09/02/2026
Myth: A proffer agreement means nothing you say can be used against you.
Fact: That is not how it works. A proffer -- sometimes called a "queen for a day" -- is a meeting where you provide information to federal prosecutors. The agreement typically limits direct use of your statements. But it does not stop prosecutors from using what you say to develop other evidence. If you later testify inconsistently, your proffer statements can be used against you. And if prosecutors decide you were untruthful, the agreement can be voided.
The decision point is before you walk into that room. Once you sit down and start talking, every word is on the record. What you disclose, how you frame it, and what you leave out all carry consequences.
A proffer is not a shortcut to making a federal investigation go away. It is a structured exchange where the government gathers information on its terms. The protections are defined by the language of the agreement, not by assumptions about fairness.
Before agreeing, counsel should review the agreement line by line, assess your exposure, and help you understand what the government is after and why they want you in that chair.
If you have been asked to sit for a proffer in a federal investigation, speak with an attorney before you agree. Glozman Law handles federal grand jury defense in Chicago. Contact us at (312) 726-9015.