As New York State's Chief Legal Officer, the Attorney General defends and protects the people of New York. In the Attorney General's office there are over 500 attorneys and over 1,800 employees, including forensic accountants, legal assistants, scientists, investigators and support staff. The Attorney General has offices across New York State, including Albany, our state capital.

* For more information go to Contact the Attorney General *

REGIONAL OFFICES
These Offices fall under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General of Regional Offices and are entrusted with the handling of the Office of the Attorney General in the local jurisdictions. Each Regional Office handles a full complement of cases as they present themselves on the local fronts, although certain Offices have tended to develop concentrations in a certain spectrum of cases (i.e., mental health work or consumer fraud complaints) based upon the needs of the community. Each Regional Office is headed by an Assistant Attorney General in Charge. The Assistant Attorney General in Charge works directly with the Deputy Attorney General on all Regional Office administrative matters. The Assistant Attorney General in Charge consults with the Deputy Attorney General of the other Divisions, (i.e., Appeals and Opinions, Public Advocacy, State Counsel and Criminal) on all case specific legal matters. A large percentage of the cases and matters that are the daily business of the Attorney General's Office arise in the local jurisdictions. The separation of labor between the Division for the Regional Offices and the "case-specific" Divisions (Public Advocacy, State Counsel, Appeals and Opinions and Criminal), allows for an interlocking relationship between the Divisions, avoids duplication of effort and time, and best serves the diverse needs of each Regional Office as a local branch of the Office of the Attorney General.

CRIMINAL DIVISION

The Criminal Division, is comprised of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Organized Crime Task Force and the Public Integrity Unit.

CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS
New York City:
(212) 416-8750

Albany:
(518) 474-4096

The Criminal Prosecution Bureau is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases which the Attorney General brings other than the medicaid and organized crime cases handled by other units within the Criminal Division. The Attorney General's authority to prosecute is found throughout the laws of New York State, however, the majority of the cases the office prosecutes arise out of Executive Law §63. Thus, most of the bureau’s work comes after the head of a department, division or agency of the state requests the Attorney General investigate and prosecute the commission of any indictable offense related to the authority of that agency. The Bureau also handles cases when the Governor appoints the Attorney General to supersede a District Attorney, in which case the Attorney General's office assumes all duties with respect to such action, which the district attorney would otherwise be authorized and required to perform. In addition to units which concentrate on the bureau’s environmental, tax and health care fraud prosecutions, the Attorney General has, in recent years, established sections and sub-sections within the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau such as the Capital Assistance to Prosecutors team, which assists district attorneys prosecuting capital cases, and a newly formed group to handle child pornography and other crimes being committed through the use of the internet.

MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT
(212) 417-5397

The Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is dedicated exclusively to the investigation and prosecution of Health Care Crime in New York State. The Unit's prime responsibility is to monitor fraud arising out of the billions of dollars spent on Medicaid in New York State each year. The unit prosecutes cases of patient abuse in nursing homes, fraudulent billing practices by physicians, pharmacists and/or any other health care providers and vendors using Medicaid dollars. The unit has seven regional offices which are located in Albany, Buffalo, Long Island, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse and Westchester-Rockland.

ORGANIZED CRIME TASK FORCE

The Attorney General's Statewide Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) was established by the Legislature in 1970 through the enactment of section 70-a of the Executive Law. The Task Force was given the responsibility to investigate and prosecute multi-county, multi-state, and multi-national organized criminal activities occurring within New York State. The Task Force works closely with local, state and federal enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute organized criminal activities such as loan sharking, gambling rings, narcotic trafficking, racketeering and money laundering. OCTF specializes in identifying emerging and existing organized crime enterprises and, through a broad array of civil and criminal enforcement techniques, seeks to undermine their structure, influence and presence within the state.

PUBLIC INTEGRITY UNIT

The Public Integrity Unit brings civil and criminal actions to vindicate the public’s interest in honest government and the integrity of governmental officials at the state and local level. Specifically, the Unit handles complex investigations into government corruption, fraud and abuse of authority. Among other statutes, the Unit enforces the "Tweed Law" (N.Y. Exec. Law 63-c) which broadly empowers the Attorney General to bring suit to recover any governmental funds (state or local) that have been "without right obtained."

DIVISION OF PUBLIC ADVOCACY

The Attorney General is the principal public official in the State of New York with the authority to defend and protect the public interest in our courts. As part of the mission, the Attorney General seeks to enforce the public interest by civil investigations and lawsuits through the Public Advocacy Division which is headed by a Deputy Attorney General who in turn supervises the seven Bureaus.

ANTITRUST
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8262

The Antitrust Bureau is responsible for enforcing the Antitrust laws to prevent restraint of trade and to promote competition in New York State. Its responsibilities under the State Antitrust Law (the Donnelly Act) are three-fold: 1.to use the extensive investigative powers of the Attorney General to probe into any arrangement or activity that appears to be an Antitrust violation; 2.to prevent or enjoin anticompetitive practices that are harmful to the public; and 3.to bring civil or criminal prosecutions against violations of the Antitrust Law. In addition to enforcement of the Donnelly Act, the Bureau also represents the State and its citizens in federal antitrust litigation and may rely upon the federal antitrust laws, e.g., the Sherman Act, in carrying out its mission.

CHARITIES
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8400

New Yorkers donate billions of dollars to charity annually. The Attorney General’s Charities Bureau is responsible for enforcing the laws requiring that charitable assets be protected and used appropriately. As part of this responsibility, the Bureau oversees individuals and organizations that solicit and receive charitable contributions from New Yorkers to ensure that donors and beneficiaries of charitable gifts are protected from unscrupulous solicitation practices. The Bureau also supervises public charities, private foundations and other charitable entities and their officers and directors to ensure that they properly carry out their duties in managing, using and preserving charitable assets. This includes the Bureau overseeing major transactions involving not-for-profit organizations, including mergers, sales of all or substantially all of the organization’s assets, amendments to corporate purposes and dissolutions. The Bureau also represents the people of the state of New York in trust and estate proceedings to ensure that assets given to charity are distributed appropriately and not dissipated. In addition, the Bureau maintains a registry of charitable entities that conduct activities in New York and solicit contributions from New Yorkers. That registry assists the Bureau in overseeing charities and serves as a source of information for members of the public who seek data concerning the financial and programmatic activities of registered entities.

CIVIL RIGHTS
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8250

The Civil Rights Bureau enforces laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status or disability. Using federal and state civil rights laws, the Bureau investigates and litigates complaints alleging a pattern and practice or policy of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, credit, education and places of public accommodation.

CONSUMER FRAUDS AND PROTECTION
NYC:
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8345

Albany:
Justice Bldg. D-10 Annex
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-5481 or (800) 771-7755

The Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection prosecutes businesses and individuals engaged in fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or illegal trade practices. In addition to litigating, the Bureau mediates thousands of complaints each year from individual consumers. Many of these complaints are resolved satisfactorily through the mediation process. As part of its mission, the Bureau provides information to consumers and seeks to ensure a fair and vigorous market place. The Bureau also drafts legislation and conducts studies and writes reports on emerging consumer problems and issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NYC:
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8446

Albany:
146 State Street 2nd floor
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-8096

The Environmental Protection Bureau enforces state and federal environmental laws to protect the public's health and safeguard the state's air, water, wildlife and other natural resources. The Attorney General's Office also prosecutes environmental crimes to protect the public and the environment and to deter further crimes.

To report environmental problems or suspicious activity, contact the Attorney General's Office at 1-800-771-7755.

HEALTH CARE BUREAU
146 State Street
3rd Floor - Room 303
Albany, New York 12207
(518) 474-8376

Mailing Address:
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

The Health Care Bureau advocates on behalf of consumers and providers who are experiencing difficulty in dealing with managed care organizations. The Bureau fields complaints from members of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and health care providers, and monitors the impact of managed care upon the public. In addition, the Bureau reviews and prepares legislation to help provide high quality, low cost health care in New York State.

INTERNET BUREAU
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8433

The Internet Bureau enforces a range of laws as they apply to Internet transactions, to ensure that New York’s on-line consumers, businesses, and children are adequately protected by state and federal statutes. The Bureau responds to complaints received directly from consumers and, where appropriate, initiates investigation, mediation, and litigation on behalf of the state’s on-line community. As part of its mission, the Bureau also works with businesses and consumers to develop responsible "rules of the road" in cyberspace, and educates the public about their rights as Internet users.

INVESTMENT PROTECTION BUREAU
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8200
(212) 416-8222

The Investor Protection and Securities is charged with enforcing the New York State Securities Law, commonly known as the Martin Act, which protects the public from fraud by regulating sales of investment securities in New York and by requiring brokers, dealers, salesmen and investment advisors to register with the Attorney General’s Office. Where appropriate, the Bureau’s attorneys undertake investigations, criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the investing public. The Bureau’s other major responsibilities include the enforcement of laws which regulate the financing of theatrical ventures, the sale of franchises, and corporate take-overs in New York State.

REAL ESTATE FINANCING
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8121

The Investor Protection Bureau - Real Estate Financing Section's main function is to protect the public from fraud with regard to real estate offerings, including cooperatives, condominiums, syndications and real estate investment trusts. To carry out this responsibility, the Section requires the filing of prospectuses or offering circulars, which must disclose information concerning all material aspects of the offering. In addition, the Section investigates complaints and, where appropriate, initiates civil or criminal actions to enforce the law. Many complaints received are from tenants in buildings undergoing cooperative or condominium conversion and concern allegations of improper disclosure, tenant harassment and misleading information provided to tenants.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ENERGY

(212) 416-6343

The Attorney General’s Office advocates on legal and policy matters on behalf of consumers in the telecommunications (voice, video, and data) and energy sectors (electric power and gas), including enforcement matters and advocacy before state and federal regulatory agencies.

TOBACCO COMPLIANCE UNIT

The TOBACCO COMPLIANCE UNIT is responsible for enforcing and monitoring compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement signed in 1998 by major tobacco companies and Attorneys General from 52 states and jurisdictions. Enforcement focuses on guaranteeing that the tobacco companies are not violating the prohibitions against advertising and/or marketing directed to young people, brand-name advertising, and false or misleading advertising as well as other areas.

120 Broadway, 25th floor
New York, New York
(212) 416-6343

DIVISION OF STATE COUNSEL
Justice Bldg. Albany, New York 12224
(518) 473-0648

As the chief legal officer of the State, the Attorney General is called upon to represent in litigation the State and its agencies, the Governor and other State officials, and the Legislature. The Division of State Counsel defends thousands of suits each year in every area of state government. Headed by the Deputy Attorney General, the Division of State Counsel includes nearly two-thirds of the Department's Attorneys in bureaus based in Albany and New York City and in the Department's 12 Regional offices.

CIVIL RECOVERIES
Justice Bldg. Room B-1
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 486-4523

The main task of the Civil Recoveries Bureau is recoupment of non-tax revenue on behalf of state taxpayers in cases ranging from complex construction claim litigation to the forfeiture of automobiles used in drug crimes. The Bureau's affirmative litigation responsibilities deal with state hospital accounts, unpaid student loans, delinquent SUNY tuition, breached state contracts, damage to state property, and fines or penalties assessed by the state. The Bureau's work is carried out by its two main components: the Albany-based Civil Prosecutions Group and its five state hospital-based units. The Civil Prosecutions Group works through four units: General Recoveries, Mental Hygiene, Student Recoveries and Oil Spill. General Recoveries cases range from property damage claims to enforcement of unpaid fines or penalties assessed by executive agencies to automobile seizures. In addition to processing hundreds of routine matters, the unit's staff litigate complex and novel matters involving substantial debts owed to the state. Mental Hygiene staff ensure that those who can pay for care received at state Mental Hygiene facilities do so. Litigation of supplemental needs trust issues to determine whether assets are "available" for Medicaid purposes is an important aspect of this unit's work. Student Recoveries handles delinquent student loan and SUNY tuition obligation cases. Oil Spill staff sue to recover the costs incurred by state's Oil Spill Fund in cleaning up after petroleum product spills. The five hospital-based units work with delinquent patient accounts; their recoveries reduce the need for appropriations to support the facilities they serve: the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Helen Hayes Hospital and the SUNY health Science Centers at Syracuse, Brooklyn and Stony Brook.

CLAIMS
NYC:
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8913

Albany:
Justice Bldg. Room 409
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-4442

The Claims Bureau is responsible for defending the State against actions falling primarily into three categories: tort and medical malpractice claims for personal injury or property damage alleged to have been caused by the State or its employees; litigation involving disputes in connection with State contracts; and court actions contesting the amount of money the State is to pay in the condemnation of private property for public use.

LITIGATION
NYC:
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8610
(212) 416-8611

Albany:
Justice Bldg. Room 355
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-8370

The Department's Litigation Bureaus (one in New York City and one in Albany) prosecute and defend actions in state and federal court on behalf of the State, its officers and agencies in virtually all substantive areas of the law. The Bureaus' major clients include the Departments of Social Services, Health, Taxation and Finance, Insurance, Civil Service, Correctional Services, Banking, Housing and Community Renewal as well as the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health, and the State's major educational institutions.

REAL PROPERTY
16 State Street first floor
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-5220

The Real Property Bureau provides legal assistance to State agencies in connection with the acquisition and disposition of public land. Under the Eminent Domain Procedure Law, the Bureau's attorneys certify title and payment, review title documents and prepare closing papers for all acquisitions. In addition, the Bureau represents the State in court proceedings involving disputes over the State's title to land acquired for public use.

LABOR
120 Broadway
New York, New York 10271
(212) 416-8700

Safeguarding the rights of workers is the primary function of the Attorney General's Labor Bureau, which enforces New York State's labor laws.

These include such basic protections as the right to receive payment of the agreed and minimum wages and fringe benefits and the right to workers compensation and disability benefits insurance coverage. The Bureau also enforces the provisions of the public employee safety and health act, the asbestos licensing law, the toxic substances right-to-know law, the prevailing wage law, the apparel industry registration law and the laws regulating child labor, industrial homework and other labor standards. In addition, the Bureau represents the Department of Labor and the Workers' Compensation Board in all matters, including those involving unemployment insurance, before all state and federal courts.

DIVISION OF APPEALS AND OPINIONS
Solicitor General OAG
The Capitol
Albany, New York
(518) 474-7330

The Division is physically located in Albany and New York City. Headed by the Solicitor General, it is responsible for the handling of appellate litigation in both state and federal courts, often in the highest courts of the State or nation. The Division determines which cases are to be appealed and the arguments to be advanced on behalf of the State of New York. The Division also prepares opinions, both formal and informal, interpreting state laws for state agencies and municipalities. Additionally, the Division is responsible for the several law libraries of the Office of the Attorney General.

OTHER BUREAUS

LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
146 State Street 3rd Floor
Room 301
Albany, New York 12207
(518) 486-3000

The Bureau of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for the preparation of the Attorney General’s Legislative Program and its submission to the State Senate and Assembly, as well as the coordination of all significant communications between the Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Legislature, Congress and other public officials. The Bureau also provides legislative information and service to every bureau, division and office within the Attorney General’s office, working with Assistant Attorneys General and staff to identify and seek to remedy statutory weaknesses which adversely affect the public interest and the success of litigation brought or defended by the State, as well as providing information on pending legislation and new laws, state and federal, relevant to any subject area affected by the work of the Attorney General’s office. The Bureau is also responsible for reviewing and providing comments on legislation passed by the Legislature and pending before the Governor, and responding to legislative and case inquiries from local, state and federal officials and governmental bodies and members of the public.