what can a us attorney investigate

by Jovan Schoen II 9 min read

The United States Attorney, as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his district, is authorized to request the appropriate federal investigative agency to investigate alleged or suspected violations of federal law.

investigations & violations of law
Investigations are generally conducted by federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Internal Revenue Service, Postal Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and others.

Full Answer

What is the role of the United States Attorney?

Mar 30, 2018 · Attorney General Jeff Sessions has refused a Special Counsel to investigate the FBI. Instead, he has chosen U.S. Attorney John Huber to investigate his boss and other colleagues. Huber was appointed by Barack Obama. During an interview on the Ingraham Angle, Representative Jim Jordan stated that Andrew McCabe lied, not once, but four times. He was …

What can a lawyer do in a criminal investigation?

Are there any federal agencies that are involved in investigations?

Can a US Attorney request a grand jury to investigate?

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What power does a US attorney have?

In carrying out their duties as prosecutors, AUSAs have the authority to investigate persons, issue subpoenas, file formal criminal charges, plea bargain with defendants, and grant immunity to witnesses and accused criminals. U.S. attorneys and their offices are part of the Department of Justice.

What does the US attorney general investigate?

The attorney general, in essence, runs a large law firm with broad scope that includes investigating drug traffickers, Medicaid fraud and prescription drug abuse.Apr 24, 2016

What does a US district attorney do?

A district attorney is a public official who is appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal judicial proceedings in a particular judicial district or county; an appointed or elected officer who prosecutes cases in a particular judicial district.

Does the US attorney general prosecute?

The United States Attorney is responsible for a wide variety of prosecutions consistent with the priorities set by the Attorney General of the United States and exercises wide discretion in the use of her resources to meet the needs of the communities in the Western District of Texas.

How long can the FBI investigate a person?

Statute of Limitations in Federal Crime Cases For most federal crimes, the statute of limitations is five years. Bank fraud has a statute of limitations of ten years. Immigration violations and arson are also subject to a ten year limit.

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

No likelihood of success. Prosecutors may decline to press charges because they think it unlikely that a conviction will result. No matter what the prosecutor's personal feelings about the case, the prosecutor needs legally admissible evidence sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

How powerful is a district attorney?

The DA has immense power in influencing an individual's decision to enter into a plea deal or to take their case to trial. More than 90 percent of all criminal cases end in a plea deal. The district attorney has the power to offer a sentence to the individual charged with a crime.

What types of cases are handled by the US Attorneys Office?

The U.S. Attorney's Office represents the United States in federal cases, including all federal criminal cases. These cases are heard in any of the three federal courthouses in the District: in Charlotte, in Statesville, and in Asheville . The D.A.'s Office, by contrast, prosecutes state crimes, not federal crimes.Oct 12, 2021

How many statutory responsibilities do US attorneys have?

three statutory responsibilitiesThe United States Attorneys have three statutory responsibilities under Title 28, Section 547 of the United States Code: the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal Government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and.Sep 22, 2016

What is it called when a higher court sends a case back to be tried again?

Instead, the appellate court will “remand”, or send, the case back to the trial court for the trial court to actually fix or re-decide the issue.

Why would I get a letter from Department of Justice?

If you receive a target letter, you are not being charged with anything or under arrest. However, it's often an indication that the government will likely follow up with a civil or criminal charge.Sep 30, 2021

What is the role of a US attorney quizlet?

The primary responsibility of a US Attorney is to prosecute cases on behalf of the federal government.

Who determines if a case will be brought in federal court?

In these cases, the local U.S. Attorney's Office works closely with state and local law enforcement officials to determine whether a case will be brought in federal or state court.

Who to contact to file a motion in court?

If you have any questions regarding the status of the case or how to properly file your motion you should contact the Clerk of the Court who will be able to advise you on the proper procedures.

What is a Rule 35 B motion?

The United States Attorney has exclusive jurisdiction to file a Rule 35 (b) motion for downward departure of a sentence based upon, but not limited to, such factors as the defendant providing substantial assistance, his or her criminal conduct in the instant case, and the defendant's role in the alleged offense.

Why are federal prosecutions declined?

As a general matter, federal prosecutions may be declined for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, situations in which a person is subject to prosecution in another jurisdiction or another adequate alternative to prosecution is available. Show.

Do state prisons fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice?

State prisons do not fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. Inquiries regarding prison conditions, conflicts with inmates or officials, or other complaints should be directed to the appropriate local or state office which oversees your state’s prisons.

What is the role of the United States Attorney?

The United States Attorney, as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his district, is authorized to request the appropriate federal investigative agency to investigate alleged or suspected violations of federal law. The federal investigators operate under the hierarchical supervision of their bureau or agency and consequently are not ordinarily subject to direct supervision by the United States Attorney. If the United States Attorney requests an investigation and does not receive a timely preliminary report, he may wish to consider requesting the assistance of the Criminal Division. In certain matters the United States Attorney may wish to request the formation of a team of agents representing the agencies having investigative jurisdiction of the suspected violations.

Who consults with the person having primary responsibility before conducting grand jury proceedings, seeking indictment, or filing an information

If primary prosecutorial responsibility for a matter has been assumed by the Criminal Division or higher authority, the United States Attorney shall consult with the persons having primary responsibility before conducting grand jury proceedings, seeking indictment, or filing an information.

Who does CTS share information with?

When CTS becomes aware, through contacts with USAOs, other National Security Division and Criminal Division Sections and Department components, including the FBI, other agencies, or otherwise, of information that may be relevant to an international terrorism matter pending in a USAO, including relevant investigative action that may be planned in another district and issues regarding FISA searches or electronic surveillance, CTS shall share that information directly with the USAO as soon as practicable and to the extent authorized by the originator of the information. Where relevant information is known to CTS but cannot be shared with a USAO due to originator requirements, CTS shall request that the originator authorize such sharing.

What is the national enforcement policy for WMD?

§§ 175, l75b, 175c, 229, 831, 832, 2332a, and 2332h), may involve international terrorism, in which case they are already covered by the policy set forth in JM 9-2.136. Even if the matters do not involve international terrorism, however, the importance and sensitivity of these matters requires a consistent national approach as established in the following policy. The policy is coordinated by the National Security Division. The Counterterrorism Section (CTS) is the point of contact for these matters.#N#During business hours, the main CTS number is (202) 514-0849. After business hours, CTS attorneys and supervisors may be reached by calling the Justice Command Center at (202) 514-5000.

What is prior express approval?

Prior express approval of the Assistant Attorney General of the National Security Division (AAG) or his designee is presumptively required for certain court actions involving the international terrorism-focused (Category 1) statutes. Prior approval is required in other (Category 2) international terrorism matters only upon AAG request. Prior approval is required for the following court actions:

How long does it take to file a notice of appeal?

A Notice of Appeal form is available to Department attorneys. The government has 60 days to file a notice of appeal from an adverse § 2255 habeas or in rem forfeiture decision.

What is the statutory duty to prosecute for all offenses against the United States?

The statutory duty to prosecute for all offenses against the United States (28 U.S.C. § 547) carries with it the authority necessary to perform this duty. The USA is invested by statute and delegation from the Attorney General with the broadest discretion in the exercise of such authority.

Who investigates anti-competitive conduct?

In most cases, the Antitrust Division, either alone or jointly with the United States Attorney’s Office, will investigate the anticompetitive conduct. A United States Attorney can independently investigate the anticompetitive conduct, but s/he needs the approval of the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division first.

Why is counsel encouraged to present all arguments as to why it would be unwise or inappropriate?

In such a meeting, counsel is encouraged to present all arguments as to why it would be unwise or inappropriate—for factual, legal, or prosecutorial policy reasons—to recommend indictment of their client.

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001 - Introduction

  • The United States Attorney, within his/her district, has plenary authority with regard to federal criminal matters. This authority is exercised under the supervision and direction of the Attorney General and his/her delegates. The statutory duty to prosecute for all offenses against the United States (28 U.S.C. § 547) carries with it the authority necessary to perform this duty. The USA is i…
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010 - Investigations

  • The United States Attorney, as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his district, is authorized to request the appropriate federal investigative agency to investigate alleged or suspected violations of federal law. The federal investigators operate under the hierarchical supervision of their bureau or agency and consequently are not ordinarily subject to direct super…
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020 - Declining Prosecution

  • The United States Attorney is authorized to decline prosecution in any case referred directly to him/her by an agency unless a statute provides otherwise. See JM 9-2.111. Whenever a case is closed without prosecution, the United States Attorney's files should reflect the action taken and the reason for it. [updated June 2018] [cited in JM 9-2.001]
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021 - Armed Forces Enlistment as An Alternative to Federal Prosecution

  • Present regulations of the Armed Services prohibit the enlistment of an individual against whom criminal or juvenile charges are pending or against whom the charges have been dismissed to facilitate the individual's enlistment. This policy is based, in part, on the premise that the individual who enlists under such conditions is not properly motivated to become an effective member of t…
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022 - Pretrial Diversion as An Alternative to Federal Prosecution

  • A United States Attorney may consider Pretrial Diversion as an alternative to federal criminal prosecution. Pretrial Diversion is addressed in JM 9-22.000.
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030 - Authorizing Prosecution

  • The United States Attorney is authorized to initiate prosecution by filing a complaint, requesting an indictment from the grand jury, and when permitted by law, by filing an information in any case which, in his or her judgment, warrants such action, other than those instances enumerated in JM 9-2.120. In arriving at a decision, the United States Attorney should consider the recommendatio…
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031 - Dual and Successive Prosecution Policy

  1. Statement of Policy: This policy establishes guidelines for the exercise of discretion by appropriate officers of the Department of Justice in determining whether to bring a federal prosecution bas...
  2. Types of Prosecution to which This Policy Applies: This policy applies only to charging decisions; it does not apply to pre-charge investigations. Yet, where a prior prosecution has b…
  1. Statement of Policy: This policy establishes guidelines for the exercise of discretion by appropriate officers of the Department of Justice in determining whether to bring a federal prosecution bas...
  2. Types of Prosecution to which This Policy Applies: This policy applies only to charging decisions; it does not apply to pre-charge investigations. Yet, where a prior prosecution has been brought ba...
  3. Stages of Prosecution at which Policy Applies: This policy applies whenever there has been a prior state or federal prosecution resulting in an acquittal, a conviction, including one resulting from...
  4. Substantive Prerequisites for Approval of a Prosecution Governed by this Policy. As previousl…

032 - Notification to The Criminal Division of Certain Prosecutions of Attorneys

  1. In either of the following two circumstances, the United States Attorney or Departmental Component Head shall notify the Director of the Office of Enforcement Operations, Criminal Division, wheneve...
  2. Except in emergency situations, the United States Attorney or Departmental Component Head shall provide such notice sufficiently in advance of the filing of a complaint, information, or in…
  1. In either of the following two circumstances, the United States Attorney or Departmental Component Head shall notify the Director of the Office of Enforcement Operations, Criminal Division, wheneve...
  2. Except in emergency situations, the United States Attorney or Departmental Component Head shall provide such notice sufficiently in advance of the filing of a complaint, information, or indictment...
  3. The requirements set forth in this section shall not apply to indictments that are subject to pre-indictment review by a Department component under other provisions of the Justice Manual, e.g., RIC...
  4. Guidance With Regard to Prosecutors' Participation in Attorney Prosecution The following gui…

040 - Dismissal of Complaints

  • The United States Attorney may dismiss a criminal complaint without prior authorization from the Criminal Division except in the instances enumerated in JM 9-2.145. However, Rule 48(a), Fed. R. Crim. P., requires leave of court for dismissal of a complaint, as discussed infra. See also JM 9-27.000(Principles of Federal Prosecution). If the person charged in a complaint has been bound …
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041 - Cancellation of Unexecuted Arrest Warrants

  • Care should be taken that the Marshal of the district is promptly informed by the United States Attorney of the dismissal of a complaint, whether by the court or a judicial officer, in order to facilitate cancellations of unexecuted arrest warrants as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 4(d)(4). Such notification is also important when a warrant of arrest is outstanding in connection with a detain…
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100 - Authorization to Investigate

  • Pursuant to 28 C.F.R. Section 0.40(a), the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division has supervisory authority over all Department investigations involving possible violations of the antitrust laws. In the course of an investigation into other criminal conduct, a United States Attorney may develop evidence of antitrust violations. Such evidence may support either inclusi…
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200 - Standards For Initiating A Criminal Investigation

  • A criminal antitrust investigation can be opened as a preliminary inquiry or as a grand jury investigation. When presented with a request to open a preliminary inquiry, the Antitrust Division considers (a) whether there is reason to believe that an antitrust violation may have been committed; (b) what amount of commerce is affected; (c) if the investigation will duplicate or int…
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300 - Case Recommendations

  • A recommendation to indict, file a plea agreement and information, or dismiss a charge must be approved by the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, among others. When a United States Attorney’s Office independently investigated the matter and recommends a final disposition to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, the United …
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400 - Notifying A Target

  • The Antitrust Division follows the Department’s practice of informing individuals under certain circumstances that they are targets of the investigation. See Justice Manual § 9-11.153; see also Justice Manual § 9-11.151 (defining “target”) and § 9-11.152 (discussing requests by targets to testify). In investigations handled by the Antitrust Division, a target’s counsel is usually afforded …
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500 - Sentencing Recommendations

  • Sentencing recommendations in antitrust prosecutions should be consistent with the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines for sentencing antitrust violations and any applicable Department policies. See U.S.S.G. § 2R1.1. [updated February 2020]
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600 - Appeals

  • The Antitrust Division’s Appellate Section is responsible for handling all appeals in antitrust cases. At the conclusion of a case that may involve an appeal, the United States Attorney should consult with the Division’s Appellate Section through the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Enforcement. * * * Additional information about the Antitrust Division and investigating and pros…
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