US Attorney

- 235 N Washington Ave # 311, Scranton, PA 18503

The legal landscape in Pennsylvania includes a complex system of local, state, and federal jurisdictions. For residents and businesses, understanding the role of each legal office is crucial. The US Attorney's Office, located in Scranton, serves a specific and vital function as the chief federal law enforcement office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This office is part of the U.S. Department of Justice and represents the interests of the United States in both criminal and civil legal matters within its jurisdiction. Unlike a local district attorney, which handles state and county crimes, the US Attorney's Office focuses exclusively on federal offenses and legal issues.

The mission of the US Attorney's Office is to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice. They work to prosecute those who violate federal laws, to defend the interests of the U.S. government in civil cases, and to recover government funds obtained through fraud. Their attorneys, known as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), handle a wide variety of complex cases, from drug trafficking and public corruption to financial fraud and violent crimes. For the people of Scranton and Pennsylvania, the presence of a strong US Attorney's Office is a cornerstone of federal law enforcement and a key component of the justice system.

The US Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is located in a prominent and central part of Scranton. Their office is at 235 N Washington Ave # 311, Scranton, PA 18503, USA. This location is situated within the William J. Nealon Federal Building and Courthouse, which makes it a central hub for federal legal proceedings in the area.

The office is committed to being accessible to the public, as a government entity. The building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring that all individuals, including those with mobility challenges, can access the building as needed. The presence of a public restroom is another convenience for visitors.

The US Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania focuses on federal legal services, as distinct from state and local law. Their primary responsibilities are as follows:

• Prosecution of Federal Criminal Offenses: The office is responsible for prosecuting individuals and organizations that have violated federal laws. This can include a wide range of crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, white-collar crimes, and offenses involving child exploitation.
• Civil Litigation: The office represents the United States in civil cases where the U.S. government is a party, whether as a plaintiff or a defendant. This can involve matters related to government contracts, tort claims, and civil rights.
• Affirmative Civil Enforcement: They work to recover government funds that have been fraudulently obtained, and they pursue civil enforcement actions to protect the public interest. This can include cases involving healthcare fraud or violations of consumer protection laws.
• Defense of the U.S. Government: The office defends the U.S. government and its agencies when they are sued in federal court.
• Community Outreach: The office engages in community outreach programs to help prevent crime and educate the public on legal matters.

As a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice, the US Attorney's Office has several key features and highlights that distinguish its role and function within the Pennsylvania legal system.

• Federal Authority: The office's authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes provides a critical layer of law enforcement that complements the work of state and local law enforcement agencies. They work closely with federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF.
• Broad Jurisdiction: The office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania covers a wide geographic area, encompassing 33 counties. This means they are a key legal resource for a large portion of the state, with staffed offices in Scranton, Harrisburg, and Williamsport.
• Public Service: The attorneys who work for the office are public servants dedicated to upholding the law and protecting the interests of the American people.
• Commitment to Justice: The office is responsible for ensuring the fair administration of justice, which involves making charging decisions, negotiating plea bargains, and trying cases in federal court. Their work is essential for maintaining the rule of law.

For general inquiries or to reach the US Attorney's Office in Scranton, you can use the contact information below. Please note that as a government office, they do not provide legal advice to private citizens.

Address: 235 N Washington Ave # 311, Scranton, PA 18503, USA
Phone: (570) 348-2800

When discussing legal services in Pennsylvania, it is important for residents to understand the unique role of the US Attorney's Office. Unlike a private attorney, this office is not available for hire by individual clients. Its purpose is to represent the federal government. For example, if a Pennsylvania resident is a victim of a federal crime, such as bank robbery or large-scale drug trafficking, the US Attorney's Office would be responsible for the prosecution, not the local district attorney. Similarly, if a resident has a civil dispute with a federal agency, the US Attorney's Office would defend the government's position.

For a private individual seeking legal help, a local law firm would be the appropriate choice. The US Attorney's Office is a public entity, and its services are not for private citizens to "choose" in the same way they would select a lawyer. Instead, it is a resource for federal law enforcement and justice. The office's work in prosecuting serious federal crimes, defending the government's interests, and maintaining legal integrity is what makes it a vital component of the Pennsylvania legal system. Its presence in Scranton ensures that federal legal matters are handled with diligence and expertise in the region.

US Attorney

235 N Washington Ave # 311, Scranton, PA 18503, USA