where to file complaint state appointed attorney in ky

by Mrs. Melissa Mann Jr. 5 min read

You may also call our office at 502.564.3795 ext. 723 to request the form be mailed to you. The Office of Bar Counsel (OBC), acting as an agency of the Supreme Court, is responsible for investigating complaints against lawyers practicing in Kentucky.

* You may request a complaint form be sent to you by calling our toll free number at 888-432-9257 and selecting option #3.

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer in Kentucky?

Send your complaint with an original notarized signature. We will not accept a copy of your signature. State specifically, on each individual complaint, what the attorney did or failed to do which you believe constitutes unethical conduct. Provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses. Attach COPIES of any receipts, contracts, or ...

How do I report lawyer misconduct in Kentucky?

The office has consumer complaint forms to ensure adequate information is contained in your complaint. To request mediation services from our office, you may complete the online mediation request form , download a form online and mail it to our office, or call the Consumer Protection Division at (502) 696-5389 or 888-432-9257 (select option #3.)

What is the Office of Bar Counsel in Kentucky?

Please provide as much information as possible. You may also request a complaint form be sent to you by emailing the Consumer Protection Division or by calling our toll free number at 1-888-432-9257 and selecting option #3. Please leave your name and address and indicate whether your complaint is against a telemarketer, automobile dealer, or ...

Is this complaint available for public view in Kentucky?

Guardian ad Litem (GAL). An attorney appointed by the court to represent another who is unable to represent himself/herself in a court case, such as a child, an incarcerated individual or someone who is mentally ill. A GAL may also represent the interest in real estate of persons unborn or unascertainable. Indigent.

How do I file a complaint against a Kentucky county attorney?

Click here for the Office of Bar Counsel's form and instructions for filing a complaint. You may also call our office at 502.564. 3795 ext. 723 to request the form be mailed to you.

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

How do I file a complaint in Kentucky?

Call us at 1.800. 292.5566 or email [email protected].

How do I file a complaint with the attorney general's office?

If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755. Filing a false complaint is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor. We need complaints in writing.

What are examples of ethics violations?

Ethics violations such as discrimination, safety violations, poor working conditions and releasing proprietary information are other examples. Situations such as bribery, forgery and theft, while certainly ethically improper, cross over into criminal activity and are often dealt with outside the company.Aug 14, 2015

What is misconduct law?

In law profession misconduct means an act done willfully with a wrong intention by the people engaged in the profession. It means any activity or behaviour of an advocate in violation of professional ethics for his selfish ends.

How do I sue someone in Kentucky?

You must be able to prove the amount of the claim for which you are suing. To file a small claims action, you will need to complete the Small Claims Complaint form (AOC-175). You can obtain this form from the Office of Circuit Court Clerk or you can fill out this form online and print a copy.

How do I contact the Attorney General of Kentucky?

Phone Numbers​Main​ switchboard. 502-696-5300.Main fax number. 502-564-2894.Consumer Protection switchboard. 502-696-5389.Rate Intervention switchboard. 502-696-5453.

How do I file a complaint against a judge in Kentucky?

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. You can then save and print the form and mail or email it to the JCC. If you prefer to have a complaint form mailed to you, please call or email the JCC.

Where can consumers file complaints?

A dissatisfied consumer can file a complaint directly with the national commission or appeal against decisions of the state commission within a month from the date of the order. The court fee is Rs 5,000 and the demand draft should be in the name of The Registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Who should you first contact with a consumer complaint?

Start your complaint with the seller or manufacturer. If they don't help, seek help from your local government or a consumer organization.Mar 16, 2022

How do I file a formal complaint?

How to Make a Formal Complaint at WorkPut Your Complaint in Writing. Draft a letter or a formal paper that details your complaint and address it to the head of your company's human resource department. ... Submit Your Complaint. ... Schedule a Meeting. ... Contact the External Agencies.

What is the Kentucky Supreme Court's rule of professional conduct?

The lawyers of Kentucky and the Kentucky Supreme Court recognize actions should be taken to prevent unethical conduct and restore confidence and trust should misconduct occur. To that end, the Kentucky Supreme court has created The Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct for all lawyers who practice law in the state.

Is the Kentucky Bar Association ethics opinion accurate?

The Kentucky Bar Association Office of Bar Counsel has worked to make sure this set of ethics opinions is the most complete, accurate and reliable set available to the members of the bar or general public. As new opinions are issued they will be added to this online listing.

What are the Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct?

To that end, the Kentucky Supreme court has created The Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct for all lawyers who practice law in the state.

What is the Office of Bar Counsel?

The Office of Bar Counsel (OBC), acting as an agency of the Supreme Court, is responsible for investigating complaints against lawyers practicing in Kentucky. The OBC also prosecutes charges of ethical misconduct issued by the Inquiry Commission.

When will Zoom webinar be available in 2021?

Following completion of the Zoom registration, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar on April 30, 2021.

Charities

The BBB reports whether charities comply with voluntary guidelines. Check the online report or call: (800) 866-6668 or (859) 259-1008 for Central/Eastern Kentucky (800) 388-2222 for Louisville/Western Kentucky

Company reports

Attorney General of Kentucky, Consumer Protection Division#N#Upon request and as time permits, we will tell you how many complaints we have received against a company and whether there has been a satisfactory response. We may ask for a phone number at which to call you back while we research the information.

Environment and safety

Consumer Product Safety Commission#N#This federal agency is charged with insuring most products we use are safe. Here you can get safety pamphlets as well as notices about product recalls. It includes a searchable database.

Financial

Business Publications from the F.T.C.#N#These publications from the Federal Trade Commission can help businesses from being ripped off.

Miscellaneous

Consumer Information Center#N#The famous Consumer Information Center of the GSA in Pueblo Colorado with consumer publications online. Includes Federal Register Notices.

Telemarketing

F.T.C. Telemarketing Publications Index#N#Information about and the full text of the Federal Trade Commission's Telemarketing Rule, telemarketing fraud warnings, resource kit for organizations, and more.

What is the authority of a court to hear and decide a case?

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case. The court must be able to exercise authority over the people involved and over the type of case. Legal Aid. Legal representatives in certain civil cases provided for free or at a reduced cost for eligible low-in come individuals.

What is a circuit court clerk?

Circuit Court Clerk. The elected official who maintains the official court records for Circuit Court and District Court. Civil. A court proceeding that is not criminal, such as hearings on family disputes, wills, emergency protective orders (EPOs) and domestic violence orders (DVOs).

What is it called when you can't afford an attorney?

Individuals who represent themselves in court cases without the assistance of an attorney are called self-represented litigants.

Which court hears civil cases?

Circuit Court. A court considered the main trial court that hears civil matters involving more than $5,000. It decides cases of criminal matters (such as capital offenses and felonies) and civil matters (such as divorce, adoption, termination of parental rights, land disputes, contested wills and personal injury).

What is an affidavit?

Affidavit. Any written document in which the signer swears under oath before a notary public or someone authorized to take oaths that the statements in the document are true. Affirmation. Declaring something to be true under the penalty of perjury by a person who will not take an oath for religious or other reasons.

What is legal custody?

Parents may ask for a custody arrangement that they believe is in the best interest of their child. Legal custody refers to a parent’s legal right to take part in important decisions, such as health care and education.

What is a deposition in civil court?

In civil cases, the person against whom a lawsuit is filed. In criminal cases, the person who is arrested and charged with a crime. Deposition. Testimony of a witness taken, given under oath and outside the courtroom, in response to questions by one of the parties or his/her attorney.

What is the guardianship number in Kentucky?

For referrals to the Division of Guardianship, please email the DAIL guardianship program or call (502) 382-8843.

What is a ward in court?

A ward is a person who has been declared legally disabled by the court and is no longer able to care for his or her personal and/or financial needs. A guardian may be a friend or family member willing to care for the disabled individual. If no one is available to care for the disabled person, the court appoints the Cabinet for Health ...

What is a conservator in a court case?

Conservator – A court finds the ward fully disabled in managing his/her financial affairs and appoints a conservator who is responsible for financial or fiduciary affairs ...

What is a limited conservator?

Limited Conservator - A limited conservator may be appointed if the disabled person only needs help with managing some financial or fiduciary affairs.

What are the risks of a Marsden hearing?

Understand the Risks of Having a Marsden Hearing#N#There are many risks that you should consider before going forward. First, you are likely to lose - mostly because defendants are not usually well-prepared when describing the problems, lawyers are more experienced and know what to say to defend themselves, and the court may prefer to encourage you two to work your problems out. Second, if you lose, you are stuck with the same lawyer you've just publicly embarrassed. If you have a bad lawyer, they may be even more un likely to work hard on your behalf. (Note: If you have a decent lawyer whom you've misjudge, s/he will not hold a grudge. Good court-appointed lawyers understand that dealing with client frustrations are a part of the job.) Third - and, I think, the biggest risk - you may say something that would hurt your case in the future or eliminate defenses if your case goes to trial. See Step 9 for how to avoid hurting your case.

How to work things out with your lawyer?

Try to Work Things Out with Your Current Lawyer First#N#Talk to your current lawyer and express your concerns candidly. Give your lawyer a chance to explain their views and the reason for their strategic choices. It is not uncommon for lawyers and clients to think differently about the case. You may be relieved to find out that your lawyer actually is working hard on your behalf. Your lawyer may be able to show you why your proposed approach would actually hurt your chances. If, after discussing the problem with your lawyer, you still have concerns or your lawyer refuses to discuss the issue with you, then take it to the next step.

What are the things that won't get you a new lawyer?

A personality clash will not get you a new lawyer. A preference for a male or female, or an attorney of a certain race will not get you a new lawyer. Even if you and your attorney disagree on case strategy, that will probably not be enough to get you a new attorney. The reason for that is simple: the court deems your lawyer to be the expert about how best to protect your interest. The court will not treat you as if you are co-counsel with an equal voice on strategic calls. Your lawyer is responsible for making the strategic decision in the case. The decision to plead guilty, to testify or not, or to have (or waive) a jury trial are your decisions to make. Most everything else is left to your attorney to decide.

How does a Marsden hearing work?

Learn How a Marsden Hearing Works#N#If you want to get rid a bad court-appointed lawyer, all you need to do is ask the court for a Mars den hearing. The court will order the prosecutor, other lawyers, and the public to leave the court room before conducting the hearing. The only people who will remain in court are: your lawyer, the judge, and the court's staff (bailiff, court reporter, and clerk). The judge will ask you to describe the problem between you and your lawyer. The judge will not help you make a compelling argument. (See Steps 7 and 8 to learn how to make the most compelling case.) Once you are through, the judge will turn to your lawyer and ask the lawyer to respond. The judge will then rule on your motion. If the judge grants it, your lawyer will be taken off the case and you will be assigned a new lawyer. If the judge denies your request, you will be stuck with your lawyer. The court will order the record sealed and will allow others to come back into the court.

What are the problems with getting a lawyer?

Understand Which Kind of Problems are Most Likely to Get You a New Lawyer#N#Three areas of concern: 1) significant breakdown in communication, 2) failure to investigate, 3) failure to file meritorious motions to exclude damaging evidence. COMMUNICATION: If there is an "irrevocable breakdown" (cannot be fixed) in atty/client relationship, you would be entitled to a new lawyer, so long as you did not cause it. Examples: persistent refusal to take your calls or to let you explain facts critical to your defense, won't explain strategic decisions or seek input, relationship has deteriorated so that the two of you cannot effectively communicate. INVESTIGATION: Lawyer has a responsibility to investigate your case, including interviewing witnesses, examining/testing physical evidence, consulting with appropriate experts, investigating credibility of state's witnesses, finding evidence to support your defense. SUPPRESSION MOTIONS: Lawyer must protect your rights and seek exclusion of damaging evidence unless there is a good strategic reason to fore go the motion.

What is the job of a lawyer?

INVESTIGATION: Lawyer has a responsibility to investigate your case , including interviewing witnesses, examining/testing physical evidence, consulting with appropriate experts, investigating credibility of state's witnesses, finding evidence to support your defense.

What to do if your lawyer fails?

If All Else Fails, Contact the State Bar Association#N#If the court denies your request for a new lawyer and there is no improvement in your lawyer's performance, you should consider filing a bar complaint before you are forced to go to trial with an ineffective and unprepared lawyer. IMPORTANT: You should only do this if you have a serious concern about your lawyer's representation. Filing a bar complaint will create a conflict of interest between you and your lawyer, requiring the court to provide new counsel. If you file a bogus complaint just to delay the trial, the judge is likely to get very annoyed.

Ethical Conduct

Ethics Violations

  • If you think your lawyer or another lawyer has committed an act you believe is in violation of the ethics rules, you are encouraged to report it to the Kentucky Bar Association for an investigation. Even if your complaint does not result in a charge of misconduct it is still important the matter is reported. The KBA depends on the public to report possible ethics rule violations to prevent attor…
See more on kybar.org

Filing A Complaint

  • A complaint must be a sworn written statement, and 1. Cannot be submitted by telephone, email, or fax 2. Can be hand written or typed 3. Must include the name of the attorney you are filing against 4. Must contain your name, address, and contact information 5. Must include a notarized signature (copies of your signature will not be accepted) Click here for the Office of Bar Counsel'…
See more on kybar.org

Complaint Review

  • The Office of Bar Counsel (OBC), acting as an agency of the Supreme Court, is responsible for investigating complaints against lawyers practicing in Kentucky. The OBC also prosecutes charges of ethical misconduct issued by the Inquiry Commission. Your complaint will go through an initial review to determine whether it alleges an ethical rule violat...
See more on kybar.org

Ethics Opinions

  • The Kentucky Bar Association Office of Bar Counsel has worked to make sure this set of ethics opinionsis the most complete, accurate and reliable set available to the members of the bar or general public. As new opinions are issued they will be added to this online listing.
See more on kybar.org

Ethics and Professionalism Enhancement Program

  • For KBA Members who are required to attend the Annual Ethics and Professionalism Enhancement Program (EPEP), the next program will occur on the date, time, and at the location indicated below:
See more on kybar.org

Trust Account Management Program

  • For KBA Members who are required to attend the Trust Account Management Program (TAMP), the next program will occur on the date, time, and at the location indicated below:
See more on kybar.org

​Automobile Related Contacts & Links

  • Arbitration contacts for new car lemon problems
    Automobile manufacturers are required by state law to maintain an informal dispute resolution system (arbitration) for autos meeting certain state guidelines. Some will arbitrate beyond the statutorily required guidelines. Here is a list of manufacturers, the arbitration system, and the ph…
  • Other links
    1. Automobile Publications from the FTC Online publications from the Federal Trade Commission on various automotive issues such as car repairs and automobile financing. 2. Better Business Bureau Auto Line® Contact the BBB (national) to file lemon law complaints against certain man…
See more on ag.ky.gov

Charities

  • Better Business Bureau Charity Reports The BBB reports whether charities comply with voluntary guidelines. Check the online report or call: (800) 866-6668 or (859) 259-1008 for Central/Eastern Kentucky (800) 388-2222 for Louisville/Western Kentucky
See more on ag.ky.gov

Complaints / Filing

  • Automobile Lemon Law Complaints How to complain about a new car defect under the Commonwealth's lemon law. Consumer Protection Division of the Kentucky Attorney General's Office This tells you what to do if you have a complaint against a business and how to file a complaint against any business with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protecti…
See more on ag.ky.gov

Company Reports

  • Attorney General of Kentucky, Consumer Protection Division Upon request and as time permits, we will tell you how many complaints we have received against a company and whether there has been a satisfactory response. We may ask for a phone number at which to call you back while we research the information. We cannot advise you if you should do business with a particular com…
See more on ag.ky.gov

Environment and Safety

  • Consumer Product Safety Commission This federal agency is charged with insuring most products we use are safe. Here you can get safety pamphlets as well as notices about product recalls. It includes a searchable database. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental information from the federal government. Includes search tools. Energy & Environment Cabinet …
See more on ag.ky.gov

Financial

  • Business Publications from the F.T.C. These publications from the Federal Trade Commission can help businesses from being ripped off. Consumer Protection Page from the Federal Trade Commission Information on work at home schemes, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and more. Business Guidance from the Federal Trade Commission Guides to hel…
See more on ag.ky.gov

Miscellaneous

  • Consumer Information Center The famous Consumer Information Center of the GSA in Pueblo Colorado with consumer publications online. Includes Federal Register Notices. ConsumerWorld Excellent index to consumer sites including federal and state agencies, insurance ratings, consumer organizations, and more. Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA tips on prep…
See more on ag.ky.gov

Telemarketing

  • F.T.C. Telemarketing Publications Index Information about and the full text of the Federal Trade Commission's Telemarketing Rule, telemarketing fraud warnings, resource kit for organizations, and more. National Do Not Call Registry Information for consumers interested in signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry, or telemarketers or sellers interested in learning more about re…
See more on ag.ky.gov