Why Using For Legal Advice Can Put Your Case At Risk ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT are increasingly being used to answer questions, write documents, and conduct research. Although these programs are beneficial for use in certain situations, there are significant problems that can emerge when you rely on it for important decisions. Legal matters are complicated and sometimes require timely action, and using artificial intelligence programs to deal with these issues instead of an attorney can only hurt your case. In this article, we’ll discuss several reasons why relying on ChatGPT is a very risky move. 

Lack of attorney-client privilege 

One of the biggest protections available when speaking to a lawyer is attorney-client privilege. This means that, in general, what a person tells their attorney cannot be used against them in court.

Unfortunately, this protection is not available when a person tells an AI system information about their case. When people type in information about their case to ChatGPT, it is not protected by attorney-client privilege. If you search for various ways to get away with murder, the police can use your conversations with ChatGPT against you. 

AI can hallucinate case law 

One of the biggest problems with ChatGPT is that it always has an answer to your query, regardless of whether or not it has the knowledge to provide an answer. In some cases, this leads to fake references. ChatGPT could “hallucinate” or make up fake cases. This can cause serious trouble for your legal action. 

AI cannot provide case-specific legal advice 

With regard to legal issues, nothing is very straightforward. In many instances, the outcome of a case will depend upon particular facts, procedural issues, and applicable laws in a given jurisdiction. For artificial intelligence programs, it is not possible to fully assess the nuances or apply the law to the particular circumstances of an individual’s case.

For example, in many types of legal issues, a minor factual detail can greatly influence the outcome. A failure to recognize a critical procedural step or the applicable law can have serious consequences, including dismissal of the case or loss of critical rights.

In contrast, an experienced attorney can assess the facts, research the applicable law, and develop a case strategy based on the particular circumstances of a client’s case. 

Online searches and AI conversations can become evidence 

Another major concern is that online searches and AI conversations can later become part of the evidence against you in a legal case. Investigators and attorneys sometimes examine a person’s digital activity during litigation or criminal investigations.

In some recent cases, communications with AI tools have been referenced as part of the evidence against defendants. This highlights the potential risks of discussing sensitive legal matters using an AI chatbot. The chatbot does not provide confidentiality protections. 

Talk to a Real Human Attorney Today 

Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC, provides legal advice to our clients without using AI chatbots. We don’t recommend you use them either. Instead, call our Columbus consumer lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your case right away.