When must an attorney produce evidence that they or their client has a legal obligation to reveal?

The requirement for an attorney to produce evidence that they or their client has a legal obligation to reveal is grounded in the ethical duty to uphold the law and the legal system's integrity. This obligation exists independently of the attorney's loyalty to their client. An attorney cannot choose to withhold information or evidence merely based on their relationship with the client, particularly when the evidence relates to a legal obligation to disclose.

Under California's professional responsibility rules, attorneys must act in compliance with legal standards, including court orders and rules of evidence. If there is a legal duty to reveal certain evidence—such as when mandated by a court or when disclosure is necessary to prevent a crime—the attorney must comply regardless of their loyalty to the client. This principle ensures that the legal process remains fair and just, and it maintains the attorney's duty to the court and the administration of justice.

In contrast, the other options suggest conditions or circumstances which might lead to the choice of whether or not to disclose evidence, which are not aligned with the ethical requirements that govern an attorney's professional conduct. The correct answer emphasizes that the attorney's duty to disclose is absolute when a legal obligation exists.