Rule 25.19 Misdemeanors or Felonies - Investigations Not To Be Impeded

Lawyers on both sides of a criminal case need to let each other investigate freely. This means a prosecutor's team can't tell witnesses to avoid talking to the defense, and defense lawyers can't tell witnesses to avoid talking to the prosecutor. Neither side is allowed to block the other side from gathering facts and talking to people who know something about the case.

There's one exception to this. Defense lawyers can still tell their own client, the defendant, not to discuss the case with other people. That advice is normal and expected, since defendants have the right to stay quiet and protect themselves.

A judge can also change these rules by issuing a protective order. If that happens, the protective order's terms control instead of this general rule. The main point is to keep both sides honest by making sure witnesses and evidence stay open to everyone investigating the case, not just one side.