QUESTION
Should I tell my attorney the truth?
Asked on Mar 13th, 2013 on Criminal Law - North Carolina
More details to this question:
Can he still defend me in court if he knows that I did actually commit the crime? Or will he drop me as a client? The first time I talked to him I told him the "story" and not the truth.
11 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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You should ALWAYS tell your attorney the truth. The last thing that you or your attorney needs is to be surprised at trial by evidence he did not expect. Whether he will "drop you" or not is up to him, but most attorneys will represent you whether you are innocent or guilty.
Answered on Mar 14th, 2013 at 6:44 AM
3 Awards
Always.
Answered on Mar 14th, 2013 at 6:33 AM
William R. Pelger, Attorney Munhall, Pennsylvania 412-461-1900
3 Awards
Yes, you should tell your attorney the truth. He only has a duty to turn you in if you are going to commit a future crime, and he can't let you commit perjury. [ThLF-Email-Sig_final] This email contains PRIVILEGED and CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the recipient named above. The information may be protected by state and federal laws, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which prohibit unauthorized disclosure.
Answered on Mar 14th, 2013 at 6:31 AM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
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Nelson & Lawless
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No one is going to advise you to lie to your attorney. He probably will not ask if you are guilty. Your attorney expects you to tell the truth in response to any question he asks, because he needs to know your version of the story, and how you will testify about the facts and evidence to try to contradict how the prosecutor will present them.
Answered on Mar 14th, 2013 at 6:31 AM
Administrative Law Attorney serving Edmond, OK
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Jencks Law Firm P.L.L.C.
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You should always tell your attorney the truth about the facts of the case. Attorneys defend guilty people all the time. It is the attorneys duty to represent you to the fullest extent of the law and to ensure that you have fair trial under the law, not to judge you him/herself. If the attorney has a personal issue with representing you upon finding out that you are guilty, the attorney can withdraw and refer you to another attorney. Anything you tell your attorney is privileged and protected information unless you threaten to harm another person. Your attorney will be able to give a full defense if he/she knows the full story. Lies will catch up to you when the evidence comes out and you don't want your attorney to be blindsided at trial or in plea negotiations.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:56 PM
The truth should not cause your attorney to drop you as a client. However, telling him or her that you actually committed the crime may limit your defense. For example, if you tell your attorney, I did it, I stole the diamonds! then your attorney is limited to that story if you decide to testify. So if you take the stand and testify in your own behalf that your have never seen a diamond before, then your attorney cant ask you questions. This is an ethical attorney issue. So be honest, but be careful.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:55 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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Yes, you should tell your attorney the truth. The problem with stories is that they usually have holes in them. I have never heard of an attorney dropping a client because they found out he or she "did it". A defense attorney's job is to ensure that you are treated fairly by the judicial system. The question of whether or not you "did it" rarely crosses a defense attorney's mind. It's all about what can be proven.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:55 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Fremont, CA
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Steven J. Alpers, A Professional Corporation
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Tell him or her the truth. If it comes out in court you will suffer not your attorney. If he knows the truth then you may be able to work out a deal.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:55 PM
1 Award
Yes, you can tell him the truth. Depending on your lawyer, that may or may not help him because it may limit his ability to put you on the stand, but on the other hand it may give him a clearer picture of what happened and therefore be in a better position to know where the holes in the prosecution's case will be. A defense lawyer is not ethically allowed to drop a client simply because he believes the client is guilty.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 3:55 PM
Estate Planning Attorney serving Provo, UT
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Randy M. Lish, Attorney at Law
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Your attorney cannot be required to disclose anything you say to him, so you can speak freely without fear of repercussion.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Chapel Hill, NC
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The Law Office of Lynn Norton-Ramirez, PLLC
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You should tell the lawyer the truth. A lawyer has a duty to ensure that there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt regardless of whether you admit guilt or not.
Answered on Mar 13th, 2013 at 11:02 AM