Is my Conversation with my Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer Confidential?
It happens all of the time. People from across Minnesota call our offices about hiring us to handle a Minnesota criminal matter. And yet, they hesitate to identify themselves, to tell us where they live or even any information about the possible charges that they are facing. It does make sense. They may never have dealt with Jack Rice Defense before, don’t know him or whether they can trust that he will protect their conversations. Considering they aren’t sure about “anything they say can be used against them in a court of law,” it is understandable. The purpose of this article is to address those concerns and give people who may be charged with criminal offenses here in Minnesota a little more information. For more, contact an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.
“Jack Rice is an internationally known criminal defense lawyer who is seen on TV and media and consults on a lot criminal cases. That being said, when he sits down with a client or potential client, that information stays in that room.”
As a general rule, any communication between a client and their lawyer is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. What this means is that a criminal defense attorney cannot tell that information to anyone without the person’s consent. As importantly, this includes prospective clients. So, even if you have a conversation with a Minnesota criminal defense attorney and choose not to retain them, the conversation that you have is still privileged. Therefore, the lawyer can’t call the police, the papers, put it on the internet or talk to your family about what you said. Of course, there are limitations including future crimes, threats, hiding evidence, etc. but the vast majority of people are concerned about the potential charges that they are facing right now.
The reason this privilege exists is to help provide confidence between a person and the lawyer that information the lawyer receives will be protected and used for very particular purposes. At the same time, it is critical to understand that if you limit the information that you provide to your lawyer, you may put yourself at a distinct disadvantage. Your lawyer should know what is coming at them in court and the last thing you want is to have your lawyer surprised about something that you already knew but decided to withhold. In the end, it cuts both ways.
“While Jack is very public as a criminal defense attorney, know that your conversations are private and are his top priority.”
If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, sit down with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case. That conversation should be privileged and your lawyer should protect that.
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor, a former United States Federal Officer and the Founder of Jack Rice Defense. As importantly, contact St. Paul based Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.