United States Attorney's Office - District of Minnesota

- 316 Robert St N #404, St Paul, MN 55101

The legal landscape in Minnesota is vast, encompassing everything from state-level disputes to complex federal cases. When it comes to federal law, the entity responsible for representing the United States government is the United States Attorney’s Office. For residents and businesses in our state, this office plays a critical role in upholding federal laws and pursuing justice. This article provides an overview of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota, a key institution in the federal legal system located right here in St. Paul.

It is important to understand that the United States Attorney’s Office is not a law firm that provides legal services to the general public. Instead, it serves as the chief federal law enforcement office and litigation arm of the United States Department of Justice within the District of Minnesota. Its mission is to prosecute federal crimes, handle civil litigation in which the United States is a party, and collect debts owed to the federal government. This office works tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the community, and its work is essential to the functioning of our federal justice system. This guide is intended to inform Minnesota residents about the role and function of this important government body.

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota is located at 316 Robert St N #404, St Paul, MN 55101, USA. This location places the office in the heart of downtown St. Paul, in close proximity to other government and legal institutions. Being centrally located makes it accessible for various parties involved in federal legal proceedings, including law enforcement, attorneys, and members of the public who may need to interact with the office for official business.

As a federal government office, a high level of accessibility is maintained. The building is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. These features are in place to ensure that all individuals, including those with mobility challenges, can access the building and its services without difficulty. The presence of a restroom is also a standard amenity for visitor comfort. For official business, appointments are recommended to ensure that you are able to meet with the appropriate personnel. It is important to note that due to the nature of a federal government office, visits are not for personal legal matters but for official business with the U.S. government.

The United States Attorney's Office is an attorney's office in a very specific sense. It represents the United States, not individual citizens. The services it performs are on behalf of the federal government, not for members of the public seeking legal counsel for private matters. Its primary functions, as outlined by the Department of Justice, are:

• Prosecuting Federal Crimes: This office is responsible for prosecuting all offenses against the United States within the District of Minnesota. This includes a wide range of crimes such as drug trafficking, organized crime, white-collar crime, terrorism, public corruption, and crimes on federal property.
• Civil Litigation: The office represents the United States in civil cases where the government is a party. This can include defending federal agencies against lawsuits, or bringing lawsuits on behalf of the government, for instance, to enforce federal laws or recover funds.
• Debt Collection: A portion of the office's work involves enforcing and collecting debts owed to the United States government. This includes unpaid fines, penalties, and restitution.
• Appeals: The office's appellate division handles appeals for both criminal and civil cases that have been tried in the district court.
• Assisting Law Enforcement: The office works closely with various federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF, to investigate and prepare cases for prosecution.
• Community Engagement: The office also engages with local communities to enhance public safety and build relationships that help in the prevention of crime and promotion of justice.

The work of this office is entirely distinct from that of a private attorney. It serves the public by upholding the law on a federal level, rather than by providing legal services to individual clients.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is a unique and critical institution with several key features that define its role and function.

• Federal Authority: As the chief law enforcement office for the federal government in Minnesota, it holds the authority to investigate and prosecute violations of federal law. This is distinct from state or local legal authorities.
• Experienced Professionals: The office is staffed by a team of highly experienced attorneys and support staff, who are dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the enforcement of federal laws.
• Strategic Location: Its location in downtown St. Paul, near the federal courthouse, provides a logistical advantage for conducting its legal duties.
• Commitment to Accessibility: The office is committed to physical accessibility for all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly entrances, parking, and restrooms.
• Pursuit of Justice: The mission of the office is not to win cases at all costs, but to ensure that justice is done. This ethical standard guides their work in both civil and criminal matters.
• Public Service: The attorneys and staff in this office are public servants, working for the good of the community and the nation as a whole.

These features highlight the professional and ethical standards that govern the work of the United States Attorney's Office, making it a cornerstone of the federal legal system in Minnesota.

For those who need to contact the United States Attorney's Office for official business, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 316 Robert St N #404, St Paul, MN 55101, USA
Phone: (651) 848-1950

As previously noted, appointments are recommended to ensure you can be directed to the appropriate division for your query.

While an individual cannot "choose" to hire the United States Attorney's Office as a personal lawyer, its presence and function are worth knowing about for all Minnesota residents. This office is a critical component of our federal system of justice. Its work in prosecuting federal crimes helps to ensure the safety of our communities from serious threats like organized crime and terrorism. By handling civil litigation, it ensures that the interests of the United States and its taxpayers are protected. The office’s commitment to accessibility and professional conduct demonstrates its dedication to serving the public in an open and fair manner. For anyone interested in the legal system, understanding the role of the United States Attorney's Office is essential. Its work, which is distinct from that of state and local legal bodies, is vital to maintaining law and order on a federal level, and its public-facing nature ensures a level of transparency and accountability. It is a key player in the Minnesota legal ecosystem, dedicated to the public good and the pursuit of justice.

United States Attorney's Office - District of Minnesota

316 Robert St N #404, St Paul, MN 55101, USA