Q: Is counsel obligated to inform law enforcement if client admits to killing someone b4 any official contract is signed.
If in an initial discussion with a dui attorney (before any paperwork or contract is signed between attorney and client), the prospective client admits to hitting and runing over and killing someone who was in the vehicle with her when the incident she got the dui for happened.. is the attorney bound by attorney client privilege yet? Or does that apply until contract is signed?
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A:
Payment has no impact on the Attorney-Client Privilege.
It is the things a potential client or client says to the lawyer when seeking legal advice that is protected. In your situation, you are covered.
The reason is that the system protects the truthful statements of a potential client or client. Regardless of payment or hire . This is so, that solid legal advice can be given in its purest manner.
Keep it to yourself from now on. But it is always good to tell the lawyer.
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