LEO: Defense Counsel - Contact With  LE Op. 412

 

Defense Counsel - Contact With Veniremen.

 

May 21, 1981

 

An attorney who conducted a survey to determine if a defendant could

obtain a fair trial and who, during the course of that survey, unknowingly

contacted three persons on the county's current venire list, did not

violate DR:7-107(A) of the Virginia Code of Professional Responsibility.

This disciplinary rule requires that the attorney or his agent know that

the person being contacted is a member of the venire from which the jury

will be selected for the trial of the case. [See also EC:7-29.]

 

Committee Opinion May 21, 1981