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 referrals to legal counsel. We suggest that you look at the Lawyer Referral Service web page sponsored by the State Bar of Washington. It contains information about finding an attorney in good standing who handles your particular type of litigation.
Is your office under the "Attorney General?" Our office is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, headed by United States Attorney General Eric Holder. We are separate from the Washington State Attorney General's Office currently headed by Washington State Attorney General 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 one year or have an obligation 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?
We cannot provide legal advice to the general public. You may wish to contact any of the following resources: The Better
Business Bureau for Western Washington and
Oregon has a clearinghouse for
consumer complaints; The Consumer Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office or the Federal Trade Commission.
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 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.
What is the website for the U.S. District Court for Western Washington?
Click here to go to the Western Washington U.S. District Court website.