Asking A Lawyer About Possible Charges, and Confidentiality

[RegisteredGuest]

If I asked my lawyer about what kind of charges I could be looking at for doing something then could he tell the police or is that confidential? I know that what you talk to him about in regards to your past is confidential but are future plans as well?

[aaron]

What do you imagine that your lawyer is going to tell the police?

[RegisteredGuest]

I want to ask his advice on a large crime that will be taking place in the future and would like to know if I am protected by the confidentiality between me and him so that it will not be taken to the police. I just want the legal answer for this please. I did not coming here asking people my opinion on if what I do is right or wrong, I am simply asking for a legal answer.

[aardvarc]

The short answer: no, thanks to the crime-fraud exception to privilege.

(Assuming the attorney doesn't want to be named as an accomplice - AND -
the crime-fraud exception also does not require that the crime be completed to be triggered.)

See Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1, 15 (1933)