US Attorney

- 228 Walnut St # 220, Harrisburg, PA 17101

For residents of Pennsylvania, understanding the various roles within the legal system can be a challenge. While most people are familiar with state and local prosecutors, the function of a federal legal office, such as the U.S. Attorney, is often less clear. The U.S. Attorney's Office, located in Harrisburg, serves as the chief federal law enforcement representative and prosecutor for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Unlike a county-level district attorney who prosecutes state crimes, the U.S. Attorney is responsible for enforcing federal laws. This office plays a critical role in addressing a wide range of issues, from serious crimes to civil matters involving the United States government. This article will provide a clear and informative overview of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Harrisburg, detailing its purpose, accessibility, and the important services it provides to the community.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice and operates under the authority of the Attorney General of the United States. Its mission is to uphold the rule of law, protect public safety, and defend the interests of the United States. The Harrisburg office, along with others in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys, who are federal prosecutors responsible for handling the day-to-day legal work. Their work is often focused on complex cases that cross state lines or involve federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. The office's work is not for a specific client in the traditional sense, but rather for the public good, ensuring that federal laws are properly and fairly enforced across the 33 counties that make up the Middle District.

The distinction between a U.S. Attorney and a local District Attorney is a key point for residents to understand. While a District Attorney handles violations of state laws, such as burglary or assault, a U.S. Attorney focuses on federal crimes. These include but are not limited to drug trafficking, public corruption, financial fraud, and crimes involving child pornography. The office also represents the federal government in civil cases, defending against lawsuits and pursuing legal action to recover funds or enforce federal regulations. This unique and specialized role makes the U.S. Attorney's Office a critical component of the justice system in Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Harrisburg is located at 228 Walnut St # 220, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA. This location places it in a central, accessible part of the city, making it a key legal hub for federal matters in the region. The building is situated in downtown Harrisburg, close to other government offices and courthouses. Its convenient location is a practical benefit for federal employees, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders who need to interact with the office.

Accessibility is an important consideration for any public office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office has taken measures to ensure it is accommodating for all visitors. The office building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which provides easy access for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available, which is a significant convenience for visitors who may have physical limitations. The building also includes a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that essential amenities are available and comfortable for all. These features underscore the office’s commitment to being a public-facing entity that is open and accessible to every member of the community. The building's amenities and accessibility are designed to facilitate smooth and professional interactions for all who need to conduct business there.

As a District Attorney, which in this context refers to the federal role of a U.S. Attorney, the office provides a range of specialized services that are distinct from those of a state or local prosecutor. The primary services offered are directly related to the enforcement of federal law.

• Federal Criminal Prosecution: The office investigates and prosecutes a variety of federal crimes, including drug trafficking, organized crime, white-collar fraud, public corruption, and crimes against children.
• Federal Civil Litigation: The office represents the United States government and its agencies in civil lawsuits, whether as a defendant or a plaintiff. This can involve defending federal employees or departments, or pursuing action to recover funds lost to fraud.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: The U.S. Attorney’s Office often partners with local law enforcement and community groups to address public safety issues, educate the public on federal law, and promote crime prevention.
• Collaboration with State and Local Agencies: The office works closely with Pennsylvania's state and local law enforcement agencies to coordinate investigations and prosecutions, especially in cases where both state and federal laws have been violated.
• Appeals: The office handles federal appeals for criminal convictions and civil litigation matters within the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

These services highlight the office's critical role in maintaining the integrity of the federal legal system and protecting the rights of all citizens within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Harrisburg is distinguished by several key features that underscore its importance and commitment to the public.

• Federal Authority: As the chief federal prosecutor for the region, the office holds a unique position of authority in handling high-level and complex cases that are beyond the scope of local and state courts.
• Accessibility: The office’s commitment to providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom ensures that all individuals, including those with physical disabilities, can easily access the building.
• Specialized Expertise: The attorneys and staff possess specialized knowledge of federal laws and regulations, making them a premier resource for complex legal matters.
• Strategic Location: The central location in downtown Harrisburg provides logistical convenience for federal agencies, law enforcement, and the public.
• Public Service Mission: Unlike private law firms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is a public service entity dedicated to upholding justice and protecting the interests of the American public.

These features collectively define an office that is professional, authoritative, and dedicated to serving the community on a federal level.

For those in the Pennsylvania region who need to contact the U.S. Attorney's Office, the following information is available:

Address: 228 Walnut St # 220, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USAPhone: (717) 221-4482

This contact information provides a direct channel for government agencies, businesses, and members of the public to get in touch with the office for official business.

While the U.S. Attorney's Office is not a private law firm that one would hire for personal legal matters, it is an institution worth understanding for any resident of Harrisburg and the surrounding area. Choosing to engage with or learn about this office means recognizing its vital role in the justice system. It is the institution responsible for holding individuals and organizations accountable for violations of federal law, which can include everything from financial fraud schemes that affect many people to organized crime. The work of the U.S. Attorney's Office protects the community from threats that transcend state borders and local jurisdictions. Their commitment to accessibility and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies also shows a dedication to public service and community well-being. For a Pennsylvanian, understanding that this office is a key part of the legal infrastructure provides peace of mind that a system exists to address the most serious and widespread legal issues in the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office represents a critical layer of the legal system, working tirelessly to ensure the integrity of federal law and protect the people it serves.

US Attorney

228 Walnut St # 220, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA