Washington v. Olwell
Washington Supreme Court
394 P.2d 681 (1964)
Relevant factsFree
After Gray retained Olwell (defendant) for a homicide defense and, during a jailhouse conference, Olwell came into possession of a knife potentially used in the killing, a coroner's inquest subpoenaed Olwell for any such knife; Olwell refused, citing privilege, and was held in contempt and ordered jailed. He appealed.
IssueFree
Whether, based on attorney-client privilege, an attorney may refuse for a reasonable time to turn over potential evidence of a crime obtained directly from his client during representation.