Frequently Asked Questions
The Office is called the "U.S. Attorney;" does that mean you represent individual "U.S." citizens? We do not represent individuals in matters or lawsuits you may wish to bring against another person, company or government agency. We represent the United States of America and its agencies, such as the United States Department of Interior, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Defense, etc. The United States Attorney's Office also represents the United States of America in criminal matters filed against individual or corporate defendants.
Can you suggest someone who could represent me? Sorry, our office is not permitted to make direct referrals. We suggest that you refer to the Lawyer Referral Service web page sponsored by the State Bar of Washington which can refer you to an attorney in good standing who handles your particular type of litigation.
Is your office under the "Attorney General?" Yes, but it is under the United States Attorney General, Eric Holder not under the Washington State Attorney Rob McKenna. For state matters refer to the Washington State Attorney General's Office web page.
Does your office pursue "deadbeat parents?" Yes, federal law allows us to become involved when the non-custodial parent is in another state. The parent must have failed to pay a past due child support obligation for over a year or one that is greater than $5,000. If you have a problem with unpaid child support, it is best to first contact the Family Support Division of the county District Attorney´s Office where the support order was issued.
I am having a problem with a local business. Where can I turn for help?
Though it is not our function to provide legal advice, we suggest that you contact the local Better Business Bureau for Western Washington and Oregon which has a clearinghouse for such complaints.I need to contact a federal agency other than the Department of Justice. Can you tell me how?
If the agency has a local office, you can find its number in the blue pages of the telephone book under United States Government listings. If not, or if you need to contact its Washington, D.C. office, go to the Federal Citizen Information Center web site where you will find toll-free contact telephone numbers.Where can I get a copy of the ADA (American with Disabilities) regulations?
Toll-free numbers and regulations are available on the American with Disabilities Act web site.