These summaries were prepared by McGuireWoods LLP lawyer Thomas E. Spahn. They are based on the letter opinions issued by the Virginia State Bar. Any editorial comments reflect Mr. Spahn's current personal views, and not the opinions of the Virginia State Bar, McGuireWoods or its clients. 
 
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17-Fraud on the Tribunal
A client admitted to a lawyer that the client was using a false identity when charged with DUI. If the client had been arraigned under a false name, or the client's lawyer had responded falsely regarding the name, then the client has committed fraud on the court. If so, the lawyer must first request that the client tell the court the true name and then (if the client refuses to do so) reveal the fraud to the court. The Bar indicates that "it would be improper to permit him to perpetrate a fraud on the court or to assist him in such perpetration."

Copyright 2000, Thomas E. Spahn