what does an assistant us attorney do

by Prof. Wellington Purdy 4 min read

An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), or federal prosecutor, is a public official who represents the federal government on behalf of the U.S. attorney (USA) in criminal prosecutions, and in certain civil cases as either the plaintiff or the defendant.

Assistants are given prosecuting authority consistent with that of the head U.S. attorney and have great discretion in making decisions related to each case. In the criminal context, assistant U.S. attorneys have the authority to file charges, request an indictment, decline prosecution or negotiate plea bargains.

Full Answer

How do you become an assistant US Attorney?

 · The United States Attorney's Office prosecutes federal criminal offenses, seeks recovery of government funds fraudulently obtained, litigates affirmative civil fraud and enforcement actions, and defends the U.S. Government's interest in civil cases. ... Assistant United States Attorneys' pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the ...

What are the duties of an US Attorney?

Assistant United States Attorney The candidate prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defends the United States when it is a party in a civil case. Must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any US jurisdiction), and have 1+ year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

What are duties of a legal assistant?

 · Assistant U.S. attorneys are appointed by the U.S. Attorney General to serve under the U.S. attorney in the district, who is, in turn, appointed by the U.S. president. Assistants are assigned cases...

What is the job description of a legal assistant?

 · Assistant U.S. Attorneys working at the direction of the United States Attorney prosecute criminal cases brought by the United States against individuals and organizations who violate criminal laws enacted by the United States Congress. Assistant United States Attorneys working at the direction of the United States Attorney also prosecute and defend civil …

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What does U.S. attorney office do?

Under 28 U.S.C. § 547, the role of the United States Attorney is to: (1) prosecute criminal cases brought by the federal government; (2) prosecute or defend civil cases where the United States is a party; and (3) collect debts owed to the federal government when administrative agencies are unable to do so.

Who is the current U.S. assistant attorney general?

Vanita GuptaUnited States Associate Attorney GeneralIncumbent Vanita Gupta since April 22, 2021United States Department of JusticeReports toUnited States Attorney GeneralAppointerThe President with Senate advice and consent7 more rows

How many U.S. district attorneys are there?

93 United States AttorneysThere are currently 93 United States Attorneys: one for each of the 94 federal judicial districts, except for Guam and the Northern Marianas, where a single U.S. Attorney serves both districts.

What is a Sausa?

An appointment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) with the U.S. Attorney's Office offers unique and challenging experiences for the highly motivated attorney; an opportunity to work on their own caseload and handle their own trials.

How much does an Assistant Attorney General make?

Salary Ranges for Assistant Attorney Generals The salaries of Assistant Attorney Generals in the US range from $15,879 to $424,998 , with a median salary of $76,932 . The middle 57% of Assistant Attorney Generals makes between $76,932 and $192,778, with the top 86% making $424,998.

How many US assistant attorney generals are there?

The AAG is assisted by six Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAGs) who may be either career or noncareer employees. These DAAGs assist the AAG by supervising enforcement matters and advising on enforcement decisions and policy matters.

How much power does a U.S. attorney have?

Each U.S. attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer within his or her particular jurisdiction, acting under the guidance of the United States Attorneys' Manual. They supervise district offices with as many as 350 assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSAs) and as many as 350 support personnel.

How powerful is a district attorney?

District attorneys have the power to choose which charges are filed against an individual accused of a crime. When the police arrest someone, the district attorney's office has the power to prosecute those cases, divert the accused to a program or drug treatment, or dismiss the case altogether.

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.

How many US attorneys are there in New York?

Below is a listing of current United States Attorneys for all 94 districts....U.S. Attorneys Listing.DistrictUnited States AttorneyNew York, EasternBreon S. Peace *New York, NorthernCarla B. Freedman *New York, SouthernDamian Williams *New York, WesternTrini E. Ross *89 more rows

Who does the lawyer defend?

A lawyer must provide a vigorous defence regardless of the crime their client is accused of or the evidence against them. The criminal justice system is built on the concept of a person being presumed innocent until their guilt is proved “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

Does Washington DC have a district attorney?

Therefore, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia serves as both the federal prosecutor (as in the other 92 U.S. Attorneys' offices) and as the local district attorney....United States Attorney for the District of ColumbiaAppointerThe President with Senate advice and consent3 more rows

How much does an assistant attorney make?

The range of pay is $68,112 to $172,400 which includes a 22.16% locality pay supplement.

How long is the initial appointment to the Department of Justice?

All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month (temporary) basis pending favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

Does the Department of Justice control the posting of vacancies?

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

What is an assistant US attorney?

Assistant United States Attorney, Civil Rights. The candidate prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defends the US when it is a party in a civil case. Works to advance civil rights through a variety of affirmative civil enforcement practice areas that may include housing and fair lending, ADA enforcement, ...

How much do assistant attorneys make?

attorneys serving, each handling legislation within their district. An assistant U.S. attorney must live within 25 miles of the district they serve in. Beginning assistant attorneys with a law degree are paid about $50,287, and those with a one-year judicial clerkship are paid $60,274.

What is the job of a civil rights attorney?

The candidate prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defends the US when it is a party in a civil case. Works to advance civil rights through a variety of affirmative civil enforcement practice areas that may include housing and fair lending, ADA enforcement, allegations relating to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, voting rights, service members' rights, pattern and practice policing investigations, and employment discrimination. Coordinates with the District's Criminal Division in criminal civil rights cases involving human trafficking, hate crimes, and color of law prosecutions. Works closely with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and participates in significant community outreach events throughout the district. Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, be an active member of the Bar (any US jurisdiction), and have 3+ years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Should preferably have 3 years of exceptional experience as an attorney, as well as superior academic credentials. Occasional travel, both within and outside the District, may be required.

What is the AUSA?

The candidate, serving as an AUSA and assigned to the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Appellate Division, or Branch Office location, will be part of a team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens . Criminal Division assignments include, the investigation and prosecution of federal criminal laws involving guns, violence, immigration, terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes against children, government program fraud, health care fraud, other white collar offenses, public corruption, and organized crime. Civil Division cases encompass affirmative litigation where the US is seeking some type of monetary recovery or injunctive relief (e.g., civil rights, judgment enforcement, bankruptcy, asset forfeiture) and defensive cases involving a variety of lawsuits brought against the Federal government. Appellate Division cases include the writing of briefs and the arguing appeals before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as reviewing briefs written by other AUSAs. Must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and 2+ years of post-J.D. experience. Occasional travel may be required.

How much do assistant attorneys make?

attorneys work in Criminal Divisions, and may work in Civil, Appellate, or other divisions. As of 2020. [update] they earned a starting base salary of $55,204, adjusted significantly for local cost of living. Assistant United States attorneys working in a criminal division generally handle ...

What is an AUSA?

An Assistant United States Attorney ( AUSA ), often referred to as a federal prosecutor, is an official career civil service position working for the federal government of the United States in the United States Department of Justice, assigned to a local district of the United States Attorney's Office under the supervision of the regional U.S. Attorney. In 2008, there were approximately 5,800 assistant United States attorneys employed by the United States Government. Although many are "prosecutors", not all assistant U.S. attorneys work in Criminal Divisions, and may work in Civil, Appellate, or other divisions. As of 2020#N#[update]#N#they earned a starting base salary of $55,204, adjusted significantly for local cost of living. Assistant United States attorneys working in a criminal division generally handle large case loads; however, as most federal prosecutions end in plea bargains, they will typically try only two to six cases annually.

Does American Samoa have a federal court?

American Samoa does not have a district court or federal territorial court; federal matters there go to the District of Columbia, Hawaii, or its own Supreme Court. This article relating to law in the United States or its constituent jurisdictions is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v.

What is an assistant attorney?

An Assistant U.S. attorney is employed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. attorneys are appointed by the U.S. Attorney General to serve under the U.S. attorney in the district, who is, in turn, appointed by the U.S. president. Assistants are assigned cases by the U.S. attorney and are responsible for litigating civil ...

How much does an assistant attorney make?

Assistant attorneys with a law degree and one-year judicial clerkship or advanced degree are paid GS-12 step one, or $66,167, not including locality pay. Attorneys working in areas with a higher cost of living are paid higher salaries. Full GS pay tables, include state and metropolitan localities, are available through the Office of Personnel Management.

How many districts does an AUSA attorney represent?

An AUSA attorney must live within 25 miles of the district represented by their supervisory U.S. attorneys. There are 93 U.S. attorneys serving 94 districts as listed on the Department of Justice website. The assistant U.S. attorney only prosecutes or defends cases arising out of transactions or incidents taking place within the district. Some states are comprised of just one district, while other, larger states are made up of two, three or four districts.

What is the mission of the Office of the United States Attorney?

The mission of this position is to conduct trial work in which the United States is a party , says the Office of the United States Attorneys. This trial work falls within three general categories: prosecution of criminal cases commenced by the federal government, prosecution or defense of civil cases to which the U.S.

What is the job growth rate for attorneys?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook across the entire attorney profession is 4 percent, or about average . The BLS speculates that government budget constraints will moderate growth for federal attorneys.

What is an assistant U.S. attorney?

Attorneys working at the direction of the United States Attorney prosecute criminal cases brought by the United States against individuals and organizations who violate criminal laws enacted by the United States Congress.

Who is the attorney for the Western District of Texas?

The Western District of Texas is one of four federal judicial districts in Texas, and one of the largest in the country. Ashley C. Hoff is the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas and is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the United States within this district.

What does AUSA stand for in federal court?

So you want to become a federal prosecutor? You want to represent the United States in federal court? You want to do justice, protect the public, and enforce federal laws? How exactly do you do it? Many young attorneys are interested in becoming an Assistant United States Attorney (also known as AUSA). This article offers some practical advice.

Who is the top federal law enforcement official?

This article offers some practical advice. The US Attorney is the top federal law enforcement official for the federal district in which he or she resides. States may have one or more federal districts. Each district is managed by its respective US Attorney.

Do USAOs hire new graduates?

USAOs do not hire new graduates. I am sure there is some exception somewhere, I think I remember some California office hiring through DoJ Honors, but as a rule they don't.

Do USAOs hire lawyers?

Yep. USAOs only hire experienced lawyers, most coming from biglaw shops or local/state prosecutors' offices. Every office I'm familiar with hires you either into civil or criminal division, not both (although transfer between is possible, at least in some offices).

What does an AUSA do?

Criminal AUSAs spend their time investigating cases; drafting indictments and other pleadings; negotiating plea agreements; appearing in court for bail hearings, pretrial motions, plea hearings, and sentencing; conducting jury trials; and briefing and arguing appeals. On a given day, a criminal AUSA may question witnesses before the grand jury, help agents to prepare a search warrant, or review documentary evidence. Later that week, the AUSA may brief the constitutionality of an automobile search or examine witnesses at a suppression hearing. Over the course of the month, the AUSA may argue a sentencing issue before the Court of Appeals, negotiate a plea agreement with a minor player in a conspiracy in the hope of using his testimony to convict the conspiracy’s leaders, or prepare witnesses and mark exhibits for an upcoming trial.

Do USAOs hire AUSAs?

Attorney, or a committee under his or her direction, has independent responsibility for hiring AUSAs. USAOs do not ordinarily hire AUSAs directly from law school or clerkships. The limited exception to this practice is the “We can always find smart people, but we arelooking for smart people who

What is an assistant staff attorney?

An Assistant Staff Attorney performs a wide range of clerical and administrative work that requires knowledge of legal terms, documents, and procedures. They also communicate with clients to keep them informed on case progress.

What is the role of a lawyer in a large caseload?

Provide effective representation to clients who are frequently illiterate, uneducate and uncooperative while managing a large caseload.

How fast will assistant state attorneys grow?

Perhaps the hardest question to answer when deciding on a career as an assistant state attorney is "should I become an assistant state attorney?" You might find this info to be helpful. When compared to other jobs, assistant state attorney careers are projected to have a growth rate described as "as fast as average" at 6% from 2018 through 2028. This is in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What's more, is that the projected number of opportunities that are predicted to become available for a assistant state attorney by 2028 is 50,100.

What is the job of a foreclosure lawyer?

Handle all legal matters, documentation and litigation related to property foreclosure and bankruptcy.

How to maintain communication with victims and family members during entire caseprocess?

Maintain communication with victims and family members during entire caseprocess via verbal and written communications.

Is it hard to become an assistant state attorney?

It's hard work to become an assistant state attorney, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you're interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we've compiled extensive information on becoming a general counsel, lawyer, council member, and housing counselor.

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