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Frequently Asked Questions

The Office is called the "U.S. Attorney;" does that mean you represent individual "U.S." citizens?

We do not represent individual 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 direct referrals. We suggest that you contact the Lawyer Referral Service sponsored by the State Bar of Ohio at (800) 282-6556, which can refer you to an attorney in good standing who handles your particular type of litigation.

Is your office under the Attorney General?

Yes, but it is under the United States Attorney General, not under the Ohio Attorney General. For state matters, please call the Ohio Attorney General's Office at (614) 466-4968 or toll free at (800) 282-0515.

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 a year or one that is 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 Attorneýs Office where the support order was issued.

I am having a problem with a local business. Where can I turn for help?

Though it is not our function to provide legal advice, we suggest that you contact either the Better Business Bureau at (614) 486-6336 in Columbus or (513) 421-3015 in Cincinnati or (937) 222-5825 in Dayton. These organizations have clearinghouses for such complaints.

I need to contact a federal agency other than the Department of Justice. Can you tell me how?

You can find an index of U.S. government departments and agencies at: https://www.usa.gov/agency-index

Where can I get a copy of the ADA (American with Disabilities) regulations?

The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about the ADA on https://www.ada.gov/. Laws, regulations and standards are detailed on this site at: https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/

Can you refer me to a Federal Public Defender?

You can reach the Federal Public Defender in Columbus at (614) 469-2999, Cincinnati at (513) 929-4834, and in Dayton at (937) 225-7687.

Updated May 11, 2023