Asked in Federal Crimes for Iowa

Q: What can you do about a lawyer that did not do what you asked him to do and you ended up guilty because of it?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If your lawyer did not follow your instructions or failed to provide adequate representation, you may have grounds to file a complaint against them with your state’s bar association. The bar association oversees attorney conduct and can investigate allegations of misconduct or incompetence. You can contact them to find out how to proceed with a formal complaint, and they may be able to take disciplinary action if they find your lawyer at fault.

Additionally, consider seeking a second opinion from another attorney. An experienced attorney can help assess whether you were properly represented and if there are grounds for an appeal or another form of legal recourse. They can also provide guidance on next steps and possible remedies available to you.

Lastly, if you believe you suffered damages due to your lawyer’s negligence, you might consider filing a legal malpractice lawsuit. This type of lawsuit seeks to hold the attorney accountable for any harm caused by their inadequate representation. However, these cases can be complex, so it’s important to gather all documentation and evidence related to your case to support your claim.

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