I'm in the middle of a felony jury trial where the defense attorney is criticizing me for not speaking with his client when his client previously tried to contact me about the case while he was not represented by counsel.

I have always believed that I was not allowed (by ethical rules) to speak with an unrepresented felony defendant or a defendant that was represented by counsel without his counsel being aware of the defendant speaking with me.

Anyone know the specific rule???

Thanks!

John

Rules 3.09(b)and 4.03 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct might be what you are looking for.

JAS

3.09 (b) & (c) is what I was thinking about. Thank you!

The right thing and the best thing to tell felony defendants is to hire a lawyer or ask the court to appoint them one.