self incrimination

/ˌsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act of saying or doing something that makes you appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
    • The suspect remained silent to avoid self-incrimination.
    • The lawyer warned her client not to make any statements that might result in self-incrimination.
    • In court, you have the right to refuse to answer questions that could lead to self-incrimination.