Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Washington

Confidential Report to a police agency

I sent a confidential e-mail to a police detective naming a relative who committed a crime. It resulted in the conviction of this person. I was promised by the police officer my e-mail would be kept strictly confidential, which I also stated in my e-mail. Just before the trial the defense lawyer received a copy of my e-mail from the police department. What is the legal responsiabilty of the police dept to have kept this confidential as promised.


Asked on 7/23/02, 1:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Confidential Report to a police agency

In your case there was nothing they could have done. The defense is absolutely entitled to any document which will prove or disprove any element of the crime charged. It is called 'discovery,' and is required by the Rules of the Court.

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Answered on 7/23/02, 10:51 am


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