Should You Tell Your Defense Attorney Everything?

a man talking on a cell phone while looking at the camera with a questioning look on his face.When facing criminal proceedings, it can be difficult to know what to share and what not to share with your defense attorney. But your lawyer is here to help and support you. As you move forward with your case, it is important to understand the basics of client-attorney confidentiality as well as when your lawyer may legally refuse to represent you in order for you to make informed decisions that will protect yourself and your rights. This blog post dives into these topics and offers tips for communicating effectively with your lawyer.

Fenton Law Office is a criminal defense law firm in Milwaukee. If you have questions about attorney-client confidentiality or any other topic we discuss in this blog, feel free to give us a call and keep reading to learn more.

The Basics of Client-Attorney Confidentiality

In general, the law requires lawyers to keep all communications from clients confidential unless their client instructs them otherwise. All conversations—including those through phone, email, text messages, letters, or even face-to-face– between an attorney and their client are protected by privilege and cannot be used as evidence against the client in court. Moreover, attorneys are also not allowed to reveal any information about their clients without express permission from said clients.

What Information Should You Share With Your Attorney

It is important to provide your lawyer with accurate information so they can give you comprehensive advice on potential legal strategies that would be beneficial for your case. Additionally, it is also recommended that you share any details or documents related to the matter at hand whether they seem relevant or not since there could be certain clues that would provide insight into your situation which could potentially even lead you towards a favorable outcome in court.

When Can Your Attorney Legally Refuse to Represent You

In certain circumstances, lawyers may legally choose not to represent a client if it is deemed that their interests conflict with the interest of their client or if unethical behavior has been revealed upon disclosing additional information about a case. Furthermore, if an attorney finds themselves unable to carry out their duties due to another obligation such as involvement in the same case from opposing counsel, then they may have no other option but withdraw from representing the said individual.

Tips for Communicating Effectively With Your Lawyer

In order for both parties involved to maintain a healthy relationship during legal proceedings, here are some communication tips:

  • Be clear with what you’re expecting from him/her while being understanding of their professional opinions
  • Try communicating via email so that all correspondence can be kept track of more easily should the need arise
  • Make sure all communication is honest and truthful without omitting any details

What Happens if You Misrepresent Information To Your Lawyer

If an individual misrepresents information or deliberately withholds key facts related to their case then this opens up an ethical dilemma between them and their lawyer since this goes against one’s duty of loyalty outlined within professional ethics codes. In most cases, this would result in the dismissal of an attorney which could jeopardize your case as you work to find other competent legal representation before appearing in court again.

Protecting Yourself And Your Rights Through Effective Legal Counsel

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision that can make or break a case. A skilled and experienced lawyer will help you navigate through the legal system while protecting your rights. They can evaluate the evidence, determine the strength of your case, and provide guidance on how best to proceed. An attorney will also be able to negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf in order to obtain a better outcome than what you would have gotten if you had chosen not to hire counsel. In addition, a criminal defense lawyer may also have access to resources that could prove beneficial for your case, such as specialized investigators and expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf.

Fenton Law Office Milwaukee is an experienced and respected criminal defense firm that focuses on providing the best possible representation for each client. We are familiar with the local court systems and have a deep understanding of criminal law. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience, meaning they can effectively anticipate various strategies and outcomes during plea negotiations or a trial. Additionally, our lawyers prioritize their clients’ rights by providing personalized service and attention to detail throughout the entire process. Click here to browse our website, learn more about our services, and contact us today.


By Attorney Jay Fenton, Owner of Fenton Law Office

Jay Fenton is a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Milwaukee who goes above and beyond for his clients. He has successfully secured favorable outcomes in countless cases, from negotiating plea agreements to filing pre-trial motions and managing complex appeals. Attorney Fenton also has had tremendous success achieving not-guilty verdicts at trial. His dedication and aggressiveness make him one of the best attorneys around.