idaho what to do if you can't contact your attorney

by Madge Morar 6 min read

WARNING: These instructions are not a substitute for legal advice. The laws and court rules are complex and following these instructions will not guarantee you a favorable result. We always recommend you talk to a lawyer about your problem before filing your paperwork. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney to represent you, you may be able to pay a lawyer to give you advice and review your paperwork for a lesser cost. Contact the Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (208-334-4500) for the name of an attorney in your area who will provide an initial half-hour consultation for $35. Contact the Court Assistance Office for information about resources for low-income people, or visit the Idaho Supreme Court’s Self-

Full Answer

Is there a do not call registry in Idaho?

Do Not Call Registry. Under Idaho law, it is unlawful for telephone solicitors to call Idaho phone numbers registered on the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry.

Does the Idaho Attorney General have the authority to investigate?

However, Idaho Code § 31-2002 gives the Attorney General the authority to investigate alleged violations of state criminal law by elected county officials and who are acting in their official capacity. A complaint must meet all three of these criteria for the Office of the Attorney General to investigate.

Are complaints public record in Idaho?

Your complaint form and all supporting documents are public records and available upon request to the public and media under Idaho’s Public Records Act. We also share our complaints with other law enforcement agencies.

What are the Idaho rules of Professional Conduct?

The Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct are the rules governing the professional conduct of all attorneys in the State of Idaho. You can view them by clicking: Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct.

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What to do if your lawyer is not communicating with you?

If you have called your attorney, left messages, sent emails, and you still haven't heard a response, the best course of action is to send a certified letter to his or her office questioning the failure to communicate and informing them that you are prepared to find a new lawyer if the situation does not improve.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in Idaho?

Please contact our office for more information on this procedure or request these forms on our website: www.isb.idaho.gov. submit a typed complaint attached to the Complaint Form Cover Sheet. For more information concerning the Idaho State Bar visit our website at: www.isb.idaho.gov.

How do I contact the Attorney General in Idaho?

The Office of the Attorney General welcomes your feedback and provides multiple ways to share your input. Please make a selection from the menu below. Questions and comments can be emailed to [email protected]. You can also reach us by phone at 208-334-2400.

Does Idaho have legal aid?

Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc. assists low-income and senior (age 60 and older) Idahoans with civil legal issues. Our offices cannot assist with criminal matters.

How do I file a complaint against a prosecuting attorney in Arkansas?

Where can I file a complaint against an attorney or judge? Complaints against attorneys may be filed with the Arkansas Judiciary's Office of the Committee on Professional Conduct. Grievance forms are also available on the Arkansas Judiciary website. The office can be reached by calling (501) 376-0313.

How do I file a complaint against a district attorney in Georgia?

If you have a consumer complaint, please contact our Consumer Protection Division at (404) 651-8600 or (800) 869-1123 toll free outside Metro Atlanta. You may also file a consumer complaint online.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What is the main purpose of the attorney general?

Attorneys general are the top legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and act as the “People's Lawyer” for the citizens. Most are elected, though a few are appointed by the governor.

Who is the attorney general for the state of Idaho?

Lawrence Wasden (Republican Party)Idaho / Attorney generalLawrence Garth Wasden is an American attorney and politician serving as the attorney general of Idaho. First elected in 2003, he is the longest-serving attorney general in Idaho history. Wikipedia

What is the Idaho State Bar?

The Idaho State Bar is the administrative agency of the judicial branch of the State of Idaho. The membership of the Idaho State Bar consists of all attorneys licensed to practice law in Idaho. Bar Counsel is the disciplinary counsel for the Idaho State Bar.

How to file a grievance against an attorney?

A grievance against an attorney must be submitted in writing unless prior approval is received in special circumstances. The Grievance Form Packet is available in PDF format. If you are unable to open and print the PDF version, contact Bar Counsel’s Office to request a copy by mail. Complete and return the form with a written, detailed explanation of the reasons you are filing the grievance against the attorney. Include as much factual data as possible (dates, names, phone numbers, amounts of money involved, etc.). If possible, organize the information in chronological order. The grievance must be signed by you. Attach copies of any documents which will help explain the grievance; do NOT send any original documents. If more information is needed for our investigation, we will contact you.

What happens if there is no violation of the Rules?

If the investigation establishes that there have been no violations of the Rules or if there is insufficient evidence to prove that a violation has occurred, the grievance will be dismissed and you will be informed of the reasons for dismissal by letter.

What happens if an attorney receives private discipline?

If the attorney receives private discipline, you will be informed of the sanction in writing — information concerning private discipline is not released to the public by Bar Counsel’s Office. Grievances resulting in formal charges can involve sanctions ranging from public reprimand to disbarment.

What happens after an initial investigation of a grievance?

After an initial investigation of your grievance, you will receive a letter from Bar Counsel’s Office informing you that: (1) there was no clear and convincing evidence of unprofessional conduct; (2) more information is needed; or (3) additional investigation is being conducted as to possible violations.

How long does it take to get a decision in a grievance?

Each case varies according to its complexity; a typical case takes approximately three to four months before a decision is reached. Cases that are more complex or involve the filing of formal charges will take longer. We make every effort to ensure that the disposition of each grievance is handled as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Does the Idaho State Bar have jurisdiction over malpractice cases?

No. The Idaho State Bar only has jurisdiction over violations of the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct . We do not handle allegations of legal malpractice. If you feel that you have been monetarily damaged by your attorney’s actions or if you feel you may have some legal recourse, you should consider discussing the matter with private legal counsel.

Who can be investigated in Idaho?

Who can be investigated? Idaho Code § 31-2002 applies to allegations involving "a county officer occupying an elective office." This includes only the following officers: (1) County Commissioners; (2) County Prosecutor; (3) County Sheriff; (4) County Clerk; (5) County Assessor; (6) County Treasurer; and (7) County Coroner. It does not include deputies or any other county, state or municipal employee.

What is the authority of the Attorney General of Idaho?

However, Idaho Code § 31-2002 gives the Attorney General the authority to investigate alleged violations of state criminal law by elected county officials and who are acting in their official capacity. A complaint must meet all three of these criteria for the Office of the Attorney General to investigate.

How to contact Consumer Protection?

If you want to report a problem with a business, telephone solicitor or charitable entity instead, please submit a Complaint Form or call our office at 208-334–2424, or toll–free at 800-432–3545.

What is the Idaho Consumer Protection Act?

The Idaho Consumer Protection Act prohibits commercial sellers from engaging in unfair competition and unfair and deceptive business practices in trade and commerce. The Attorney General enforces the Act and may file civil actions on behalf of the State of Idaho in situations of statewide significance.

What to do if you have a legal emergency?

If you have a legal emergency, you should contact a private attorney. Your complaint form and any supporting documents you provide are public records. Do not send us original documents or documents that show personal identifying information (SSN, DOB, driver’s license number, and bank account numbers).

What is an official capacity in Idaho?

A county officer acts in his/her "official capacity" when the action takes place "while the officer is working or claims to be working on behalf of his employer at his workplace or elsewhere, while the officer is at his workplace whether or not he is working at the time, involves the use of public property or equipment of any kind or involves the expenditure of public funds." Idaho Code § 31-2002 (5).

What to do if you believe a violation of the law has occurred that does not meet all three of these criteria?

If you believe a violation of the law has occurred that does not meet all three of these criteria, you should report it to your local law enforcement authorities.

Who investigates unauthorized practice of law in Idaho?

Pursuant to Section VIII of the Idaho Bar Commission Rules, 800 et seq., Bar Counsel has the authority to investigate complaints of unauthorized practice of law under the direction of the Standing Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law.

What is unauthorized practice of law?

Under I.B.C.R. 801 (i), the unauthorized practice of law is the practice of law without being duly qualified to do so, as prohibited by statute, court rule, or case law of the State of Idaho.

What is a no contact order?

A "No Contact Order" is put in place when someone is charged with a crime, it prevents the Defendant from having contact with any of the alleged victims of the crime and/or others depending on the relationship to the defendant and the Courts assessed risk. Most people are familiar with this process.

How does a petitioner prove their case?

The petitioner will try to prove their case by putting on evidence (witnesses, documents, etc.) and then the respondent will have the opportunity to put on evidence as to why the protection order should not be granted. In the end, the judge decides whether to grant the requested relief or deny the petition.

Who can call a number registered on the Do Not Call Registry?

Charities, political campaigns, debt collectors, surveyors and information providers may call telephone numbers registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. Also, companies with which a consumer has recently done business may call a registered number.

How long does it take to get a complaint from a phone number?

If a consumer’s telephone number has been registered on the National Do Not Call Registry for at least three months and a consumer receives an unwanted telemarketing call, the consumer can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or the Federal Trade Commission.

Can a solicitor call a phone number in Idaho?

Under Idaho law, it is unlawful for telephone solicitors to call Idaho phone numbers registered on the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. Idaho does not maintain its own do not call list, and the Attorney General’s Office cannot register a consumer’s telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.

What to do if you are stopped by police?

IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING. Stay calm. Don’t run. Don’t argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police are violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them. Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away.

How to protect yourself from being arrested?

Do not lie or give false documents. Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Do remember the details of the encounter. Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.

What are the rights of a person who is not under arrest?

If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.

What to do if you are injured in a car accident?

If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.

Do you have to tell the police officer you are going to file a complaint?

Don't tell the officer on the scene that you're going to file a complaint. File a complaint later.

Can you be punished for refusing to answer questions?

You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may “pat down” your clothing ...

Do you have to consent to a police search?

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may “pat down” your clothing if they suspect a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court.

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