After a complaint is analyzed and investigated, the case's results are submitted to the respective county attorney's office. The county attorney's office will then decide whether enough evidence exists to file criminal charges against the professional. Additionally, the state's Office of the Attorney General may also file criminal charges against a professional. While many civil cases are settled out of court, some go to trial and can take years to reach a settlement. It is important as a consumer, that you select a qualified attorney to represent you.
Individuals practicing in regulated professions are often members of professional associations.
If so, you may file a formal complaint with the association's ethics committee. After investigating the complaint, the association may decide to take disciplinary action against the professional or may choose to remove the professional from its membership. However, although the removal of professional from an association will let other members know about the individual's unethical behavior, it will not keep the professional from practicing. Additionally, every professional association is not required to report complaints received to the Department.