Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Attorney Client Privilege

If a client tells his lawyer he committed a crime, whatever crime you want...stealing, murder, fraud etc. Is the lawyer bound to secrecy like a priest? If yes how long is he bound to secrecy?


Asked on 3/12/09, 4:43 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Attorney Client Privilege

What you tell your lawyer about what you did in thel past is confidential FOREVER. He can not talk about it to anyone. On the other hand, if you tell your lawyer you are going to murder someone in the future, he is required to immediately report this to the police.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 3/12/09, 4:47 pm
Barry Kozyra Kozyra & Hartz, LLC

Re: Attorney Client Privilege

A lawyer's oath to keep his clients' confidences is forever and continues even after death. Lawyers have gone to jail to protect client confidences.

However, the lawyer is bound to reveal a confidence if the client is about to commit a crime - including the cover up of crime.

Disclaimer: Your question and any response given are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The response given is not intended to be relied upon by you or anyone else as it is based only on the limited information which you have provided. Other information is needed before advice can be given including facts which you have not supplied which may change the response to your question. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to assess your legal rights so as not to prejudice yourself.

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Answered on 3/12/09, 5:18 pm


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