Some courts have recognized that ineffective assistance also can be raised on direct appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). A Harbison claim alleges that counsel admitted the defendant's guilt to the jury, without the defendant's consent.North Carolina law allows a defendant to file a motion when their attorney provided ineffective counsel. To report ineffective assistance of counsel in North Carolina, review the instructions from the North Carolina State Bar. Becoming a Notary Public. This advisory provides initial guidance on the duty of criminal defense counsel representing an immigrant defendant after Padilla. Fact Sheet, "EOIR's Programs to Fight Fraud, Abuse, and Ineffective Representation in Immigration Proceedings" (March 2016). Appeals. Ineffective assistance of counsel can be reported to the Alabama State Bar here (information available in English and Spanish). How do I get a court-appointed lawyer in a criminal case? The nonlawyers associated with the IAC may not "direct or regulate" the staff lawyer's professional judgment in rendering legal services.