protected under the Proffer and typically cannot be used at a trial or hearing against the Defendant or witness.

If the Prosecutor believes the statements and information truthful and helpful, then the Prosecutor often will enter into an immunity or plea agreement. This is an exploration of what the Defendant or witness can provide the Prosecutor and investigator about their investigation. After entering into a Proffer (the Agreement) a meeting with the Prosecutor and often the investigator is conducted. It is an agreement between a Prosecutor and a Defendant, or witness, in which information about a crime is exchanged for the promise that their information and words will not be used against them in a later Court Hearing.

A proffer is technically a written agreement.