Conversations between the Law Office of John Sharp and its clients are protected by law and by the disciplinary rules to which attorneys are held. No attorney can be compelled to reveal any confidential communications. There are, however, important exceptions to attorney/client privilege:

• Child Abuse. A professional (including your attorney) who has cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused, neglected, or a victim of an offense under section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code, and the professional has cause to believe that the child has been abused as defined by section 261.001 of the Texas Family Code, the professional shall make a report within 48 hours of the first suspicion that the child has been or may be abused, neglected, or a victim of an offense under section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code.
• Lying to the Court. Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct require an Attorney who knows the client has committed a fraud upon the court, such as perjury, to inform the Court of that fraud, attorney-client privilege notwithstanding.
• Future Criminal Acts. Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct require an Attorney who believes the client will commit a criminal or fraudulent act likely to result in death or serious injury to report it.
• Disputes over Representation. Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct permit an Attorney to reveal confidences to the extent necessary to defend himself or herself in disputes with the client over representation.