Should I keep calling my court appointed attorney?

Question

I had a medical issue, and there was a very slim chance that I could have ended up as a ward of the state. As a result, I was given a court appointed attorney. However, I have not heard from the attorney at all, and I've tried contacting them since I've been discharged from the hospital.

As far as how I've been contacting them, I've been leaving a brief voicemail that pretty much follows this format: "Hello, this is ________; I'm calling regarding case number ________. If you can call me back at __________. That would be great."

I've done that at the start of business hours, for 3 days in a row. I hope I'm not bothering them too much, but I'd like to make sure the case is resolved. If it's resolved, then by statutes in my region it will be sealed.

However, if it's open, then I cannot pursue certain business plans, because I need to have good health to proceed for licensing.

I'll be sending an email next Monday, and I might stop by the law office next Friday.

So the meat of the question is this: Should I keep contacting them via phone? If I'm unable to establish contact, does it warrant contacting the bar association after several weeks?

Answer 1

This sounds like a critically important issue to your well-being and livelihood, so yes, continue trying to contact. I would note that you should indicate you are his client and/or mention that he is your court-appointed attorney. He may not recognize that his client is calling him and therefore prioritizing said phone call at the bottom of his to-do list. He should be returning his calls nonetheless, but in this situation it can hardly hurt to drop the fact that his client is calling him instead of just anybody.

Also, I would not hesitate to put a little more urgency behind your message than "if you can" / "that would be great." It would not hurt to explicitly mention that "I am awaiting the [conclusion/outcome/determination] of this matter because without it I am unable to [make a living/get a job/pursue my business ventures]."

If you don't get any help and you're put in a bad place as a result, it would surely warrant contacting the bar after several weeks. Indeed, that is also part of the reason why you'll want to make clear (whether by voicemail or email, but preferably both) what the detriment to you is in this situation. That puts him on notice and will have you in a better position should you need to lodge a complaint.

Of course, this is not legal advice and should not be taken as such.