Stephen Ralls, Esq., Witness-Appellant v. United States

Stephen Ralls, Esq. (“Ralls”), a criminal defense attorney, appeals the district court’s order denying in part his motion to quash a grand jury subpoena which required him to provide information regarding a client/fee-payer. Ralls also appeals from the district court’s order holding him in contempt for failure to provide information pursuant to court orders.

Upon examination of Ralls’ sealed affidavit, we find that the client/fee-payer’s identity and the fee arrangements are inextricably linked to privileged communications and are therefore privileged. Having jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , we reverse the district court’s partial denial of Ralls’ motion to quash the grand jury subpoena, and we order that the subpoena be quashed in its entirety on the basis of attorney-client privilege. Furthermore, we reverse the district court’s order holding Ralls in contempt for failing to comply with the subpoena.

I

Ralls was paid by a client/fee-payer to represent Philip Bonnette (“Bonnette”) at his initial court appearance and at his detention hearing. Bonnette was arrested with another individual named Victor Tarrazon-Orduno (“Tarrazon”) in connection with their attempt to…