Is it ever OK to break attorney-client privilege?

Asked by: Demarcus Gottlieb  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (18 votes)

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 destroys attorney-client privilege?

Imminent death or harm. Your attorney can't be held to attorney-client privilege if they believe that keeping your confidence would result in death or significant physical harm to someone.

What to do if a lawyer breaks attorney-client privilege?

The potential consequences for an attorney breaking the rules can include disciplinary action from the state bar, suspension or revocation of their license to practice law, fines, and potential civil or criminal penalties. For example, they may face disbarment for ethical violations.

Does attorney-client privilege last forever?

Attorney-client privilege protection lasts forever, but determining work product doctrine protection's duration presents a more subtle analysis. Most courts protect work product if it is sought in later litigation related in some way to the litigation for which it was created.

What are the consequences of the attorney-client privilege?

Otherwise, a lawyer who breaches the attorney-client privilege could face serious consequences for an ethical violation, such as disbarment and criminal charges.

Attorney Client Privilege & Lawyer Confidentiality EXPLAINED

31 related questions found

What is the punishment for breaking privilege?

Consequences of Violating Attorney-Client Privilege

This discipline might include disbarment. If you sue the attorney for legal malpractice, violation of attorney-client privilege might strengthen your case.

Can your former attorney testify against you?

Overview. The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most respected privileges. It prevents a lawyer from being compelled to testify against his/her client.

What is the common interest exception to the attorney-client privilege?

Under the common interest doctrine, an attorney can disclose confidential information to an attorney representing a separate client without waiving the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product protection “if (1) the disclosure relates to a common interest of the attorneys' respective clients; (2) the ...

Can your lawyer tell on you?

Attorney-Client Privilege

The privilege rule means that your lawyer will not share with anyone else what you talk about or write to each other unless you give them permission. Privilege applies to a hearing, trial, or similar proceeding. Your lawyer can tell you about any exceptions to the privilege rule.

Does attorney-client privilege survive termination?

The protections of the attorney-client privilege survive indefinitely. This means that the protections remain in place even when the attorney-client relationship ends, no matter if the relationship ends due to voluntary termination or due to the death of one of the parties.

What is an objection to attorney-client privilege?

Attorney-Client Privilege

When the objection from the other lawyer is due with privilege information, the judge will rule objection sustained, which means the question is not permitted, and the witness does not have to respond to the question.

Can a lawyer betray his client?

Understanding Lawyer Betrayal and Client Rights. Answer: Yes a lawyer can turn against their client in exceptional and rare circumstances, particularly when a client employs the lawyer's services for illicit activities.

Under which circumstances can an attorney violate the 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.

What is an offensive use waiver?

An offensive-use waiver is when someone gives up their right to keep their conversations with their lawyer private because they are using that information to try and win a case. This happens when the information is really important to the case and the other side can't get it any other way.

What happens if a lawyer breaches client confidentiality?

While communications between a lawyer and a client are considered privileged, there are exceptions where the attorney may willingly disclose this information without any repercussions. If an attorney breaks confidentiality outside of these circumstances, they risk their entire legal career.

What are my rights as a client of a lawyer?

You are entitled to an attorney who will be capable of handling your case; show you courtesy and consideration at all times; represent you zealously; and preserve your confidences and secrets that you reveal in the course of the relationship, to the extent permitted by law.

Should I tell my attorney everything?

When it comes to facing criminal charges, the truth always comes out in the end. It is important to remember that the attorney-client privilege is there to protect you, and it is always better to be upfront and honest with your attorney, whatever the outcome may be.

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

How Can You Tell If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?
  • They Regularly Miss Deadlines and Appointments. ...
  • They Show a Lack of Interest in Your Case. ...
  • They Are Pushing You Too Quickly or Forcefully to Settle. ...
  • They Fail to Return or Answer Your Calls. ...
  • They're not Transparent in Billing and Payment Practices.

Can lawyers see police reports?

Yes, lawyers can typically obtain police reports on behalf of their clients. They have the legal knowledge and experience to navigate the procedures for requesting these documents from the relevant authorities.

How strong is attorney-client privilege?

The privilege protects communications between attorney and client, not underlying information, so providing existing non-privileged information or documents to an attorney does not render them privileged. The privilege is “held” by the client, which means that the client—that is the University—is free to waive it.

What triggers attorney-client privilege?

One federal judge opined that “[t]he privilege applies only if (1) the asserted holder of the privilege is or sought to become a client; (2) the person to whom the communication was made (a) is a member of the bar of a court, or his subordinate and (b) in connection with this communication is acting as a lawyer; (3) ...

What is the garner exception to the attorney-client privilege?

The Garner Fiduciary Exception

Where a fiduciary duty is owed to the shareholder or member, that shareholder or member must show good cause why the attorney-client privilege should not protect those communications from disclosure.

Can a lawyer defend someone they know is lying?

This means, amongst other things, that when representing the defendant, the lawyer must not knowingly lie to the court. Moreover, if a lawyer knows that the defendant (or a witness that they have brought before the court) has been lying to the court, they must go to that person and demand that the truth be told.

Can attorney-client privilege be subpoenaed?

The privilege can be affirmatively raised in the face of a legal demand for the communications, such as a discovery request, during a deposition , or in response to a subpoena . The privilege is not absolute, as there are certain exceptions that may warrant the disclosure of privileged information.

How do lawyers discredit witnesses?

Lawyers may also introduce outside ("extrinsic") evidence that isn't directly related to the case but is relevant to a witness's credibility, such as documents showing the witness's financial interest in the outcome of the case, social media posts showing that the witness is friends with the defendant, or the witness's ...