In the settlement scenario involving a defendant represented by counsel, what is the ethical conclusion?

In the settlement scenario involving a defendant represented by counsel, what is the ethical conclusion?

• A. It was proper for the investigator to tell the defendant about the offer.
• B. It is permissible to bypass counsel when settlement is desired.
• C. The defendant's counsel must be consulted first before any settlement offer is communicated.
• D. The attorney's conduct was improper because the defendant was represented by counsel.

Answer: (D)