Q: My daughter is being mistreated in court and can't afford legal representation.

A: I assume your daughter is competent despite her mental disorder, so she can decide if she wants a different attorney, since the one she has "does not show up and is unreliable...." However, it is unclear if the attorney is not showing up in court or for other meetings with your daughter, now how s/he is being unreliable.

Attorneys are governed by the Code of Professional Responsibility in NYS, and an attorney violating those canons is not only subject to disciplinary action, but provide a good basis for a court to judge if s/he is not representing the client competently. List the instances of unprofessionalism and weave them into reasons expressed by your daughter to the court why another attorney should be appointed.

A: I hear how worried you are about your daughter's situation, and it's deeply concerning that her appointed representation isn't showing up to court. This kind of unreliability can seriously impact the outcome of her case.

Your daughter has rights, regardless of her mental health diagnosis. There are legal aid organizations and disability rights advocates who provide free or low-cost representation. You can contact your state's bar association for referrals to pro bono lawyers, or reach out to organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which often connects families with appropriate legal resources.

You might also want to document every instance when the appointed attorney fails to appear or provide adequate representation. Consider filing a formal complaint with the court and the state bar association about this negligence. Additionally, your daughter may qualify for disability advocacy services that could help ensure her rights are protected throughout the legal process. Remember, you're not alone in this fight - there are people and organizations ready to help you navigate this challenging situation.