florida attorney client privilege where famiky member is present

by Dr. Lorna DuBuque 10 min read

The answer is no. Attorney-client privilege exists between an attorney and his or her client. Attorneys cannot divulge their client’s secrets to spouses or family members, even if the relative tries to force the attorney to share the confidential information.

The general rule appears to be that the attorney-client privilege does not apply when a client's spouse or other family member is present for a conversation between client and counsel. For example, in a 1980 quadruple homicide case, People v.Nov 4, 2019

Full Answer

Is there an exception to the attorney client privilege?

Despite the general rule, there's an exception in most states: In general, when a third person is present, the attorney-client privilege continues to apply if that third person is there in order to aid the cause. Put more specifically, the third person must be present while fulfilling a role that furthers the defendant's legal representation.

Who can claim the privilege under Florida Statutes?

May 10, 2012 · The client may also have someone present at the meeting without losing the attorney-client privilege if that person is reasonably necessary to help the client communicate the issues to the attorney. As an example, a client who is elderly or has mental issues might need the assistance of a friend or family member during a attorney-client meeting. However, having a …

When is a lawyer’s authority to claim privilege presumed?

Feb 17, 2022 · F.S. 90.502. 90.502 Lawyer-client privilege.—. (1) For purposes of this section: (a) A “lawyer” is a person authorized, or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized, to practice law in any state or nation. (b) A “client” is any person, public officer, corporation, association, or other organization or entity, either public or private, who consults a lawyer with the purpose of …

What is the work-product privilege in Florida?

If family members have information about a client’s case or about the client, please have them contact the attorney to provide the information. RC1’s attorneys and staff can discuss non-confidential matters about a client’s case with family members and friends, but the client needs to let the attorney know that it is all right to discuss ...

Which of the following may not be protected under the attorney-client privilege?

Which of the following may not be protected under the attorney-client privilege? A client who orally confesses to a crime. Correct!

Can lawyers talk about cases with their spouses?

The short answer is no. Because once lawyers and their clients begin working together there are rules lawyers must abide by specifically attorney-client privilege and the duty of confidentiality.

What is the effect of having an outsider present when the lawyer and client are speaking to each other?

The general rule is that, by allowing a third party to be present for a lawyer-client conversation, the defendant waives the privilege. That generally means that the prosecution can force the third party to reveal the contents of the conversation.

Are emails between in house lawyers privileged?

The court concluded that the emails were not privileged. This decision confirms that the gathering of information by in-house counsel of a company, from an employee of that company, for passing on to external lawyers in order for advice to be provided by that external law firm is not privileged.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

When can lawyers breach confidentiality?

When can a solicitor breach confidentiality? A solicitor cannot be under a duty of confidentiality if the client is trying to use them or the firm to commit fraud or other crimes. A client cannot make a solicitor the confidant of a crime and expect them to close up their lips upon any secret they dare to disclose.Jan 7, 2021

Do lawyers have client confidentiality?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that protects the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to.

Does Spouse destroy attorney-client privilege?

The general rule appears to be that the attorney-client privilege does not apply when a client's spouse or other family member is present for a conversation between client and counsel.Nov 4, 2019

Are communications between joint clients privileged?

The attorney-client privilege exists between a lawyer and each client in a joint engagement. The privilege applies to communications between the lawyer and each client regarding the engagement; it also applies to communications among joint clients and their common attorneys.Jul 11, 2018

What makes a document privileged?

Privilege is a legal right which allows persons to resist compulsory disclosure of documents and information. The fact that a document is sensitive or confidential is not a bar to disclosure, although privileged documents must be confidential.

What documents are legally privileged?

The idea of documents being privileged is common sense when you understand it but takes a little bit of explaining. An email or letter from you to a qualified lawyer (barrister or solicitor) asking for advice, and the written legal advice you receive, are examples of documents which are privileged.

Do you have to disclose privileged documents?

If it is relevant, recorded in any form and not privileged, you will have to disclose it. Equally, even if something in a document is “commercially confidential” (such as pricing), you cannot usually blank it out. You will have to disclose it.