Feds Raid Lawyers Office Raising Attorney Client Concerns

Only July 28, federal agents raided the office of Ohio attorney George Argie. You would think that they were investigating Mr. Argie, but instead, the agents wanted information on Argie's representation of a client, Steve Pumper. In almost all cases involving the search of a lawyer's office, the target of the investigation is usually the lawyer himself. But not in this case. And this case has raised concerns about the attorney client privilege. There are concerns that this could have a chilling effect on the defense bar. This move by the federal government infringes on the most basic part of legal representation; the attorney-client privilege, the principle that what clients tell their attorney stays secret. It is very extraordinary for authorities to do what they did in this case. The usual standard for obtaining a search warrant is probable cause. But when it comes to raiding a lawyers office, a higher standard is required to be met. Prosecutors need the approval from a very high ranking official of the U.S. Attorney General's office to do something like this. Attorney George Argie has also been served with a Grand Jury Subpoena demanding that he produce documents related to his representation of Steve Pumper. Attorney Argie denies that he is the target of the investigation and maintains that he represented Steve Pumper legally and ethically.

We will keep an eye on this case to see what develops.

For more information about the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders, P.C., visit us at www.thelegaldefenders.com or call us anytime at 1-800-228-7295.