Full question:
How do I file a complaint against the county district attorney?
- Category: Courts
- Subcategory: Attorneys
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
To file a complaint against a county district attorney in California, you can contact the State Bar of California. All attorneys practicing in California must adhere to ethical standards set by the California Supreme Court and the State Legislature. The State Bar investigates complaints against lawyers, including district attorneys.
Complaints can address unethical behavior as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct and the State Bar Act. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences can range from a warning to disbarment.
Filing a complaint is free, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen. When submitting a complaint, include photocopies of relevant documents, such as letters or checks. After you submit your complaint, the State Bar will confirm receipt by postcard and enter your complaint into their system.
A State Bar lawyer will review your complaint to determine the next steps, which may take two to three weeks. You will be informed of the status of your complaint, and at the conclusion of the investigation, you will receive written notification about whether the matter will proceed to prosecution or be closed.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.