Your conversations with your attorney are confidential.
Everything you tell your attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege. This means your attorney cannot be forced to share your communications with anyone — not the government, not the court, not family members.
What Attorney-Client Privilege Means for You
Attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most fundamental protections in the legal system. When you speak with your attorney about your case, those communications are legally protected and cannot be disclosed without your consent.
This privilege covers all communications between you and your attorney related to your legal representation — whether spoken in person, over the phone, or in writing.
Why Honesty Matters
It is critical that you are completely honest with your attorney, even about facts that may be embarrassing or seem harmful to your case. Your attorney needs all the information to provide you with the best defense possible. Withholding information can seriously hurt your case.
Your attorney is ethically bound to maintain your confidences. They are your advocate — the one person in the criminal justice system whose sole obligation is to protect your interests.
Remember:
- Your attorney works for you — not the government, not the court
- Everything you tell your attorney is confidential
- Complete honesty helps your attorney build the strongest defense
- Withholding information can harm your case
- Privilege applies to phone calls, meetings, and written communications