They also point to the possibility of state criminal investigations, which are beyond the reach of a presidential pardon. The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being compelled to provide testimony that could reasonably be used against them in a criminal prosecution. Acceptance of a pardon may carry an implication of guilt, and an individual may reject the pardon in order to preserve the Fifth Amendment privilege. On the advice of counsel, Fauci repeatedly declined to answer, invoking the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times. They also noted that several state attorneys general have publicly discussed possible investigations related to the pandemic, meaning state criminal exposure cannot be categorically ruled out.