White House Crashers May Invoke The Fifth Amendment

Although Tareq and Michaele Salahi did not shy away from the onslaught of publicity following their success in crashing the Obama’s first state dinner at the White House, the couple have suddenly gone silent. The Salahis recently declined to play any role in the ongoing Congressional hearings by invoking their fifth amendment right, allowing them to refuse to testify. Stephen Best, the couple’s attorney, cited several reasons for his clients’ decision to plead the fifth in a letter he addressed to the Congressional committee yesterday. Attorney Best pointed to the overwhelming media attention which has vilified the Salahis, making their testimony nothing more than an avenue to further feed an “unnecessary media spectacle” and possibly detract from the impartiality of a potential criminal case. However, it appears that the Salahis have gained some negative attention from more than just the media and general public. Best continues the letter by noting that the Salahis also face a “treacherous legal environment” by attending the hearing, likely referring to comments made by some of the committee’s members in recent weeks, including those of DC Delegate Eleanor Norton and Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson, who described the couple as “practiced con-artists” and “perpetrators” respectively. Thus far the couple have denied any wrongdoing on their part, claiming that they were indeed invited to attend the events on the evening of November 24th. Summing up the letter, Best notes that while the couple chose not to participate in the hearings, they have been cooperating with investigative officials and providing them with all requested documentation, including emails and phone records. The actions taken by the Salahis and their defense attorney clearly demonstrate that he is safely guiding two public figures through what will be a very long and complicated process. http://www.criminallawdc.com/