What To Tell Your Attorney About Your DUI

Law Blog

Most people never imagine that they would end up sitting in jail and charged with driving under the influence, but unfortunately, it happens all the time. You will need some help to get you through this experience, and your defense attorney is the person to count on for this. From your very first meeting until your day in court, you will form a relationship with this legal professional that is based on trust and honesty. You may wonder, however, just how honest you should be. Read on to learn more about the confidential aspects of your attorney-client relationship:

What is the attorney-client privilege?

This term is heard often when it comes to legal matters, but few give it a second thought until it involves them or a loved one. This legal concept came about to allow people to get fair and competent legal representation for the crimes of which they are accused. Think about it: how can your attorney represent you if you cannot be honest with them? To defend you, you need to be confident that everything single thing you say to your attorney is safe.

What could this privilege mean for your case?

Each time you communicate with your assault lawyer, you can rest assured that anything you say is protected. This means that your attorney may never be forced to reveal these communications, no matter what. You are protected, whether this communication occurs via phone, mail, email, text, photographs, videos or any other way of conveying information. This privilege only dies with you; as long as you are living you retain that confidentiality. Even if you don't hire or pay the attorney, your communications with them are privileged.

Some Notable Exceptions

Since there do exist some exceptions to the attorney-client privilege, you should take care to double-check with your attorney before you speak just to make sure that it is privileged. In most cases, the following acts do not represent privileged information:

  1. If you can be overheard, it may not be considered privileged. For example, if you speak to your attorney in a crowded courtroom hallway where your conversation may be overheard, it may not be protected.
  2. If your conversation with an attorney is on a more casual level, it may not be protected. If you strike up a conversation with a person who just happens to be a lawyer, it may not be considered protected unless you have the express intent of seeking advice from them.
  3. If you speak of future criminal acts, it may not be protected.

Learn more by speaking with your attorney.

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23 August 2017

File Chapter 7, and Keep Your Home

Many people assume that when they file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they will have to give up their homes and other property. This is not necessarily the case. I am a bankruptcy attorney, and I have helped many clients file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without giving up homes, cars, and other property. When you file for bankruptcy, the property you are allowed to keep depends on your individual circumstances and the state where you live. Most states allow exemption for property you are currently paying for. This blog will guide you through that information and help you determine if filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the right choice for you.