In which situation is it NOT acceptable to release confidential information without prior consent from the client?

• A. when law enforcement officials request information in writing
• B. when the client provides written consent
• C. when there is a court order
• D. in emergencies involving imminent danger to others

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality holds unless a valid legal or ethical exception applies. A written request from law enforcement does not automatically authorize disclosure. You must have a proper legal basis, such as a subpoena or court order, or another statutory exception, before releasing confidential information. Without that, sharing data would violate client confidentiality.

In contrast, having the client's written consent explicitly permits disclosure, a court order legally requires you to disclose, and emergencies involving imminent danger to others justify brief disclosures to prevent harm. So the situation that is not acceptable to release without prior client consent is the scenario where law enforcement asks in writing, because you need a clear legal authority beyond a simple written request.