Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Alcoholic Anonymous and testimony

Can a person from a murder suspect's

AA chapter be made to testify

(prosecution or defense) as to

comments that suspect made in an AA

meeting?


Asked on 12/02/08, 11:20 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: Alcoholic Anonymous and testimony

Clergy privilege should be alleged, whether or it is successfull will depend upon the completeness of the motions and current law. Contact me directly.

Read more
Answered on 12/03/08, 8:07 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Alcoholic Anonymous and testimony

It's an unsettled area of the law. Efforts have been made to pass a law on the subject. In the meantime, look up Farrell L. v. Superior Court, 203 Cal.App.3d 521, in which the psychotherapist-patient privilege was held to apply to "group therapy" sessions.

Read more
Answered on 12/02/08, 11:29 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Alcoholic Anonymous and testimony

Yes, the witness can be compelled to testify if they are under legally valid subpoena. If the person does not want to testify, he/she should contact a lawyer to explore options whether there are legal grounds for that person to refuse.

Hope this helps,

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

Read more
Answered on 12/03/08, 12:03 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California