crime-fraud exception (Colorado) · Go Syfert
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crime-fraud exception in Colorado

6 Colorado opinions name it 2 courts 1982–2018 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Colorado courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (15)

CaseFollowedCited
A,B,C,D,E,F,G, & H v. District Court of the Second Judicial Districtgreen
colo · 1976 · cited in 3 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–2018
2 sentences

2018The crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege "provides that communications between a client and his attorney will not be privileged if they are made for the purpose of aiding the commission of a future crime or of a present continuing crime." Id. at 324.

2018But we have not yet specified the exact quantum of proof required to meet that burden. ¶26 Over forty years ago, in A v. District Court , this court established that a trial court may strip a document of its privilege and admit it into evidence when there is a "prima facie showing" that the crime-fraud exception applies to the document. 550 P.2d at 326 .

23
Law Offices of Bernard D. Morley, P. C. v. MacFarlanegreen
colo · 1982 · cited in 3 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1987–2009
2 sentences

1987An analogous example of conflicting social policies is the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege, which provides that “communications between a client and his attorney are not privileged if they are made for the purpose of aiding the commission of a future crime or of a present continuing crime.” Id.

1987An analogous example of conflicting social policies is the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege, which provides that "communications between a client and his attorney are not privileged if they are made for the purpose of aiding the commission of a future crime or of a present continuing crime." Id.

23
In Re Richard Roe, Inc., and John Doe, Inc. United States of America v. Richard Roe, Inc., Richard Roe, John Doe, Inc., and John Doegreen
ca2 · 1995 · cited in 2 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2009–2018
2 sentences

2018See, e.g. , In re Richard Roe, Inc. , 68 F.3d 38 , 40 (2d Cir. 1995) ("We have recently reiterated that a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception must at least demonstrate that there is probable cause to believe that a crime or fraud has been attempted or committed and that the communications were in furtherance thereof." (emphasis added)); In re Antitrust Grand Jury , 805 F.2d 155 , 165-66 (6th Cir. 1986) ("We are persuaded by the Second Circuit's [probable cause standard] and adopt it as our evidentiary standard of a prima facie showing."). ¶32 Of course, this probable cause requir

2018See, e.g. , In re Richard Roe, Inc. , 68 F.3d 38 , 40 (2d Cir. 1995) ("We have recently reiterated that a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception must at least demonstrate that there is probable cause to believe that a crime or fraud has been attempted or committed and that the communications were in furtherance thereof." (emphasis added)); In re Antitrust Grand Jury , 805 F.2d 155 , 165-66 (6th Cir. 1986) ("We are persuaded by the Second Circuit's [probable cause standard] and adopt it as our evidentiary standard of a prima facie showing."). ¶32 Of course, this probable cause requir

22
Caldwell v. DIST. CT. IN AND FOR CITY, ETC.green
colo · 1982 · cited in 2 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–2018
2 sentences

2018Caldwell , 644 P.2d at 33 . ¶25 The party seeking to overcome the attorney-client privilege has the burden of establishing that the crime-fraud exception applies.

2018Therefore, we essentially created a two-step process for determining if the crime-fraud exception applies: *60 first, there must be some threshold showing before a trial court can order a document produced for in camera inspection; and second, a prima facie showing must be made before the court can ultimately conclude that the crime-fraud exception applies. ¶28 We elaborated on the first step in Caldwell v. District Court , explaining that before the trial court can order the production of documents for an in camera review, it should "require a showing of a factual basis adequate to support a

22
United States v. Zolingreen
scotus · 1989 · cited in 2 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2005–2018
2 sentences

2018Therefore, we essentially created a two-step process for determining if the crime-fraud exception applies: *60 first, there must be some threshold showing before a trial court can order a document produced for in camera inspection; and second, a prima facie showing must be made before the court can ultimately conclude that the crime-fraud exception applies. ¶28 We elaborated on the first step in Caldwell v. District Court , explaining that before the trial court can order the production of documents for an in camera review, it should "require a showing of a factual basis adequate to support a

2018Therefore, we essentially created a two-step process for determining if the crime-fraud exception applies: *60 first, there must be some threshold showing before a trial court can order a document produced for in camera inspection; and second, a prima facie showing must be made before the court can ultimately conclude that the crime-fraud exception applies. ¶28 We elaborated on the first step in Caldwell v. District Court , explaining that before the trial court can order the production of documents for an in camera review, it should "require a showing of a factual basis adequate to support a

12
In Re Grand Jury Proceedingsgreen
ca1 · 2005 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018See, e.g. , In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 417 F.3d 18 , 23 (1st Cir. 2005) (adopting the "reasonable cause" standard, which requires a "reasonable basis to believe that the lawyer's services were used by the client to foster a crime or fraud" in order to overcome the privilege); United States v. Martin , 278 F.3d 988 , 1001 (9th Cir. 2002) ("The [crime-fraud] exception applies only when there is 'reasonable cause to believe that the attorney's services were utilized in furtherance of the ongoing unlawful scheme.' " (quoting In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 87 F.3d 377 , 381 (9th Cir. 1996) ));

11
In Re Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum Dated September 15, 1983 Marc Rich & Co. A.G., Intervenor-Appellant v. United Statesgreen
ca2 · 1984 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018See In re Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum Dated Sept. 15, 1983 , 731 F.2d 1032 , 1039 (2d Cir. 1984).

2018Id.

11
In Re Antitrust Grand Jurygreen
ca6 · 1986 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018See, e.g. , In re Richard Roe, Inc. , 68 F.3d 38 , 40 (2d Cir. 1995) ("We have recently reiterated that a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception must at least demonstrate that there is probable cause to believe that a crime or fraud has been attempted or committed and that the communications were in furtherance thereof." (emphasis added)); In re Antitrust Grand Jury , 805 F.2d 155 , 165-66 (6th Cir. 1986) ("We are persuaded by the Second Circuit's [probable cause standard] and adopt it as our evidentiary standard of a prima facie showing."). ¶32 Of course, this probable cause requir

2018In re Antitrust Grand Jury , 805 F.2d at 168 (noting in camera review of documents "could have assisted the court in determining whether" probable cause existed to apply the crime-fraud exception).

11
In Re: Grand Jury v.green
ca3 · 2012 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018See, e.g. , In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 417 F.3d 18 , 23 (1st Cir. 2005) (adopting the "reasonable cause" standard, which requires a "reasonable basis to believe that the lawyer's services were used by the client to foster a crime or fraud" in order to overcome the privilege); United States v. Martin , 278 F.3d 988 , 1001 (9th Cir. 2002) ("The [crime-fraud] exception applies only when there is 'reasonable cause to believe that the attorney's services were utilized in furtherance of the ongoing unlawful scheme.' " (quoting In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 87 F.3d 377 , 381 (9th Cir. 1996) ));

11
People v. Tuckergreen
coloctapp · 2009 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018There, the division noted that other jurisdictions have held that "the party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception must at least demonstrate probable cause to believe that a crime or fraud has been attempted or committed and that the communication was in furtherance thereof." Id. at 200 (emphasis added). ¶31 This standard has been adopted by a handful of the federal circuit courts of appeals.

11
In the Matter of Grand Jury Empanelled February 14, 1978. Appeal of Nathan Markowitzgreen
ca3 · 1979 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Empanelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where "the underlying facts demonstrat

11
In the Matter of Carl Walsh, a Witness Before the Special September 1978 Grand Jury. Appeal of United States of Americagreen
ca7 · 1980 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Empanelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where "the underlying facts demonstrat

11
In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term. Harvey W. Thompson, Secretary, Phillips Petroleum Company and Phillips Petroleum Company v. United Statesgreen
ca10 · 1976 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982See In re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (1976).

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

11
Speirs v. Bank of Nevadagreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Empanelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where "the underlying facts demonstrat

11
Southern Pacific Transportation Co. v. Evansgreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 1 Colorado opinions naming this issue, 1982–1982
2 sentences

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

1982Compare In Re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976) (no adversary hearing required on question of whether claim of privilege precludes grand jury examination of subpoenaed documents) with In Matter of Grand Jury Em-panelled February 14, 1978, 603 F.2d 469 (3d Cir. 1979) (attorney permitted to testify in camera on facts establishing privilege under judicially-created use immunity) and In Matter of Walsh, 623 F.2d 489 (7th Cir. 1980) cert. denied 449 U.S. 994 , 101 S.Ct. 531 , 66 L.Ed.2d 291 (1980) (court approved in camera proceeding where “the underlying facts demonstra

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Colorado. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (9)

CaseCitedYears
Dunaway v. New York green
scotus · 1979
2 sentences

2018Further, because the probable cause standard is familiar, cf. People v. Hearty , 644 P.2d 302 , 309 (Colo. 1982) (referring to the "familiar threshold standard of probable cause" in the context of a seizure (quoting Dunaway v. New York , 442 U.S. 200 , 213, 99 S.Ct. 2248 , 60 L.Ed.2d 824 (1979) )), it should prove workable. ¶37 Thus, a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception and defeat the attorney-client privilege in Colorado must do so as follows.

2018Further, because the probable cause standard is familiar, cf. People v. Hearty , 644 P.2d 302 , 309 (Colo. 1982) (referring to the "familiar threshold standard of probable cause" in the context of a seizure (quoting Dunaway v. New York , 442 U.S. 200 , 213, 99 S.Ct. 2248 , 60 L.Ed.2d 824 (1979) )), it should prove workable. ¶37 Thus, a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception and defeat the attorney-client privilege in Colorado must do so as follows.

12018–2018
In Re Grand Jury Proceedings. Appeal of the Corporation green
ca9 · 1996
1 sentence

2018See, e.g. , In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 417 F.3d 18 , 23 (1st Cir. 2005) (adopting the "reasonable cause" standard, which requires a "reasonable basis to believe that the lawyer's services were used by the client to foster a crime or fraud" in order to overcome the privilege); United States v. Martin , 278 F.3d 988 , 1001 (9th Cir. 2002) ("The [crime-fraud] exception applies only when there is 'reasonable cause to believe that the attorney's services were utilized in furtherance of the ongoing unlawful scheme.' " (quoting In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 87 F.3d 377 , 381 (9th Cir. 1996) ));

12018–2018
Pr v. District Court for County of Denver green
colo · 1981
2 sentences

2018Because this hearing is now a hearing under section 102(9), and because this hearing necessarily involves the disclosure of wiretap information to establish the applicability of the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege, the broad and undifferentiated disclosure mandate in section 102(9) applies. ¶65 The majority holds that the present hearing is a section 102(9) hearing by way of strained analogy to this court’s decision in P.R. v. District Court, 637 P.2d 346 (Colo. 5 1981), where this court held that a contempt proceeding for a recalcitrant grand jury witness was sufficiently d

2018Because this hearing is now a hearing under section 102(9), and because this hearing necessarily involves the disclosure of wiretap information to establish the applicability of the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege, the broad and undifferentiated disclosure mandate in section 102(9) applies. ¶65 The majority holds that the present hearing is a section 102(9) hearing by way of strained analogy to this court's decision in P.R. v. District Court , 637 P.2d 346 (Colo. 1981), where this court held that a contempt proceeding for a recalcitrant grand jury witness was sufficiently di

12018–2018
United States of America, Plaintiff-Appellee-Cross-Appellant v. Curtis R. Martin, Jr., Defendant-Appellant-Cross-Appellee green
ca9 · 2002
1 sentence

2018See, e.g. , In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 417 F.3d 18 , 23 (1st Cir. 2005) (adopting the "reasonable cause" standard, which requires a "reasonable basis to believe that the lawyer's services were used by the client to foster a crime or fraud" in order to overcome the privilege); United States v. Martin , 278 F.3d 988 , 1001 (9th Cir. 2002) ("The [crime-fraud] exception applies only when there is 'reasonable cause to believe that the attorney's services were utilized in furtherance of the ongoing unlawful scheme.' " (quoting In re Grand Jury Proceedings , 87 F.3d 377 , 381 (9th Cir. 1996) ));

12018–2018
People v. Hearty green
colo · 1982
1 sentence

2018Further, because the probable cause standard is familiar, cf. People v. Hearty , 644 P.2d 302 , 309 (Colo. 1982) (referring to the "familiar threshold standard of probable cause" in the context of a seizure (quoting Dunaway v. New York , 442 U.S. 200 , 213, 99 S.Ct. 2248 , 60 L.Ed.2d 824 (1979) )), it should prove workable. ¶37 Thus, a party seeking to invoke the crime-fraud exception and defeat the attorney-client privilege in Colorado must do so as follows.

12018–2018
Pignatiello v. DISTRICT COURT IN & FOR SEC. JUD. green
colo · 1983
1 sentence

2018Moreover, the subpoena covered communications that occurred even after police seizures had effectively shuttered the allegedly illegal activity, and thus after the crime or fraud upon which the court based its ruling. ¶41 In making this blanket ruling, the court relied on Pignatiello v. District Court , 659 P.2d 683 (Colo. 1983).

12018–2018
People v. Board green
coloctapp · 1982
1 sentence

2009Board, 656 P.2d at 714 .

12009–2009
Clark v. United States green
scotus · 1933
2 sentences

1982The criminal purpose exception to the privilege grows out of a competing value of our society which is manifested in the rule that ‘the public has the right to every man’s evidence, particularly in grand jury proceedings.’ ” ****** “We recognize that before the privilege can be ‘driven away’ there must be ‘something to give colour to the charge.’ The ‘prima facie evidence’ mentioned in Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1 , 53 S.Ct. 465 , 77 L.Ed. 993 (1932), is not tantamount to proof of a prima facie case.

1982The criminal purpose exception to the privilege grows out of a competing value of our society which is manifested in the rule that ‘the public has the right to every man’s evidence, particularly in grand jury proceedings.’ ” ****** “We recognize that before the privilege can be ‘driven away’ there must be ‘something to give colour to the charge.’ The ‘prima facie evidence’ mentioned in Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1 , 53 S.Ct. 465 , 77 L.Ed. 993 (1932), is not tantamount to proof of a prima facie case.

11982–1982
Webb v. State green
alaska · 1978
1 sentence

1982Caldwell v. District Court, Colo., 644 P.2d 26 (1982); A. v. District Court, supra ; Losavio v. District Court, supra . *1221 See also In re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734 (10th Cir. 1976); Webb v. State, 580 P.2d 295 (Alaska 1978).

11982–1982

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CO § Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-90-107 (5)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 29 (1991–2024) NY 26 (1988–2025) IL 19 (1984–2025) CA 18 (1988–2026) OH 16 (1998–2020) PA 16 (1991–2026) FL 15 (1997–2022) AZ 11 (1994–2025) MA 9 (1997–2024) WV 7 (1995–2022) MI 6 (1993–2024) GA 6 (2009–2017) CO 6 (1982–2018) MS 6 (1999–2014) OR 6 (1997–2016) NJ 6 (2013–2022) NC 6 (2003–2022) MD 5 (2003–2011) DE 5 (2005–2023) ME 4 (2009–2016) CT 4 (1994–2005) DC 4 (1992–2025) VA 4 (1993–2011) IN 4 (1999–2023) MO 3 (1993–2021) MN 3 (1991–2016) NV 3 (2022–2022) HI 3 (2002–2009) WA 2 (2003–2003) IA 2 (2022–2023) AK 2 (1990–2021) VT 2 (1991–2019) KS 2 (1999–2017) UT 2 (2023–2023)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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