why is the state attorney calling me

Correspondingly, why would an attorney general call me? It may be related to employment or business that you did with a company they are investigating that they either want information about, or there was a settlement and they are trying to find you as a result. Can I talk to a district attorney? Outside of court, the D.A. can't force you to speak.

Full Answer

What is a state attorney?

A State's Attorney is the most common term for a prosecutor, someone who represents the people in criminal and civil legal matters. But while the most iconic image of a State's Attorney is the trial prosecutor depicted in countless television shows, books and films, State's Attorneys don't just prosecute accused criminals.

How are state's attorneys elected?

In general, State's Attorneys are elected by the people they represent. Their duties are spelled out in the laws of the local governments they represent, and they're held accountable by the voters for how well they do their jobs and how well their performance matches up with the local politics of the area.

What does an assistant state's attorney do?

Assistant State's Attorneys are on the front lines of all legal action involving the office. They're the lawyers most likely to be involved in charging an offense, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and legal precedent, and trying cases in court. They're also the ones most likely to be involved in sentencing and appeals hearings.

What is the difference between a commonwealth attorney and state attorney?

States that refer to themselves as commonwealths, such as Virginia and Kentucky, refer to them as Commonwealth's Attorneys [source: Commonwealth's Attorneys Services Council ]. State's Attorneys generally represent a defined geographic area, such as a county, judicial district or judicial circuit.

Why would an attorney call me?

It could be that you are a witness to some event that they represent someone else for, they could represent a creditor of yours, or many, many, many other reasons.

What happens when a case goes to the States attorney?

Either a judge or a jury may decide the verdict on how well the State's Attorney proved the case. During the trial, the State's Attorney may make opening and closing statements, offer evidence, question witnesses and challenge the defense attorney's legal actions.

Why would a DA call me?

The DA is required to call you under the Victim Bill of Rights because this is a domestic violence case. They could get in trouble if they did not do so. They have to send you a victim impact statement, get your position on the case, find out...

Why would you get a letter from the States attorney?

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 does the state attorney do?

The functions of the State Attorney is as follows: The drafting and managing of contracts on behalf of the State. The handling of criminal and civil litigation cases instituted against State officials and committed by means of acts or omissions while executing their official duties.

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.

Why does a prosecutor want to talk to me?

The most obvious reason to interview with law enforcement is that the defendant wants some sort of deal. Whether that is a plea bargain, immunity, or even not being charged, the defendant is hoping to show the prosecutor that they are either innocent or have some important information to offer.

How long after a crime can you be charged?

6 monthsSection 179 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) reads as follows: Proceedings for a summary offence must be commenced not later than 6 months from when the offence was alleged to have been committed.

How long does the DA have to file felony charges in California?

three yearsIf the crime is a felony, the prosecution generally has three years to file charges from the date the offense was allegedly committed.

Why would the Department of Justice be sending me a letter?

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.

Why do prosecutors send target letters?

Prosecutors use target letters mainly to encourage unrepresented targets to retain counsel and begin plea or cooperation discussions. For the most part, prosecutors do not expect targets to testify even if subpoenaed.

What's a target letter?

A target letter is a written document that tells the recipient he or she needs to perform an action, such as testify before a grand jury or meet with an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

What authority do state attorneys general have to launch investigations into the supplements industry?

As the New York DNA barcode testing investigation showed, state attorneys general have demonstrated that they can and will target the supplements industry, even in the absence of identifiable consumer harm.

Will your company become the target of an attorney general investigation?

So we know that state attorneys general have the supplements industry in their crosshairs, but how can we tell which companies within the industry are going to become targets? The answer will most likely come from consumers. A consumer complaint is the most likely trigger of a state attorney general investigation.

So how can your company avoid becoming the target of an attorney general investigation?

The easiest way to minimize your company’s chances of becoming an investigatory target is to reduce and resolve consumer complaints about your company’s products.

It's too late! My company has already received a letter from a state attorney general. What do I do now?

If your company does receive a letter of inquiry from a state attorney general, you need to respond. Unlike some things in life, ignoring it will not make it go away. This is when it will have been really helpful to have previously established a relationship with the attorney general.

How are state attorneys elected?

In general, State's Attorneys are elected by the people they represent. Their duties are spelled out in the laws of the local governments they represent, and they're held accountable by the voters for how well they do their jobs and how well their performance matches up with the local politics of the area. But a State's Attorney hardly ever does ...

What is a Commonwealth's Attorney?

States that refer to themselves as commonwealths, such as Virginia and Kentucky, refer to them as Commonwealth's Attorneys [source: Commonwealth's Attorneys Services Council ]. State's Attorneys generally represent a defined geographic area, such as a county, judicial district or judicial circuit. These generally hold the title ...

How do police arrest a suspect?

First, police file a warrant or charging request with the State's Attorney following an investigation. Attorneys review the request and may decide to issue a warrant, which allows the police to arrest the suspect. An arraignment in court follows, at which the suspect is formally charged with a crime and enters a plea.

What is the job of a criminal prosecutor?

Criminal prosecutions are the chief duty of most State's Attorney offices. In many states, such as Michigan, criminal prosecutions follow a predetermined series of steps [source: Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan ]. First, police file a warrant or charging request with the State's Attorney following an investigation.

How many states have grand jury indictments?

About half the 50 states use grand jury indictments in criminal prosecutions. Grand juries hear cases brought by State's Attorneys, and only the evidence and witnesses presented by the State's Attorney are considered.

What is a prosecutor?

A State's Attorney is the most common term for a prosecutor, someone who represents the people in criminal and civil legal matters. But while the most iconic image of a State's Attorney is ...

What happens before a trial?

Before a trial takes place, the process of discovery takes place, at which the State's Attorney and the defense attorney share information they intend to introduce as evidence at trial.

Golnar Sargeant

We can not tell you why an attorney would call you. We would have no way of knowing. You can go on the KS state bar website and look this person up to see if he's really an attorney. You can then google him or look him up on AVVO to see what kind of law he practices...

Shaye Larkin

It's impossible to speculate but you should tell your family never to give out personal information over the telephone. It could be this wasn't even an attorney, but even if it was, no one should be asking for that information. Report this to the Attorney General for your state. Keep track of these calls and if they persist, hire an attorney...

Keith G Langer

It is odd that the AG's office would be calling, unless it was in response to your contacting it first. If that were the case, it would presumably have the current information, which you provided.

David M Owens

It may be related to employment or business that you did with a company they are investigating that they either want information about, or there was a settlement and they are trying to find you as a result. The AG's office does not prosecute individuals.