what can the state attorney general do for you?

While varying from one jurisdiction to the next due to statutory and constitutional mandates, the role of attorney general typically includes:

More items

Full Answer

Should state attorney generals be elected or appointed?

U.S. attorney generals should be elected, not appointed. That would instill more independence for the nation’s top law enforcer without being politically beholden to a chief executive. If there is any office that necessitates neutrality, it is the attorney general. Attorney generals are elected in 45 state systems across the country.

What are the qualifications for the state Attorney General?

• at least 18 years of age
• a citizen of the United States
• a resident of Texas for at least 12 months

What is the state Attorney General in charge of?

While varying from one jurisdiction to the next due to statutory and constitutional mandates, the role of attorney general typically includes: Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation

Is there an attorney general for each state?

There are only 50 U.S. states, and one attorney general in each. So, the opportunities to become a state attorney general are finite and limited. If you aspire to become one, start by going to law school. Practice law for a number of years, then try to become an assistant state attorney general first.

What powers does the US attorney general have?

The principal duties of the Attorney General are to: Represent the United States in legal matters. Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.

What is the main function of the Attorney General?

The attorney general ensures the state's laws are followed and defends challenges to state law in court. The elected official oversees the California Department of Justice, which has over 4,500 employees and is one of the largest agencies in the state.

How powerful is the attorney general?

The Attorney General of the United States – appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate – heads the DOJ with its more than 100,000 attorneys, special agents, and other staff. It represents the United States in federal criminal and civil litigation, and provides legal advice to the President and Cabinet.

What does the US attorney general investigate?

The Attorney General's responsibilities include safeguarding Californians from harm and promoting community safety, preserving California's spectacular natural resources, enforcing civil rights laws, and helping victims of identity theft, mortgage-related fraud, illegal business practices, and other consumer crimes.

Why would I get a letter from the Office of the Attorney General?

A target letter is commonly used in white collar cases and it is a way for the federal government to notify you that you are a target of a criminal investigation. A target is defined by the United States Attorney's Office as someone against whom there is substantial evidence.

What is the attorney general's office?

Merrick GarlandUnited States / Attorney generalMerrick Brian Garland is an American lawyer and jurist serving as the 86th United States attorney general beginning in March 2021. He served as a circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2021. Wikipedia

Is the attorney general higher than the President?

The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters, advises the President and the heads of the executive departments of the government, and occasionally appears in person before the Supreme Court.

Who does the US Attorney General report to?

President of the United StatesUnited States Attorney GeneralMember ofCabinet National Security CouncilReports toPresident of the United StatesSeatRobert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building Washington, D.C.AppointerPresident of the United States with United States Senate advice and consent13 more rows

Who appoints the attorney general?

the PresidentAttorney General is appointed by the President on the advice of the government. There are the following qualifications: He should be an Indian Citizen. He must have either completed 5 years in High Court of any Indian state as a judge or 10 years in High Court as an advocate.

What's the difference between US attorney and attorney general?

The president appoints U.S. attorneys, who mainly serve as administrators. Assistant U.S. attorneys handle the bulk of the trial work. The U.S. attorney general, who is the chief law enforcement officer in the United States and the head of the Department of Justice, has supervisory responsibility over U.S. attorneys.

How do you know if the feds are investigating you?

Probably the second most common way people learn that they're under federal investigation is when the police execute a search warrant at the person's house or office. If the police come into your house and execute a search warrant, then you know that you are under investigation.

Can the feds take over a state case?

If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.

What is the job of the Attorney General quizlet?

What is the role of the Attorney General? Head of the Department of Justice, top law enforcement officer and lawyer for the United States, defends the US and the Constitution in court cases.

Who is the Attorney General of Kenya today?

Paul Kihara KariukiThe current attorney general, Paul Kihara Kariuki, was nominated by the President Uhuru Kenyatta on 13 February 2018. His nomination was approved by the National Assembly on the 28 March 2018, after the requisite vetting process.

Who is the current Attorney General in Zambia?

Kalaluka is currently serving as the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) board chairman. As Attorney General, Kalaluka was an assistant cabinet member and assistant legal adviser to the Zambian Government.

What are the functions of Attorney General in Kenya?

Accordingly, the principal legal functions carried out by the Office as a whole are the provision of legal advice (Advisory Counsel), legislative drafting (Parliamentary Counsel), the provision of litigation, conveyancing and other transactional services (Chief State Solicitor's Office).

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 does the Attorney General do?

The attorney general’s office investigates crimes or schemes that span multiple counties. It also works with federal investigators on cases that span multiple states.

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 did Preate feel about being a district attorney?

While Preate talked highly of being a district attorney, he felt that leadership experience was attainable from many places.

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.

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.

How many employees does the Attorney General have?

The office works on criminal, civil and consumer protection cases and has 830 employees in offices across the state, according to the latest figures provided by the attorney general’s office. More than half of those employees work on criminal cases.

Who has the final word in a case?

Major cases and important decisions get pushed up the chain of command for the attorney general to have the final word.

What is the Attorney General of Texas?

The Attorney General is the constitutional, statewide elected official who acts as the attorney for the State of Texas. The Attorney General: 1 enforces state consumer protection laws; 2 collects court-ordered child support; and 3 administers the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund.

How to contact the Attorney General for child support?

For information about child support services, call the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division at (800) 252-8014 or consult your phone directory for the number to your local office. Information is also available on the Office of the Attorney General Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

What to do if you disagree with appraisal?

If you disagree with the appraised value of your property, you can appeal it to the appraisal district. If you disagree with the tax rate, make your views known to the appropriate taxing authority (city, county, school district or other). If you want to complain about the actions of an appraiser, contact the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at (512) 465-3950 or on the Web at www.talcb.state.tx.us.

How to contact the state bar?

The State Bar offers a Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 252-9690. If you cannot afford an attorney, you might be able to find assistance at a clinic sponsored by a nearby law school. I’m the victim of a violent crime in Texas.

What is the state bar of Texas?

The State Bar of Texas is the agency with authority to regulate attorneys in Texas. If you have a complaint about the actions of an attorney, contact the State Bar’s Grievance Committee at (800) 932-1900. I have a complaint against a private business.

Who maintains the oversight of state agencies in Texas?

Many agencies have ombudsmen or complaint resolution procedures available to Texans. Ultimate oversight of state agencies is maintained by the Texas Legislature, which establishes agency mandates and approves agency budgets.

Who has the authority to prosecute criminal wrongdoing?

Share your concerns with your local county or district attorney. These officials have the authority to prosecute criminal wrongdoing.

What is the job of a state attorney general?

Each state's attorney general is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws, as well as the ability to pass new legislation. The state attorney general also has the higher purpose of protecting the people of the state and their interests. Attorney general duties include providing consumer ...

Why do you need a bio for an attorney general?

Or if they are appointed to the job, they need an outstanding bio in order to be noticed for the appointment. The job of state attorney general isn't like jobs in private business, where employees receive performance reviews that may lead to a salary raise.

How often do attorneys general meet?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics. AGs may also serve as officers of this and other legal organizations and on various committees established to accomplish specific goals.

How many times does the Attorney General meet with the Attorney General?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

Then, prospective lawyers take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and apply to law schools. Finishing law school generally takes three years. Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not.

How long can an AG serve?

Many states set limits on how many years their AG can serve, with the norm being a maximum of eight years. Only Virginia does not set a limit on how long their AG can serve.

How many states have an AG?

Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not. In 43 states, the AG is elected by popular vote. In the other seven states, the AG is appointed by the state government.