San Diego Lawyer Jessica McElfresh Appears In Court, City D.A. Challenges Central Legal Tenet Of Attorney – Client Privilege

The Voice of  San Diego has published a must read article for all lawyers practicing in cities with over zealous DA’s.

The article details how many attorneys in Southern California, and beyond, are worried where this case is heading as the core principle of attorney-client privilege is  firmly in the headlights.

The Voice of San Diego reportsOn July 7, dozens of attorneys filled the seats of a small San Diego courtroom. The attorneys were attending a hearing for one of their own, Jessica McElfresh, a San Diego lawyer experienced in cannabis law.

McElfresh is facing multiple felony charges.

What drew most attorneys to court that day was something they consider sacred: the attorney-client privilege of McElfresh and her past clients was at risk. Prosecutors wanted to look through all of her records, not just the ones pertaining to the charges she was fighting. Prosecutors and the defense have agreed on a method that would protect the confidentiality of McElfresh and her clients, though Judge Laura Halgren has only dubbed the agreement a “starting point.” A lot of lawyers remain concerned about the direction of the case.

The prosecution comes at a time of increased uncertainty over how law enforcement will treat the marijuana industry in San Diego – and it’s being taken by some as a sign that it will not be permissive.

FULL ARTICLE AT
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/san-diego-das-prosecution-of-pot-attorney-has-sent-chills-through-the-legal-community/

JESSICA MCELFRESH BIOGRAPHY

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