LEO: Threatening Criminal Prosecution — Civil, LE Op. 715

 

    Threatening Criminal Prosecution — Civil Matter.

 

    August 30, 1985

 

    It is unethical for a lawyer to threaten to present criminal charges solely to obtain an advantage in a civil matter. Accordingly, if counsel alludes to possible criminal prosecution when corresponding with a debtor for the sole purpose of advancing his client's civil claim, such conduct is unethical. [See: DR:7-104]

 

    Committee Opinion August 30, 1985

 

    CROSS REFERENCES

 

    See also LE Op. 1388

 

LEO: Threatening Criminal Prosecution - Civil, LE Op. 715 (1985)