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United States Attorney (Explain) – List of current U.S. attorneys’ offices – Inter Bio

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United States Attorney

A United States Attorney, also known as a federal prosecutor, is a lawyer appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate to represent the federal government in legal matters. Each of the 94 federal judicial districts in the United States has a U.S. Attorney’s Office headed by a U.S. Attorney. The primary responsibility of a U.S. Attorney is to enforce federal laws and represent the interests of the United States in federal court.
Currently, there are 93 U.S. attorneys serving in 94 district offices across the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. In each judicial district, there is an assigned U.S. attorney, except for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, where a single U.S. attorney oversees both districts. Within their designated jurisdiction, each U.S. attorney assumes the role of the chief federal law enforcement officer, following the guidelines set forth in the United States Attorneys’ Manual. These U.S. attorneys are responsible for supervising district offices, which may consist of up to 350 assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSAs) and an equal number of support personnel.
The primary workforce in U.S. Attorney’s Offices comprises assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSAs), often referred to as “federal prosecutors.” These government lawyers play dual roles, serving as prosecutors in federal criminal trials and representing the United States federal government in civil litigation cases where the government is a party. As prosecutors, AUSAs wield the authority to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, formally press criminal charges, negotiate plea bargains with defendants, and grant immunity to witnesses and accused individuals.
U.S. attorneys and their offices operate under the purview of the Department of Justice, receiving oversight, supervision, and administrative support services from the Justice Department’s Executive Office for United States Attorneys. Moreover, selected U.S. attorneys actively participate in the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration within the legal system.

History

The Office of the United States Attorney traces its origins back to the Judiciary Act of 1789, a transformative piece of legislation that not only established the office of Attorney General and United States Marshal but also laid the groundwork for the Supreme Court and the entire United States Federal Judiciary, which included the district court system. Remarkably, the U.S. Attorney’s office predates the formation of the Department of Justice. According to the Judiciary Act, each judicial district was to have a qualified legal professional appointed as the “attorney for the United States,” tasked with prosecuting individuals involved in crimes and offenses falling under the authority of the United States and handling all civil actions in which the United States had an interest.
In its early years, the U.S. Attorney’s office operated independently of the Attorney General, functioning without direct supervision or authority from the AG until 1870. It was only with the establishment of the Department of Justice in that year that the U.S. attorneys came under the Attorney General’s purview. This historical evolution underscores the longevity and significance of the U.S. Attorney’s role in upholding the rule of law and representing the interests of the United States in legal matters.
United States Attorney (Explain) - List of current U.S. attorneys' offices - Inter Bio

Roles and Responsibilities

Criminal Prosecutions
U.S. Attorneys are responsible for prosecuting individuals and organizations accused of violating federal laws. They work closely with federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to investigate and build cases against alleged offenders.
Civil Litigation
U.S. Attorneys represent the United States in civil cases involving the federal government. This may include cases related to civil rights, immigration, environmental issues, tax disputes, and other matters in which the federal government is a party.
Defense of the Government
U.S. Attorneys defend the United States in lawsuits brought against federal agencies, employees, or officials.
Asset Forfeiture
U.S. Attorneys handle cases involving the seizure and forfeiture of assets connected to criminal activity, such as proceeds from drug trafficking or other illegal ventures.
Coordination with Law Enforcement
U.S. Attorneys work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address issues that have a significant impact on public safety and security.
Victim Advocacy
U.S. Attorneys provide support and advocacy for victims of federal crimes during the legal process.
Grand Jury Proceedings 
U.S. Attorneys present evidence to grand juries to seek indictments against individuals suspected of committing federal crimes.
Sentencing
U.S. Attorneys participate in sentencing hearings, advocating for appropriate penalties for convicted offenders.
Appellate Advocacy
U.S. Attorneys handle appeals in federal court when cases are appealed after trial.
It is significant to remember that U.S. Rather than holding partisan political positions, attorneys are appointed based on their legal training and experience, and they represent the public interest. They are essential to maintaining the rule of law and making sure that justice is administered fairly in the federal courts of the United States.

List of current U.S. attorneys’ offices

  1. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama
  2. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama
  3. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
  4. U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska
  5. U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona
  6. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
  7. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas
  8. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
  9. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
  10. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California (USAO)
  11. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California
  12. U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado
  13. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
  14. U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut
  15. U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
  16. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (USAO)
  17. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
  18. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (USAO)
  19. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
  20. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
  21. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia
  22. U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (USAO)
  23. U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii (USAO)
  24. U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho
  25. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois
  26. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
  27. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois
  28. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana (USAO)
  29. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
  30. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
  31. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa (USAO)
  32. U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas
  33. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
  34. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky
  35. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  36. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana
  37. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana
  38. U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine
  39. U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland (USAO)
  40. U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
  41. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan
  42. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
  43. U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota
  44. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi
  45. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi
  46. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri
  47. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri
  48. U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana
  49. U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
  50. U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
  51. U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire
  52. U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey (USAO)
  53. U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
  54. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (USAO)
  55. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York (USAO)
  56. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (USAO)
  57. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York (USAO)
  58. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
  59. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina
  60. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina
  61. U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota
  62. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
  63. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio
  64. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
  65. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
  66. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma (USAO)
  67. U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon
  68. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  69. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  70. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  71. U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico
  72. U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island
  73. U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina
  74. U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota (USAO)
  75. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee
  76. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee
  77. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
  78. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas
  79. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
  80. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
  81. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas
  82. U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah
  83. U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
  84. U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands
  85. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
  86. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
  87. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington
  88. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington
  89. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia
  90. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia
  91. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  92. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin
  93. U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming