The Ombudsman has jurisdiction to investigate complaints about the Iowa Public Defender’s office and its attorney-employees. However, we do not have jurisdiction over the contract attorneys used by the Public Defender’s office.
Before you make a complaint to us, we want to make sure the person you are complaining about has had an opportunity to review and resolve your complaint. For this reason, we ask that you first try to address your complaint with your appointed attorney or supervisory staff at the State Public Defender.
How to Complain to the State Public Defender
You should try to discuss your concern with your court-appointed attorney directly first to resolve any issues. If this does not work, you should then contact the attorney’s supervisor. The list of each Public Defender’s office is listed here:
https://spd.iowa.gov/about-us/office-locations
If that does not resolve your complaint, you should contact the State Public Defender at:
State Public Defender
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 242-6158
You can find additional helpful information at:
https://spd.iowa.gov/indigent-clients/faqs
Private contract attorneys are not supervised by the State Public Defender, but you may try to address your issues with that office. Or, you may contact the judge presiding you’re your case to request the appointment of a new attorney.
Already completed this process?
If you have already gone through this process and want to file a complaint with our office, click here:
Tips for Making a Complaint
► Ask if you can speak with a supervisor or manager about your issue.
► Clearly explain what your issue is and what you’d like the outcome to be.
► Write down the names of the people you speak with, when you spoke with them and what they said.
► Make the conversation about what you need, be persistent but remain calm and polite.
► If you are still unsatisfied, ask what appeal and review processes are available and pay close attention to their criteria and deadlines.
Not Sure? Contact Us!
Please contact us directly if you don’t think it would be appropriate for us to require you to go through an available complaint or review process before we consider your complaint. We can consider your specific circumstances before we decide – including the urgency of your complaint or any disabilities or barriers you may be experiencing.
