Complaint Policy

2885 Health Parkway
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone:(989) 317-9393
Fax:(989) 317-9394
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Except holidays

Complaint Policy

There are steps that can be taken if your appointed attorney is not meeting your expectations. It is understandable that you want the best service and representation that you can have in this difficult time. If you feel, at any time, that we are not meeting your needs you can take steps to remedy this. The first step you should take is to contact our Office Manager and discuss your concerns. If you are still feeling unsatisfied, you can submit a Formal Complaint Form for further review and action you can submit the completed Formal Complaint Form by fax, mail, or email.

preview image of first page Isabella County Public Defender’s Office Client Complaint Form
Isabella County Public Defender’s Office Client Complaint Form
complaint form
woman looking at complaint form

Attorney Complaint Process

The Isabella County Public Defender’s Office strives to deliver excellence in our representation of every client whose cases have been entrusted to us. All complaints are confidential and case sensitive information will not be disclosed on a need to know basis. If you are a current client and have a complaint or concern about your attorney, please follow the steps in the complaint process below:

  1. Please discuss your complaint/concern directly with your current attorney. It is best to communicate with your assigned attorney and work together to resolve your concerns when possible.
  2. Please keep in mind that the Public Defender will not assign a new attorney to your case due to a personality conflict.
  3. In the event that you are unable to resolve your complaint/concern directly with your appointed attorney then you must complete a written statement of complaint and provide it to the Office Manager.
    1. All written statements must contain the complaint/concern along with the date that you addressed your complaint/concern with your appointed attorney.
    2. All complaints must be submitted ONLY by the client or by an individual that has the legal authority to act on behalf of the client.
  1. Once a complaint is received in writing the Public Defender’s Office will provide a copy of the written complaint/concern to the appointed attorney. Once this has happened the Public Defender will meet with the appointed attorney to discuss appropriate actions to be taken.
    1. The Public Defender may choose to contact the complainant or have a staff member contact to obtain further clarification regarding the facts alleged.
  2. The complainant will be advised of any decision that the Public Defender makes regarding his/her complaint/concern.
  3. If the Public Defender decides that the complaint provides adequate grounds for change of counsel, s/he shall immediately effectuate a substitution of counsel and shall advise the complainant.