Lawyers and confidentiality

[Sukhoi]

Is everything I say to a lawyer confidential? I need to speak to a lawyer about a non-violent activity that could be potentially (but stupidly) illegal. I don't want the guy turning around and calling the cops as I walk out the door.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Is everything I say to a lawyer confidential?

Yes, unless it's something really stupid, in which case he's allowed to joke about it at the bar and have all his lawyer buddies laugh at you.

 

[FoBoT]

if you are a client, then client/attorney relationship exists

http://co.essortment.com/attorneyclient_ritc.htm

The confidential communication covered by this privilege may be written or oral. But it must occur under the existence of legal counsel being sought by the client. This also covers the initial consultation a client seeks from a potential attorney. Even if further counsel is not sought, the privilege remains. Attorney-client privilege even extends beyond the death of a client and will only be waived under those circumstances in very rare cases.

Physical evidence of a client's crime would also not be covered under the privilege since the attorney would be required ethically to turn such evidence over to prosecutors.

 

[Sukhoi]

Alright, thanks guys.

 

[shimsham]

just sell him some. then you know he will keep his mouth shut.