Guardians of Justice: Mastering Ethical Rules in Criminal Law

1 CLE credit (ethics). Known accreditation in California (pending), Florida, Oregon, and Washington. Check your Bar website or our list: https://www.clecast.net/materials This CLE course explores the critical ethical duties that attorneys must observe when practicing criminal law. Specifically, it gives guidance on maintaining candor towards the tribunal, preserving confidentiality, handling press inquiries, and ensuring fairness when communicating with represented and unrepresented parties. The presentation covers the application of ethical rules in both criminal defense and prosecution. In addition, the presentation features examples of cases that demonstrate the consequences of ethical breaches in criminal law practice, such as In re Antell and People v. Saxon. Model Rules Covered: • Rule 1.1 (Competence) • Rule 1.3 (Diligence) • Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality of Information) • Rule 1.7 (Conflicts of Interest: Current Clients) • Rule 1.9 (Duties to Former Clients) • Rule 3.3 (Candor Toward the Tribunal) • Rule 3.4 (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel) • Rule 3.6 (Trial Publicity) • Rule 3.8 (Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor) • Rule 4.2 (Communication with Represented Persons) • Rule 4.3 (Dealing with Unrepresented Persons) • Rule 8.4 (Misconduct) ABA Formal Ethics Opinions 472, 479, 480 Cases Discussed: • In re Antell (cyberstalking and identity theft by an attorney) • People v. Saxon (violation of an order of protection leading to suspension) • Florida Bar v. Krapacs (social media misconduct) • In re Kane (misrepresentation in the police bureau leading to a public reprimand) By the end of this CLE, attorneys will have a firm understanding of the ethical rules necessary to navigate cases in the criminal justice system with integrity and professionalism.