Can someone in witness protection get married?

Asked by: Dr. Taryn Greenfelder  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)

Most witnesses remain in touch with the Marshals about once per year. People can NEVER reveal their history, even if they get married later. When they leave, witnesses are not allowed to tell people where they're going. They essentially just disappear from their lives.

How long do people stay in witness protection?

While witnesses may only require protection until the conclusion of a trial, in particularly extreme cases, some witnesses are provided with new identities and may live out the rest of their lives under government protection.

Do people in witness protection get new birth certificates?

Each witness is provided with a new birth certificate, social security card, driver's license, and diplomas to the level of education previously obtained.

How much does witness protection pay?

As of Jan 12, 2026, the average annual pay for a Witness Protection Program in the United States is $39,683 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $19.08 an hour. This is the equivalent of $763/week or $3,306/month.

Can a protected witness contact family?

The Rules of WITSEC

A witness can enter the protection program alone or with family, but this is usually limited to their nuclear family. Witnesses and their relocated family members have to agree to cut off almost all contact with their extended family to protect their new identities.

Here's What It's Really Like To Enter The Witness Protection Program

43 related questions found

What is the hardest case to win in court?

Top 5 Hardest Criminal Charges to Beat

  • At the top of the list of most challenging criminal accusations to overcome is first-degree murder. ...
  • Sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors, are among the toughest felonies to get dropped.

Can you have social media in witness protection?

It's possible, but people in witness protection are not allowed to use social media and have to be very careful about who takes pictures of them.

Do people in witness protection pay rent?

Witnesses and their families typically get new identities with documentation. Witnesses may initially receive financial assistance for housing, subsistence for basic living expenses the witness with becoming self-sufficient.

Can you have a job while in witness protection?

Protected witnesses are expected to become self-sufficient as soon as possible after acceptance into the Witness Security Program. The USMS will endeavor to assist the witness to find employment, but the witness is expected to aggressively seek employment.

Who gets paid more, FBI or CIA?

Entry-Level: FBI special agents generally start with a higher base salary than CIA officers due to LEAP and law enforcement pay adjustments. Mid-Career & Senior Positions: Salaries for both agencies can exceed $150,000, but CIA officers in technical or paramilitary roles may earn more due to specialized skill bonuses.

Do you get a new SSN in witness protection?

Witnesses, along with family members who join them, receive documentation such as new social security numbers, birth certificates, and drivers' licenses, supporting new identities. School records for minor children will be amended.

What's the worst thing someone can do with your ID?

What Can Scammers Do With Your ID or Driver's License?

  • ‍Steal your identity.
  • Create a "synthetic identity" with your information.
  • Create a fake ID by using your driver's license number.
  • Access your bank accounts and savings.
  • Open new accounts in your name.
  • Pretend to be you when committing crimes.
  • Commit other forms of fraud.

What happens to your old identity when you go into witness protection?

Challenges of the Program

Also, they are not permitted to have any contact with their former friends or acquaintances. People in the Witness Protection Program make a significant sacrifice; they must give up their entire identity and lives to participate in the program.

Does witness protection give you a house?

WITSEC affords protection by providing witnesses and their immediate family members with new identities. It provides documentation, housing, and assistance with basic living expenses such as medical care.

Do you get to pick your name in witness protection?

As far as choosing a new name, witnesses can have their pick. However, according to the book "WITSEC: Inside the Federal Witness Protection Program," cowritten by the program's creator, Gerald Shur, witnesses are advised to keep their current initials or same first name.

Can you be removed from witness protection?

If it is determined that the need for prosecution of the case is outweighed by the danger that the witness or adult family members would pose to the relocation community, the Attorney General is required to exclude the witness from the Program.

Do they pay you for witness protection?

Another benefit of the federal program is that the Marshals Service provides payments to participants of about $60,000 on average, while also assisting them with finding housing and stable jobs under their new identities.

What jobs are off limits to felons?

Employment Opportunities

A felony conviction can severely limit job prospects. Some professions, including law enforcement, healthcare, and education, may be off-limits to felons due to restrictions on obtaining the required licenses. Employers are also allowed to consider felony convictions during background checks.

What is the youngest age to be a detective?

Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Other requirements vary, but candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications.

What salary do I need to afford $1500 rent?

How much should I make to Afford $1500 Rent? Let's say you've got your eye on a cool place that costs $1,500 a month. You want to stick to the 30% rule, so let's do the math: $1,500 / 0.30 = $5,000. That's your target monthly income.

How easy is it to get into witness protection?

To qualify, a person must be able to provide significant information that can aid in the successful prosecution of major criminals or organized crime members. A witness's testimony must be deemed crucial to the case, and often, the value of their cooperation outweighs the risk to their life.

Is witness protection 100% successful?

Many of these witnesses, however, participated in many of the same crimes of which the accused are accused. The program is said to have protected over 19,000 witnesses and their families, with a 100 percent success rate for those who follow the program's rules.

Can police see my internet history?

Can the cops get your online data? In short, yes. There are a variety of US federal and state laws which give law enforcement powers to obtain information that you provided to online services. But, there are steps you as a user and/or as a service provider can take to improve online privacy.

Do judges look at your social media?

In family law cases, social media posts often become formal evidence. Judges are increasingly admitting photos, captions, comments, check-ins, and DMs under the rules of evidence—even casual posts count. You might be thinking, “But my profile is private.” That doesn't matter. Courts can issue subpoenas.

What cannot be used as evidence in court?

R. Evid. 1101(b). If the evidence does not meet standards of relevance, the privilege or public policy exists, the qualification of witnesses or the authentication of evidence is at issue, or the evidence is unlawfully gathered, then it is inadmissible.