the attorney-client privilege does not apply when the client informs the attorney of ___________.

by Alayna Schoen 6 min read

The attorney-client privilege protects most communications between clients and their lawyers. But, according to the crime-fraud exception to the privilege, a client's communication to her attorney isn't privileged if she made it with the intention of committing or covering up a crime or fraud.

The attorney-client privilege does not apply if the client asks the attorney to: assist in the commission of a crime.

Full Answer

When does the attorney-client privilege not apply?

However, there are some exceptions when the attorney-client privilege does not apply, and parties may have to disclose information that was exchanged between clients and their attorneys. One exception when the attorney-client privilege does not apply is if other parties are present when the attorney and the client conversed.

What is the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege?

The attorney-client privilege protects most communications between clients and their lawyers. But, according to the crime-fraud exception to the privilege, a client’s communication to her attorney isn’t privileged if she made it with the intention of committing or covering up a crime or fraud.

Does attorney-client privilege survive the death of a client?

Generally, the attorney-client privilege survives the death of a client, and an attorney cannot reveal the confidences of a client who has passed away. However, there are certain instances when an attorney may be compelled to reveal information about the client that the attorney learned while the client was alive.

Can a client use legal advice to avoid revealing information?

As a result, if a client wishes to use legal advice to further fraudulent or illegal activity, they may not be able to use the attorney-client privilege to avoid revealing information. At certain proceedings during litigation, the attorney-client privilege might not apply.

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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.

Under what circumstance may an attorney break attorney-client privilege quizlet?

Under what circumstance may an attorney break attorney-client privilege? The client discloses information about a crime that has not yet been committed.

Which of the following is considered an unintentional error by the prosecutor as pertains to discovery select one quizlet?

The subjects for discovery and whether discovery should be conducted in phases. Which of the following is considered an unintentional error by the prosecutor as pertains to discovery? The prosecutor mistakenly believed evidence was not material.

Under what circumstance may an attorney break attorney-client privilege group of answer choices?

The attorney-client privilege protects most communications between clients and their lawyers. But, according to the crime-fraud exception to the privilege, a client's communication to her attorney isn't privileged if she made it with the intention of committing or covering up a crime or fraud.

What is the term for protected statements between an attorney and client quizlet?

Attorney-Client Privilege. A confidential communication between a client and an attorney for the purpose of seeking legal advice or representation is privileged.

How do you assert attorney-client privilege?

To fall within the attorney-client privilege, the communication must be:Made between a client and a lawyer,In confidence,During the course of the attorney-client relationship, and.The communication must be made with the attorney in his or her professional (legal) capacity.

Are conversations between attorneys privileged?

As a general matter, the privilege protects private conversations between attorneys and their clients. The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest privileges in the law.

Is privileged information admissible in court?

An attorney who fails to uphold the duty of confidentiality may be sued for damages. However, confidential information can be used against a client in legal proceedings, whereas privileged information – which by nature is also confidential – cannot, unless so ordered by a court of law.

What is one reason prosecutors may decide to dismiss cases?

After charges are filed, prosecutors and sometimes courts may dismiss such charges for some of the same reasons that charges are dropped before being filed. Evidence may be poor, witnesses may be unavailable or illegal tactics may have been used to gather evidence or make arrests.

Which factors influence a prosecutor's decision to bring charges against a defendant?

The decision to prosecute is based on the following factors:The sufficiency of the evidence linking the suspect to the offense.The seriousness of the offense.The size of the court's caseload.The need to conserve prosecutorial resources for more serious cases.The availability of alternatives to formal prosecution.More items...

Which motions demand that the prosecutor reveal exculpatory information quizlet?

What are the motions demanding the prosecutor reveal exculpatory information called? confidentiality.

Which motions demand that the prosecutor reveal exculpatory information select one?

Brady motions demand which of the following? That the prosecutor reveal exculpatory information.

What is not subject to attorney-client privilege?

Certain materials and information are usually not subject to the attorney-client privilege. For instance, the fact that an attorney is representing a given client is usually not protected by this privilege. In addition, fee agreements between attorney and client are commonly not subject to the attorney-client privilege, even though the agreement is a communication between attorney and client. Moreover, even if the subject matter of a given meeting is protected by the attorney-client privilege, other information about a particular meeting might not be protected. For instance, parties may need to reveal how long a meeting between attorney and client took place, who was present at the meeting, where the meeting occurred, and other information. Oftentimes, the attorney-client privilege is not as broad as individuals may think, and there a number of times when the attorney-client privilege does not apply to specific types of documents and information.

Why is attorney-client privilege important?

It is important in our legal system that attorneys and clients have candid conversations about the client’s legal situation, even if the client may have broken the law. Generally, conversations about a client’s position and how this may be illegal will be protected by the attorney-client privilege. However, if the client uses the advice of the attorney in furtherance of a crime or a fraud, this might be another situation when the attorney-client privilege does not apply. Courts do not want parties to engage in illegal activity and then hide behind the shield of the attorney-client privilege to avoid detection. As a result, if a client wishes to use legal advice to further fraudulent or illegal activity, they may not be able to use the attorney-client privilege to avoid revealing information.

Can paralegals destroy attorney-client privilege?

In addition, paralegals and some other professionals who work in an attorney’s office will oftentimes not destroy the attorney-client privilege if they are present and hear confidences between the attorney and the client. Furthermore, sometimes family members can be present during conversations between attorneys and their clients without affecting ...

Can an attorney reveal a client's confidences?

Generally, the attorney-client privilege survives the death of a client, and an attorney cannot reveal the confidences of a client who has passed away. However, there are certain instances when an attorney may be compelled to reveal information about the client that the attorney learned while the client was alive.

Does attorney-client privilege apply to litigation?

At certain proceedings during litigation, the attorney-client privilege might not apply. For instance, parties are usually asked questions under oath during a deposition at one point or another in most lawsuits. Courts have held that conversations attorneys might have with clients during breaks at depositions will not be covered by ...

Can family members be present with an attorney?

Furthermore, sometimes family members can be present during conversations between attorneys and their clients without affecting the attorney-client privilege. This is even more true if the family members are needed to supply information to either the attorney or the client and to assist the client in conveying information to an attorney. ...

Can an attorney-client privilege be used during a court hearing?

In addition, if a court orders that a witness provide testimony during a hearing the attorney-client privilege also might not apply for any conversations that took place between attorneys and their clients during the hearing or any breaks during the hearing.

Why is the attorney-client privilege a crime?

Because the attorney-client privilege belongs to the client, the client's intent determines whether the exception applies. Most courts will apply the exception even if the attorney had no knowledge of, and didn't participate in, the actual crime or fraud. The crime-fraud exception applies if:

What happens if a client gives the attorney a crucial piece of evidence?

Crucial evidence. If the client gives the attorney a crucial piece of evidence, the attorney may have to turn it over. Missing person. If the client tells the attorney the location of a missing witness or victim whose life is in imminent danger, the attorney may have to disclose it. Threats.

What is the crime fraud exception?

The crime-fraud exception applies if: the client was in the process of committing or intended to commit a crime or fraudulent act, and. the client communicated with the lawyer with intent to further the crime or fraud, or to cover it up.

What happens if an attorney knows a witness is about to give a perjury testimony?

Perjury. If the attorney knows a witness is about to give, or has given, perjured testimony, she must inform the court. (Importantly, though, this obligation may not apply if the perjuring witness is the client. See I told my lawyer I'm planning on telling a lie on the stand. What will happen?)

Who has to report a client's threat?

If the client threatens to harm someone—for instance, a witness, attorney or judge—the lawyer may have to report the threat. Most states allow—or require—attorneys to disclose information learned from a client that will prevent death or serious injury.

Can a lawyer be subpoenaed for a crime fraud?

If the crime-fraud exception applies, the prosecution can subpoena the attorney and force him to disclose the contents of the communication in question. But, apart from the crime-fraud exception, some situations ethically require lawyers to disclose communications.

Is attorney-client privilege similar to state to state?

Although there are many similarities in the attorney-client privilege from state to state, and in state and federal court, there are variations. Evidence rules, statutes, and court decisions shape the privilege, and determine when the crime-fraud exception applies. Although every state recognizes the crime-fraud exception, when and how it operates may vary somewhat.

Who holds the privilege of attorney?

The client holds the privilege and is the only one who may waive it. The attorney, however, must assert the privilege on the client's behalf to protect the client's interests. The privilege exists until it is waived, and it can survive the client's death.

How long does the attorney-client privilege last in California?

In California, the attorney-client privilege exists until it is waived, or until such time as the client has diedand his estate no longer exists . CEC §§ 953-955.

What is privileged communication?

A confidential communication between a client and an attorney for the purpose of seeking legal advice or representation is privileged.

What is intentional disclosure?

When made during a federal proceeding, the intentional disclosure of privileged material operates as a waiver of the attorney-client privilege. The waiver extends to undisclosed information only in those unusual situations in which (i) the disclosed and undisclosed material concern the same subject matter and (ii) fairness requires the disclosure of related information because a party has disclosed information in a selective, misleading, and unfair manner. Fed. R. Evid. 502(a).

What is the meaning of disclosure agreement?

An agreement between the parties regarding the effect of a disclosure binds only the parties unless the agreement is incorporated into a court order. Fed. R. Evid. 502(e).

When does a lawyer have to disclose a crime in California?

In California, no privilege exists when the communication relates to the future commission of what the client knew or should have known was a crime or fraud; nor when the "lawyer reasonably believes that disclosure ... is necessary to prevent a criminal act that the lawyer reasonably believes is likely to result in the death of, or substantial bodily harm to, an individual." CEC §§ 956, 956.5.

When privileged material is disclosed in a state proceeding and the state and federal laws are in conflict as to the effect?

When privileged material is disclosed in a state proceeding and the state and federal laws are in conflict as to the effect of the disclosure, the disclosure does not operate as a waiver in a subsequent federal proceeding if the disclosure (i) would not be a waiver had it been made in a federal proceeding or ( ii) is not a disclosure under the law of the state where it was made. In other words, the federal court must apply the law that is most protective of the privilege. This rule does not apply if the state court has issued an order concerning the effect of the disclosure; in such a case, the state-court order would be controlling. Fed. R. Evid. 502(c).

Is the physician-patient privilege common law?

The physician-patient privilege... did not exist at common law. There is usually an exception in a psychotherapist-patient privilege for... dangerous patients. Prosecutors generally have a privilege not to reveal the... identity of confidential informants.

Can a person assert the privilege against self-incrimination?

A person can assert the privilege against self-incrimination...

What Is Attorney-Client Privilege?

Attorney-client privilege is a law that makes most communications between an attorney and his or her client confidential. This rule states that attorneys legally cannot divulge information from a client to third parties.

When Does the Attorney-Client Privilege Apply?

Attorney-client privilege is not something that applies to all meetings with an attorney. In some circumstances, an attorney may not be held to the requirement of confidentiality. It is important to know when this privilege applies and when it does not. For the attorney-client privilege to exist, the situation must fulfill certain parameters:

What Is the Crime-Fraud Exception?

Attorney-client privilege is something that belongs to the client. Therefore, the client’s intent in telling the attorney a piece of information determines whether or not the attorney-client privilege applies. One exemption from the general rule is called the crime-fraud exception.

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Other Parties Present

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One exception when the attorney-client privilege does not apply is if other parties are present when the attorney and the client conversed. Oftentimes, if other parties are present and are able to hear the confidences exchanged between attorneys and their clients, courts will find that the attorney-client privilege has been broken. Of …
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Crime Or Fraud Exception

  • It is important in our legal system that attorneys and clients have candid conversations about the client’s legal situation, even if the client may have broken the law. Generally, conversations about a client’s position and how this may be illegal will be protected by the attorney-client privilege. However, if the client uses the advice of the attorney in furtherance of a crime or a fraud, this mi…
See more on rothmanlawyer.com

Information Exchanged During Certain Proceedings

  • At certain proceedings during litigation, the attorney-client privilege might not apply. For instance, parties are usually asked questions under oath during a deposition at one point or another in most lawsuits. Courts have held that conversations attorneys might have with clients during breaks at depositions will not be covered by the attorney-cli...
See more on rothmanlawyer.com

Specific Documents and Information

  • Certain materials and information are usually not subject to the attorney-client privilege. For instance, the fact that an attorney is representing a given client is usually not protected by this privilege. In addition, fee agreements between attorney and client are commonly not subject to the attorney-client privilege, even though the agreement is a communication between attorney and c…
See more on rothmanlawyer.com

Death of A Client

  • Generally, the attorney-client privilege survives the death of a client, and an attorney cannot reveal the confidences of a client who has passed away. However, there are certain instances when an attorney may be compelled to reveal information about the client that the attorney learned while the client was alive. For instance, if litigation ensues about the deceased client’s estate plan, a c…
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Not Just Crime

  • In some states, the crime-fraud exception isn't limited to crimes and fraud; it also applies where the client's object is a civil tort. For example, the exception could apply if a landlord sought advice about unlawfully evicting a tenant. Note that many torts are also crimes—assault and trespassing are but two examples. So, even in a state where the client's objective must be criminal in order f…
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Crimes and frauds

  • Whether the crime-fraud exception applies depends on the content and context of the communication. The exception covers communications about a variety of crimes and frauds, including (to name just a few): 1. "suborning perjury" (asking an attorney to present testimony she knows is false) 2. destroying or concealing evidence 3. witness tampering, an...
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Past, Present, Or Future

  • Perhaps the most important consideration about the crime-fraud exception is whether the communication at hand relates to a past wrong, or a present or future one. Communications about past crimes and frauds are almost always privileged, but communications about ongoing or future ones usually aren't. Note, however, that many courts distinguish present from future inten…
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Mandatory Disclosure

  • If the crime-fraud exception applies, the prosecution can subpoena the attorney and force him to disclose the contents of the communication in question. But, apart from the crime-fraud exception, some situations ethically require lawyers to disclose communications. If lawyers don't, they risk disciplinary sanctions, and possibly criminal charges. Examples include the following. 1…
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State Variations and Expert Help

  • Although there are many similarities in the attorney-client privilege from state to state, and in state and federal court, there are variations. Evidence rules, statutes, and court decisions shape the privilege, and determine when the crime-fraud exception applies. Although every state recognizes the crime-fraud exception, when and how it operates may vary somewhat. While there are some …
See more on nolo.com