what can the pa attorney general do for me?

The Attorney General Pennsylvania is an independent office headed by the elected individual. The office is responsible for prosecuting crimes that were originally prosecuted by the state, including all acts of organized crime, public corruption and consumer protection issues.

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Does the Pennsylvania Attorney General give legal advice?

The Pennsylvania Attorney General is bound by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Act and is not permitted to give legal advice, interpretation or representation. The Pennsylvania Attorney General represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all state agencies. and does not provide private legal counsel.

What are the basic duties of the Attorney General?

The basic duties of the attorney general, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, are to: To be the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer charged with the responsibility for the prosecution of organized crime and public corruption.

How do you become a PA Attorney General?

To become attorney general, you have to be able to practice law in Pennsylvania, be at least 30 years old and have lived in Pennsylvania for the past seven years (exceptions for politicians and public employees). Of the five candidates, there are two politicians and three with extensive experience as prosecutors.

How many terms can an attorney general serve in Pennsylvania?

The attorney general is elected in presidential election years and cannot serve more than two consecutive terms in office. Pennsylvania has a Democratic triplex. The Democratic Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.

What are the duties of the PA Attorney General?

He or she serves as the chief law enforcement officer of Pennsylvania and represents the state and its agencies in any action brought by or against them. The attorney general is responsible for collecting all debts, taxes, and accounts due to the state.

Who is Pennsylvania's Attorney General what does he do to help our state?

Josh Shapiro serves as Pennsylvania's Attorney General to represent victims of crime and abuse; defend individual rights; and hold the most powerful interests accountable to the law when they rip off or harm Pennsylvanians.

What does the US Attorney General investigate?

AGs investigate and bring actions under their states' respective unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices laws (“UDAP laws”). UDAP laws tend to broadly prohibit “deceptive” or “unconscionable” acts against consumers.

How do I file a consumer complaint with the PA Attorney General?

You can download a complaint form from our website at www.attorneygeneral.gov or you can call our toll-free number, 1.800. 441.2555, to have a form mailed to you.

What is Attorney General Office PA?

Josh Shapiro (Democratic Party)Pennsylvania / Attorney generalJoshua David Shapiro is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the Pennsylvania Attorney General since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and as chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. Wikipedia

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

Why would I receive a letter from the Department of Justice?

Are You A Target Or Are You A Subject? The Department of Justice customarily sends target letters to individuals who are the target of a grand jury investigation and to those who are the subject of a grand jury investigation.

Who is above the district attorney?

In practice, district attorneys, who prosecute the bulk of criminal cases in the United States, answer to no one. The state attorney general is the highest law enforcement officer in state government and often has the power to review complaints about unethical and illegal conduct on the part of district attorneys.

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

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 do I sue the state of Pennsylvania?

Anyone wishing to sue a state governmental unit must provide written notice within six months of injury. The notice contains the identity and address of the victim; the location, date, and time of the injury; and the name and address of the potential plaintiff's doctor.

How do I report a business in PA?

You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-(717) 783-4849 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania).

How do I file a complaint against a local business?

File a complaint with your local consumer protection office or the state agency that regulates the company. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies.

Who is the district attorney of Pennsylvania?

The current District Attorney of Philadelphia is Larry Krasner. The district attorney represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City & County of Philadelphia in all criminal and other prosecutions....District Attorney of PhiladelphiaSalary$ 175,576 (2017)4 more rows

What did the attorney general do in 1789?

Another duty of the attorney general is to give legal advice to the president and the other cabinet members. The attorney general is also the chief law enforcement officer in the United States. Congress created the job of attorney general in 1789 when it passed the act that established the president's cabinet.

Who is Pennsylvania's governor?

Tom Wolf (Democratic Party)Pennsylvania / GovernorThomas Westerman Wolf is an American politician and businessman serving as the 47th and current governor of Pennsylvania since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he defeated Republican incumbent Tom Corbett in the 2014 gubernatorial election and was reelected in 2018 by a margin of 17.1%. Wikipedia

How do I sue the state of Pennsylvania?

Anyone wishing to sue a state governmental unit must provide written notice within six months of injury. The notice contains the identity and address of the victim; the location, date, and time of the injury; and the name and address of the potential plaintiff's doctor.

What is the job of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania?

The Attorney General is Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement official, with a wide range of responsibilities to protect and serve the citizens and agencies of the Commonwealth. The Attorney General is served by a staff of several hundred prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, agents and support staff in offices across the state, divided into four sections: the Criminal Law Division, the Public Protection Division, the Civil Division and the Operations Division.

What are the duties of the Attorney General?

As provided by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, the fundamental duties of the Attorney General are: To be the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer charged with the responsibility for the prosecution of organized crime and public corruption.

When was the Attorney General of Pennsylvania elected?

At the primary election of 1978, Pennsylvania voters approved a Constitutional amendment providing for the election of an Attorney General effective with the general election of 1980.

When was the Attorney General created?

The position of Attorney General was created in 1643, before the arrival of English Common Law, as an office within government of the area known as New Sweden. Appointees were selected by the King of Sweden.

How old do you have to be to become an attorney general in Pennsylvania?

To become attorney general, you have to be able to practice law in Pennsylvania, be at least 30 years old and have lived in Pennsylvania for the past seven years (exceptions for politicians and public employees). Of the five candidates, there are two politicians and three with extensive experience as prosecutors.

What is the Attorney General's Office looking into?

In addition to investigating criminal operations, the attorney general’s office looks into scams targeting seniors, violations of the state’s clean air and water laws and evaluates whether mergers break antitrust laws. On April 26, voters in both parties will have a choice for attorney general. Do the voters prefer a candidate with political ...

What does the Criminal Division do?

The criminal division investigates drug trafficking, child predators (more than 150 were arrested each of the past two years), organized crime and public corruption, according to the office’s 2015 annual report.

Does the Attorney General appear in court?

The attorney general rarely appears in court, but makes key decisions on major cases, assists in local and federal investigations and meets with legislators and constituents on a regular basis, according to Walter Cohen, who served as first deputy attorney general over six years and then as acting attorney general for several months in 1995.

What is the job of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania?

He or she serves as the chief law enforcement officer of Pennsylvania and represents the state and its agencies in any action brought by or against them. The attorney general is responsible for collecting all debts, ...

What are the divisions of the Attorney General?

As of January 11, 2021, divisions within the Office of the Attorney General included: 1 Criminal Law 2 Public Protection 3 Civil Law 4 Office of Public Engagement

How long does the Attorney General of the Commonwealth serve?

An Attorney General shall be chosen by the qualified electors of the Commonwealth on the day the general election is held for the Auditor General and State Treasurer; he shall hold his office during four years from the third Tuesday of January next ensuing his election and shall not be eligible to serve continuously for more than two successive terms; he shall be the chief law officer of the Commonwealth and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be imposed by law.

What is the power of the governor in Pennsylvania?

Article IV, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution grants the governor the power to appoint officers to fill vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of attorney general, the governor nominates a successor. This nomination must be made to the Pennsylvania State Senate within 90 days of the vacancy.

Who was the first woman to be elected as an attorney general?

Kane was the first woman and first Democrat to be elected attorney general since it became an elected office in 1980. On November 4, 2008, Tom Corbett won re-election to the office of Pennsylvania Attorney General. He defeated John M. Morganelli (D) and Marakay J. Rogers (L) in the general election.

How long does it take for the Pennsylvania governor to appoint a successor?

This nomination must be made to the Pennsylvania State Senate within 90 days of the vacancy. The senate must then take action (confirming or rejecting nomination) within 25 legislative days.

Who represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Attorney General represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all state agencies. and does not provide private legal counsel. To find an attorney you should contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 800-692-7375.

How to file a complaint against a state trooper in Pennsylvania?

Where can I file a complaint against a State Trooper? First you should contact the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. If you do not get satisfaction with the Pennsylvania State Police you can contact the Governor’s Office at 717-787-2500.

How to get a concealed carry license in Pennsylvania?

How do I obtain a concealed carry license? For Pennsylvania residents, you should contact your county sheriff’s office where you reside to apply for your concealed carry license. Philadelphia residents should contact the Chief of Police. Additional firearms information is available from the Pennsylvania State Police.

Who do I contact for PA state retirement?

For state employees you should contact the Pennsylvania State Employee Retirement System or your human resource section. If you are a non-state employee you should contact the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Can the Attorney General of Pennsylvania give legal advice?

Can the Pennsylvania Attorney General give me legal advice or representation? The Pennsylvania Attorney General is bound by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Act and is not permitted to give legal advice, interpretation or representation. The Pennsylvania Attorney General represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all state agencies.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

The office has the responsibility for the prosecution of those crimes prosecuted by the commonwealth, including organized crime and public corruption, as well as civil litigation on behalf of some, but not all, commonwealth agencies and the civil enforcement of some commonwealth laws, including laws pertaining to consumer protection and charities. The Attorney General represents the commonwealth in all actions brought by or against the commonwealth and reviews all proposed rules and regulations by commonwealth agencies.

When did the Attorney General of Pennsylvania become elected?

In 1978, voters approved an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution making the office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General an elected position, effective as of the general election of 1980. Note that before William Penn, there were Attorneys General for New Sweden as early as 1643.

Who is the acting attorney general of Kane?

Consequently, as the Solicitor General, Bruce Castor assumed the office as Acting Attorney General. Governor Tom Wolf nominated Bruce Beemer to serve out the remaining balance of Kane's term which expired in January 2017 in which Democrat Josh Shapiro succeeded Bruce Beemer .

Who was the first person to develop the Pennsylvania judicial system?

Under the influence of David Lloyd, who served 1686–1710, Pennsylvania developed its first judicial system. Andrew Hamilton, who served 1717–1726, strongly influenced Pennsylvania law away from some aspects of the British system.

How many styles of selection have there been in Pennsylvania?

There have been four styles of selection of Pennsylvania Attorney General. The first phase was colonial, with the first Attorney General commissioned in 1683.

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What is an attorney general investigation?

Those who address these investigations or actions properly have the best chance of obtaining a positive outcome. An attorney general investigation can come in many forms, from a simple letter to a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) or subpoena.

What does experience counsel do?

Experienced counsel can help determine what is at the core of the investigation and who the real targets are – which can help limit the investigation or point it in the proper direction.

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Elections

Vacancies

• Article IV, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution grants the governor the power to appoint officers to fill vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of attorney general, the governor nominates a successor. This nomination must be made to the Pennsylvania State Senatewithin 90 days of the vacancy. The senate must then take action (con...

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