what cases does the pa attorney general handle

by Ms. Micaela Feest I 4 min read

The Pennsylvania attorney general is the state’s top lawyer. The office can bring down drug rings, investigate public corruption and it defends the state when it is sued.

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.Apr 24, 2016

Full Answer

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.

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.

Can the state attorney general prosecute local cases?

Chapter 1, section 1.09, of the Penal Code provides that, “with the consent of the appropriate local county or district attorney, the Attorney General has concurrent jurisdiction with that consenting local prosecutor” to prosecute certain offenses, including: Misuse of state property or funds. Abuse of office.

What types of cases does the US attorney general office handle?

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.

What power does the U.S. attorney general have?

As the chief officer of the Department of Justice, the attorney general enforces federal laws, provides legal counsel in federal cases, interprets the laws that govern executive departments, heads federal jails and penal institutions, and examines alleged violations of federal laws.

How do I know if the FBI is investigating me?

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.

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

A prosecutor may choose not to pursue a criminal case for several reasons. Political pressure. ... Because the role of top prosecutor is an elected position in many jurisdictions, prosecutors may face political pressure to prosecute or refrain from prosecuting a person suspected of committing a crime. Limited resources.

How do I file a complaint with the Attorney General Office?

You can also request a complaint form by calling 1.800. 382.5516 or 317.232. 6330....Consumer Complaint Forms:Online Consumer Complaint Form.Fillable Consumer Complaint Form.Printable Consumer Complaint Form.QUEJA DEL CONSUMIDOR.

Which level of felony is the highest level of offense?

A class A felony and a level 1 felony are considered the highest class – or worst felony – and carry the most severe punishments. Criminal codes at both the state and the federal levels categorize felony crimes by seriousness, with the first class or level being the most severe.Dec 15, 2018

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.

How is a US Attorney General hired?

A U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE: BASIC FACTS U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve terms of four years or at the President's discretion.

How long do DOJ investigations last?

So if you have still not been charged after the time set by the statute of limitations, the investigation is effectively over. 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.

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 ...

Who is Joe Peters?

Republican candidate Joe Peters was a Scranton police officer, an organized crime and drug prosecutor in the attorney general's office for 15 years, a federal mafia prosecutor and oversaw a White House drug trafficking program. He most recently served as Kathleen Kane’s spokesman for about eight months in 2013 and 2014.

What is the Roe v Wade ruling?

This was the 1992 landmark abortion ruling that upheld the basic tenet of Roe v. Wade that a woman has the right to an abortion. It established a new “undue burden” test, which struck down part of the Pennsylvania law which required wives to notify their husbands before getting an abortion.

Who is the chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners?

Shapiro is the chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and was appointed to be the chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency [PCCD] by Gov. Tom Wolf about a year ago.

SCAM ALERTS

Protecting consumers and combating scams is a top priority of the Office of Attorney General. It’s important for Pennsylvanians to know what schemes are out there – so they can avoid getting scammed and help our Office protect other consumers.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

The Office of Public Engagement offers a number of free educational programs to help school personnel, students, parents and the community empower Pennsylvanians with knowledge to keep them safe and to make good decisions.

ONLINE PROGRAMMING

We would love to joing your online classroom and give a presentation today. Here are a few examples of our available presentations.

What is the Civil Law Division?

The Civil Law Division defends the constitutionality of Pennsylvania law, represents Commonwealth agencies, defends the Commonwealth in tax appeals, collects delinquent taxes and other debts owed to the Commonwealth, handles or supervises various appeals and reviews Commonwealth contracts, regulations ...

What is the appellate litigation section?

The Appellate Litigation Section handles all civil litigation appeals in state and federal courts. These appeals arise from both the Civil Law and Public Protection Divisions of the Office of Attorney General and include constitutional challenges to state laws, policies and actions; employment, tax appeal and personal injury matters; oversight of charitable organizations; and consumer protection cases. The Appellate Litigation Section also analyzes and advises on requests that the Commonwealth join friend-of-the-court “amicus” briefs in the Supreme Court of the United States and elsewhere around the Country.

What is impact litigation?

The Impact Litigation Section is responsible for representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a plaintiff in civil litigation and related legal matters involving issues of significant state and national importance, including matter s regarding policies and actions of the federal government. It both initiates legal action on its own and joins actions initiated by other state attorneys general across the Country where doing so is necessary or desirable to protect the legal rights of Pennsylvanians. The Impact Litigation Section also analyzes and advises on requests that the Commonwealth join friend-of-the-court “amicus” briefs in the Supreme Court of the United States and elsewhere around the Country.

What is the legal review section?

The Legal Review Section reviews and approves for form and legality all state agency contracts and regulations, as well as state bond issues. It also drafts and approves plain language statements for ballot questions, protects agricultural operations from unauthorized local regulation that is prohibited or preempted by state law under the Agricultural Communities and Rural Environment Act, 3 Pa. C.S. §§ 311-318, or “ACRE,” and responds to all Right-to-Know Law requests submitted to the Office of Attorney General. In addition, when requested to do so by the Governor or the head of any Commonwealth agency, the Legal Review Section provides them with legal advice on matters arising in connection with their official duties. 71 P.S. § 732-204.

What is financial enforcement?

The majority of the remaining cases involve personal income taxes. Financial Enforcement collect s delinquent debts and other obligations owed to the Commonwealth and its agencies. It also represents the Commonwealth and its agencies before federal bankruptcy courts in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.

What is a torts lawyer?

The Torts Litigation Section defends the Commonwealth and its agencies, officials, and employees in personal injury and property damage actions in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Many of these matters involve claims against the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for death or serious bodily injury resulting from the allegedly defective design, construction, or maintenance of state highways. Torts Litigation lawyers work out of six regional offices across the state.

How to report identity theft?

For identity theft on a state level, you should contact the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or by email at [email protected]. To report identity theft on a federal level, you should contact Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or on their website.

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.

What is the job of an attorney general?

The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most of the state’s government agencies. Each state’s attorney general manages all legal representation of the state in civil and criminal matters on a state and federal level. Most attorneys general manage specific assistance programs ...

Who is responsible for enforcing the law?

The State's Attorney General is the head of the state's legal office and is responsible for enforcing the law. A state’s attorney general is responsible for enforcing the law in the state where he or she was elected. The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most ...

What is the role of the Attorney General?

Attorneys throughout the country, the Attorney General may provide guidance interpreting the law to assist in prosecuting or defending the United States in legal proceedings. The Attorney General also oversees the federal prison system and all of the systems that pertain to it.

How many times has Barr been Attorney General?

Barr has served as Attorney General twice, once during the George H.W. Bush administration from 1991 to 1993, and currently in the Trump administration. Barr has been consistent in his determination that the Executive branch claims absolute executive authority, contrary to our system of checks and balances.

When was the Office of the Attorney General created?

The Office of the Attorney General was created in 1789 and was intended to be a one-person position. The person in the position was supposed to be “learned in the law” and was tasked with conducting all suits in the Supreme Court and advising the president and cabinet in law-related matters.

Who is in charge of the Justice Department?

The Attorney General is in charge of the Department and is responsible for all aspects of the Justice Department. The head of this vast bureaucracy has enough impact to shape the way laws are treated by law enforcement professionals across the country.

What is the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice is responsible for most of the legal business of the government, and therefore, many of the law enforcement agencies throughout the country . There are six litigating divisions in the department: Antitrust.

Who is Marissa Jordan?

Marissa Jordan is an accountant and freelance writer interested in current events, economics, and science. Formerly, she wrote for technical blogs on specialized software. When not writing or accounting, she likes spending time with family, reading, and trivia.

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 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 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.

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What Is The Role of The Attorney General?

  • The Attorney General is the Head of the Justice Department and the attorney for the United States in all legal matters. They dispense legal advice to the president and the heads of other governmental agencies when requested. The Attorney General may support important cases that go to the Supreme Court of the United States if the case is deemed important in nature. The Atto…
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How Does One Become Attorney General?

  • The position of Attorney General is an appointed one, nominated by the president and confirmed by the United States Senate. There is also a succession plan in place in the event there is no Attorney General due to absence or death, which allows the Deputy Attorney General to assume all powers and duties of the office. While the Deputy Attorney General would not be a confirmed …
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What Are The Most Important Powers of The Attorney General?

  • The Attorney General will provide advice and guidance to the president and other high ranking officials regarding the law and how it should be implemented. This provides the Attorney General with a great deal of power, as they would have the ability to shape how laxly or punitively the law is to be applied. As the Justice Department has such wide-reaching tentacles of power in matter…
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Who Is The Current Attorney General?

  • William Barr is the current Attorney General of the United States. He replaced Jeff Sessions in 2019 after President Trump fired Sessions. Barr has served as Attorney General twice, once during the George H.W. Bush administration from 1991 to 1993, and currently in the Trump administration. Barr has been consistent in his determination that the Executive branch claims a…
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What Agencies Are Under The Department of Justice?

  • The Department of Justice is responsible for most of the legal business of the government, and therefore, many of the law enforcement agencies throughout the country. There are six litigating divisions in the department: 1. Antitrust 2. Civil 3. Civil Rights 4. Criminal 5. Environmental and Natural Resources 6. Tax Each division is headed up by an Assistant Attorney General, and man…
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History of The Attorney General

  • The Office of the Attorney General was createdin 1789 and was intended to be a one-person position. The person in the position was supposed to be “learned in the law” and was tasked with conducting all suits in the Supreme Court and advising the president and cabinet in law-related matters. The work quickly grew, requiring the addition of multiple assistants and private attorne…
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List of Attorneys General

  1. William Barr, 2019 – Present
  2. Jeff Sessions, 2017 – 2018
  3. Loretta Lynch, 2015 – 2017
  4. Eric Holder, Jr., 2009 – 2015
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The Rantt Rundown

  • The Department of Justice, created in 1789, has grown from a part-time, one-person office to become the world’s largest law office, encompassing sixty different agencies and offices. The Attorney General is in charge of the Department and is responsible for all aspects of the Justice Department. The head of this vast bureaucracy has enough impact to shape the way laws are tr…
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