Subject of the day: Avoiding Irritable Momma Syndrome.
I just received a heap of verbal abuse from a client's irate mother. The client, who is a college student and is charged with Minor Driving Under the Influence, came into our office on this own and hired us on his own. When the client retained us, he did not specifically give us permission to speak with others about the case. Now mom and dad are upset because my office won't discuss the case with them. Keep this in mind: even though the charge may be "minor" driving under the influence, the client is an adult, and we are required to treat him like one.
That means, under the rules of professional responsibility and confidentiality that we have to live by, we can't discuss the case with others, even relatives, unless the client gives us permission. Beyond that, it's also just a simple matter of respect to the client as an adult. In addition, many of our client's don't want their relatives (parents included) to even know that they have a criminal case. And as I have had to explain to many a mom, no, it doesn't matter who really "paid" the bill. We only have one client -- that's the guy who's charged, and that's who we listen to. When you hire us, be crystal clear. If you want us to discuss the case with other people, let us know.