It is easy to fill alone when facing criminal charges in Irvine. You may feel that even those closest to you (despite their belief in both you and your innocence) might choose to distance themselves from you for fear of whatever implications may arise from your association. This solitude is no doubt compounded by the potential penalties you could be facing. For this reason, having an attorney on your side might be vital, as he or she can serve as both your advocate and confidant.
The legal system recognizes this, and thus encourages you to be completely open with your attorney. This might require you to share information that is both embarrassing as well as hurtful to others. Your reluctance to do so may be understandable, which is why the principle of attorney-client privilege exists. Per the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, your attorney is prohibited to share any information related to your representation. Such information includes both disclosures that you make, as well as anything offered to him or her by third parties that relates to your defense. Your attorney’s obligation to keep your information confidential continues even beyond the conclusion of your case.
An important fact to remember related to attorney-client privilege is that it only applies to communications to or from your attorney that are meant to be confidential. For example, if you send an email, memo, text or other form of interpersonal communication that might be seen by others, you could potentially be waiving attorney-client privilege. It should also be noted that information shared in confidence with your attorney might be used against you if it also surfaces from another source.