Where do you go if you suspect a lawyer and a judge are not being ethical?

by **naseem** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:48 am

I recently went to court to contest a traffic infraction. Ok keep in mind this is a very small town in the Louisiana. There were about 12 cases to be heard. When court was supposed to begin one of the court personnel went from one person to another convincing them to plead guilty. An example of the things we overheard was " listen you have a police officer as a witness against you so who do you think is going to win, it would be better if you just plead guilty". It took about a half an hour of court time for everyone to plead guilty till they got to me. I refused. Then the city prosecutor who was sitting there quickly asked for a recess. The judge and the lawyer went into a back room for about 5 minutes. Court was called back in to session and the prosecutor told the Judge that he had over looked the fact that he could have subpoenaed witnesses and so he asked for a continuance. I tried to object and the judge told me in his words "I wouldn't object if I were you" and granted the continuance. Since that time I received a letter stating that it was going to be postponed yet another 20 days or so. Mind you now it will be 3 months since I got the ticket. We are in the military, my witness is getting out of the military and will moving across country. I believe they are trying to delay till my witness leaves. I think no matter how much evidence I go in there with I am going to get the ticket. I cannot afford a lawyer so please no one suggest that. There is so much more to this that cannot be explained here. I need to know how I can get a third party in to investigate or to be present at trial to see that it is honest and ethical. Is there such a place to report this too or ask for assistance?

by **shashank** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:51 am

That's a tough one. Traffic courts are notorious kangaroo courts. Your best bet is to file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney Discipline Board. I doubt they'll be able to help you directly, but your complaint may be the spark that gets the prosecutor or the judge investigated and possibly disciplined or disbarred.

As for your own case, the prosecution almost always gets one continuance if they ask for it. You would too. If your witness will be out of state in the future, have him/her make out an affidavit that you can bring to court with you.

Here's where you can make a complaint:

by **winfrid12** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:57 am

I don't think the court is responsible for convenience to witnesses. If someone must appear in person, possibly the person calling them would provide for travel if the person is not local. Or the witness maybe could submit a written statement (notarized affadavit).

by **kenway** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:05 am

It doesn't sound like there is much to investigate here, but if you believe your civil rights have been violated you call the FBI. If you suspect corrupt practices, the state inspector general. If unethical legal conduct, the bar association. You could see if legal aid will take your case if you believe you have a civil suit.

Or as they said in the old Red Skelton skit. "just pay the $2"

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