Advisory Opinion: 1388

Year Issued: 1991

RPC(s): RPC 1.6

Subject: Client confidence or secret; duty to advise court that client is violating court order

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning whether a lawyer has an obligation to advise the court that a criminal defendant is violating the conditions of a court order releasing the client from custody. The Committee was of the opinion, with one dissent, that the lawyer could not disclose such information except in compliance with RPC 1.6.

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.