FILE A
COMPLAINT
If you've experienced misconduct — from your attorney, police, prosecutors, or judges — these are the official channels to hold them accountable. Real links. Real processes.
Document everything before filing. The strength of your complaint depends on specifics: dates, names, document numbers, and evidence. A vague complaint is easy to dismiss. A documented complaint with evidence creates a record that follows the official in their career.
NY State Bar Grievance Committee
File a complaint against an attorney who violated professional conduct rules, failed to represent you, or engaged in misconduct.
HOW TO FILE
- 1.Document all attorney misconduct in writing with dates
- 2.Gather all emails, letters, and communications
- 3.File online or by mail with the Grievance Committee for your judicial district
- 4.The committee investigates and can sanction or disbar attorneys
OFFICIAL LINKS
Note: The First Judicial Department covers Manhattan and the Bronx; the Second covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)
Report misconduct by NYPD or Suffolk County officers — including excessive force, civil rights violations, false arrest, or evidence tampering.
HOW TO FILE
- 1.Document the incident: officer names, badge numbers, times, witnesses
- 2.File a complaint as soon as possible — time limits apply
- 3.For NYPD: contact the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) for civilian oversight
- 4.For Suffolk County PD: file directly with Suffolk County PD Internal Affairs
- 5.Request a copy of your complaint number for tracking
OFFICIAL LINKS
Note: For civil rights violations, you may also file with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)
The CCRB is an independent civilian board that investigates NYPD misconduct complaints. It has subpoena power and can recommend discipline.
HOW TO FILE
- 1.File a complaint online, by phone (800-341-2272), or in person
- 2.The CCRB investigates and makes findings (substantiated/unsubstantiated)
- 3.Substantiated findings go to the police commissioner for final discipline
- 4.You can track your case status online
OFFICIAL LINKS
Note: The CCRB cannot investigate misconduct by prosecutors, courts, or other law enforcement agencies outside NYPD.
Commission on Judicial Conduct
Report judicial misconduct — including bias, improper conduct, or ethics violations by New York state court judges.
HOW TO FILE
- 1.Prepare a written statement describing the judicial conduct and its impact on your case
- 2.File a complaint with the Commission on Judicial Conduct
- 3.The Commission investigates confidentially
- 4.If misconduct is found, judges can be censured, removed, or retired
OFFICIAL LINKS
Note: Note: Disagreement with a legal ruling is not judicial misconduct. The Commission addresses ethical violations, not wrong legal decisions.
DA Misconduct — Multiple Channels
Report prosecutor misconduct including Brady violations, fabricated evidence, coerced witnesses, or ethical violations.
HOW TO FILE
- 1.Document the specific misconduct with evidence: the Brady material that was withheld, the false statement, etc.
- 2.File a complaint with the NY State Bar Grievance Committee (prosecutors are attorneys subject to bar rules)
- 3.File with the NY Attorney General's Office for systemic misconduct
- 4.Raise the issue in your case through your attorney with a motion for sanctions
- 5.For federal cases, contact the U.S. DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility
OFFICIAL LINKS
Note: Prosecutor misconduct complaints are harder to pursue but essential to file — they create a documented record and can support post-conviction claims.
NEED LEGAL HELP FILING?
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