DA Form 2569: Attorney of Record for Civilian Counsel (PDF) – U.S. Army form used within the Army Corrections System (ACS). It enables military prisoners to formally designate a civilian attorney as their attorney of record. This designation facilitates visits, privileged communications, and legal representation during confinement.
Download the official current form here: DA Form 2569 PDF (February 2023 edition).
What Is DA Form 2569?
DA Form 2569, titled Attorney of Record Designation for Civilian Counsel, is an official Department of the Army form. Prisoners in Army correctional facilities use it to request and authorize a civilian attorney to represent them.
The form supports:
- Attorney visits to the facility.
- Privileged communications via mail (envelopes must be marked “PRIVILEGED”).
- Legal representation in matters related to the prisoner’s case, appeals, clemency, parole, or other legal issues.
It falls under AR 190-47, The Army Corrections System, which governs policies for Army confinement facilities, prisoner rights, and professional services including legal support.
Note: This form is distinct from DD Form 2569 (Third Party Collection Program for medical insurance).
Purpose of DA Form 2569 in the Army Corrections System
The primary purpose is to provide a standardized process for prisoners to retain civilian counsel at their own expense. This ensures:
- Verification that the attorney is in good standing with the bar.
- Approval by facility authorities for visits and communications.
- Protection of attorney-client privilege within security constraints of the correctional facility.
Under AR 190-47, prisoners have rights to legal representation. Facility personnel generally do not open properly marked mail from approved counsel on the form, except in specific security circumstances (e.g., reasonable suspicion of contraband).
This form helps maintain order while upholding due process and access to counsel for post-conviction matters, parole proceedings, or other legal needs.
Who Should Use DA Form 2569?
- Military prisoners confined in Army Corrections System facilities (including those serving sentences or in pretrial confinement in certain cases).
- Civilian attorneys retained by prisoners who need official access for visits and communications.
- ACS facility staff and commanders who review and approve (or disapprove) the designation.
Prisoners may use this alongside or in addition to detailed military defense counsel. Civilian counsel is at the prisoner’s expense.
How to Fill Out DA Form 2569: Step-by-Step Guide?
The form has three main parts. Complete it accurately to avoid delays.
Part I: Prisoner Information
- Enter the date.
- Provide your full name and Registration Number.
- List the attorney’s full name, firm/organization, address, phone, fax, and email.
- Specify the matter (e.g., appeal, clemency, parole hearing).
- Sign the form.
Part II: Attorney Information
- The civilian attorney completes this section.
- Confirm they are an attorney in good standing, member of the bar of specific state(s), and provide Bar number.
- Affirm representation of the named prisoner in the specified matter.
- Sign and date. Note the requirement for “PRIVILEGED” markings on all correspondence.
Part III: Approval Authority
- Facility commander or Office of the Command Judge Advocate reviews.
- Mark Approved or Disapproved.
- Provide reason if disapproved.
- Include printed name, signature, date, and contact information.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the attorney provides proof of bar membership if requested.
- Use the latest February 2023 edition.
- Mark all mail clearly as “PRIVILEGED” to receive protections.
Key Requirements and Privileges
- Bar Membership: The attorney must be licensed and in good standing.
- Privileged Mail: Properly marked envelopes are generally not opened.
- Visits: Approval allows scheduled attorney visits per facility rules.
- Voluntary Disclosure: Providing information is voluntary, but failure to complete the form prevents official recognition of the attorney.
Disapproval may occur for security reasons or if the attorney does not meet criteria. Prisoners can appeal or submit a new request.
Where to Get Help with DA Form 2569?
- Contact the ACS facility’s legal staff or Command Judge Advocate.
- Consult your retained civilian military defense attorney (experienced in UCMJ and corrections matters).
- Review AR 190-47 for full policies on prisoner legal rights and communications.
- Official source: Army Publishing Directorate.
Civilian attorneys handling military cases should familiarize themselves with Army confinement procedures to effectively represent clients.
Importance of Proper Attorney Designation
Using DA Form 2569 ensures smooth access for civilian counsel. This is critical for:
- Post-trial appeals.
- Clemency and parole applications.
- Addressing conditions of confinement.
- Other legal matters affecting the prisoner’s rights and future.
Retaining experienced civilian counsel alongside military resources can provide additional advocacy tailored to the individual’s needs.
For the most current information, always refer to official Army sources and the latest form edition. Policies in AR 190-47 may be updated, so check armypubs.army.mil for revisions.