|
Friday, November 20
|
Divisions of the Attorney General's Office
Click on the division name to expand the information and learn more, click the division again to collapse the information.
- · Administrative Hearings Division
-
This division provides a neutral panel of administrative law judges. Attorneys in this division are available to serve as judges in administrative hearings for state agencies, boards, and commissions. Those attorneys have been located in a neutral setting and are not exposed to the lawyers who actually litigate or prosecute for the agencies. They are available to serve the agencies as Administrative Law Judges.
The Administrative Law Judges follow the requests of the agencies in rendering proposed findings from which a final order can be issued by the agency or, when requested or required by law, issuing a final order from which an appeal can be made to circuit court.
This step by the Attorney General is an intermediate stage of development which is sometimes required for political reasons because some agencies see the creation of a mandatory Administrative Law Judge office as a threat to their authority. This is the voluntary model that was adopted in Tennessee. The experience of Tennessee was one that gave the agencies the time and opportunity to utilize independent Administrative Law Judges and to learn that the procedure was beneficial to all. As a result, the Tennessee system evolved into a full-fledged central panel with broad, mandatory jurisdiction.
The Alabama central panel is now serving 39 state agencies, some as large as DHR and Medicaid, as well as many small regulatory agencies.
The Administrative Law Judges now performing the duties are being warmly received with many agencies expressing their gratitude to the Attorney General for the formation of this unit.
Staff:
- · Administrative Services Division
-
The Administrative Services Division oversees virtually every support function in the office. There are six primary sections of the Administrative Services Division: Accounting/Financial, Personnel, Computer Services, Victim Services, Public Hotline, and the Library.
Staff:
- Charla Doucet, Division Chief (non-attorney)
- Alan Nummy, Section Chief (non-attorney)
- Lydia Cooley, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Alea DePaola, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Lori Farshee, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Todd Foster, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Karen Herman, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Carly Hill, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Sarah Jenkins, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Melisa Martin, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Tiffany R. McCauley, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Shawn Missildine, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Bill Paine, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Stephanie M. Thornton, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Lee Friday, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Don Monplaisir, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Angelique Pugh, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- · Capital Litigation Division
-
This division represents the State in all appeals in state and federal court in which a criminal defendant has received a death sentence, including the direct appeal, state post-conviction proceedings, federal habeas corpus proceedings, and execution proceedings. In addition, attorneys in this division are required to advise judges, other prosecutors, and the public on death penalty law and procedure.
The Capital Litigation Division represents the State in all death penalty appeals in state and federal courts in which a criminal defendant has received a death sentence, including the direct appeal, state post-conviction proceedings, federal habeas corpus proceedings, and execution proceedings. In addition, attorneys in this division are required to advise judges, other prosecutors, and
the public on death penalty law and procedure.
Currently, Alabama provides that the death penalty may be imposed on those persons who commit one of eighteen enumerated intentional murders. Approximately 182 people are presently on Alabama's Death Row incarcerated in one of three prison facilities: Holman Prison, Donaldson Correctional Facility or Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Executions are by electrocution at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, Alabama has executed 19 men.
Staff:
- Clay Crenshaw, Division Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Richard D. Anderson, Assistant Attorney General
- Joshua S. Bearden, Assistant Attorney General
- Kevin W. Blackburn, Assistant Attorney General
- Thomas R. Govan, Jr., Assistant Attorney General
- Jon B. Hayden, Assistant Attorney General
- Beth J. Hughes, Assistant Attorney General
- Henry M. Johnson, Assistant Attorney General
- Stephanie E. Reiland, Assistant Attorney General
- Courtney Wallace Cramer, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Marie Newman, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- · Constitutional Defense Division
-
This division defends the State in institutional litigation, in all civil matters in which there is a question of constitutional law, and in civil rights, voting rights, and employment discrimination cases.
The Constitutional Defense Division was established in 1998. Since then, the division has handled the ever-increasing number of complex civil lawsuits filed against the State of Alabama, its agencies, and its officials. Litigation assigned to the division has included class actions as well as cases presenting
complex issues of employment law, state and federal constitutional law, civil rights, and voting rights.
Among its goals, the division seeks to preserve the ability of the State to conduct its business in a fair and constitutional manner free from interference by activist courts, federal agencies, and private litigants.
Staff:
- · Consumer Affairs Division
-
The Attorney General's Office of Consumer Affairs provides three primary services for the State of Alabama and its residents: (1) serves as a mediator of consumers' complaints that relate to a retail transaction; (2) investigates allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a business which may violate state or certain federal laws; and (3) offers information and consumer education to the public about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. The Attorney General cannot serve as an individual's private attorney in contractual type disputes with a business. However, in many instances, we are successful in mediating complaints to the mutual satisfaction and benefit of the consumer and the business.
If circumstances warrant, the Attorney General can initiate legal action, either civil or criminal, to represent the interests of the State of Alabama and enforce the various laws designed to protect consumers from con men and unscrupulous practices by businesses. When such action is taken, the Attorney General is authorized to seek damages, or restitution, on behalf of the affected consumers; as well as, possible injunction relief, civil penalties and even incarceration if a criminal conviction is obtained.
Staff:
- W. Rushing Payne, Section Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Noel S. Barnes, Assistant Attorney General
- Barbara A. Armstrong, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Rhonda L. Barber, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Laura H. Cleveland, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Alicia Ann Ibarreta, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Josephine M. Johnson, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Patricia P. McCullough, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Mary A. McLennan, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Monica S. Sheeler, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Steve Pinckard, Investigator
- · Criminal Appeals Division
-
The Criminal Appeals Division is the largest division and represents the State in all appeals in state and federal courts for all non-capital criminal matters.
Twenty-three of the most experienced lawyers in state government make up the Criminal Appeals Division. Because they rely primarily on judicial precedent, these appellate lawyers have a particular interest in the historical and future development of the law. An essential element in the continued high affirmance rate is the bi-monthly training session where opinions from the courts are discussed. These meetings provide an opportunity for peer review and analysis of the courts' current interpretation of the law.
Appellate lawyers fully understand the critical importance of law enforcement officers, district attorneys, and trial judges being able to enforce confidently the laws without unprecedented changes occurring. Each issue in an appeal is carefully researched, and precise arguments are prepared for the courts so that the policies that underlie the criminal statutes are not compromised in providing the fair appeal to which an appellant is entitled by the state and federal constitutions.
Staff:
- P. David Bjurberg, Division Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Cecil G. Brendle, Jr., Assistant Attorney General
- Jean-Paul M. Chappell, Assistant Attorney General
- Tracy M. Daniel, Assistant Attorney General
- John J. Davis, Assistant Attorney General
- Michael G. Dean, Assistant Attorney General
- Stephen N. Dodd, Assistant Attorney General
- Audrey Jordan, Assistant Attorney General
- Tommy Leverette, Assistant Attorney General
- Madeline H. Lewis, Assistant Attorney General
- Bill Little, Assistant Attorney General
- Beth S. Poe, Assistant Attorney General
- Andy S. Poole, Assistant Attorney General
- John M. Porter, Assistant Attorney General
- James B. Prude, Assistant Attorney General
- James Rutter, Assistant Attorney General
- Yvonne H. Saxon, Assistant Attorney General
- Robin Blevins Scales, Assistant Attorney General
- Marc Alan Starrett, Assistant Attorney General
- Ferris Stephens, Assistant Attorney General
- Jean A. Therkelsen, Assistant Attorney General
- Kristi O. Wilkerson, Assistant Attorney General
- Jack Willis, Assistant Attorney General
- Sandra Blackmon, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Suzanne Clemens, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Lynne Eddings, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Jewel Givner, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Jennifer Love, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Teresa Miller, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- JoAnn Taylor, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- · Environmental Division
-
This division investigates complaints involving pollution, illegal hazardous waste, and other dangerous environmental concerns. Its lawyers file either a civil complaint or prosecute criminally. Environmental lawyers also develop proposed environmental regulation and legislation.
The Environmental Division enforces the state's environmental statutes, such as the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act, the Hazardous Waste Management Act and Minimization Act, the Solid Waste Act and the Alabama Air Pollution Control Act. Complaints this division investigates generally involve pollution, illegal hazardous waste, or other dangerous environmental concerns. Its lawyers file either a civil complaint or prosecute criminally. It also acts on behalf of the State in environmental matters with other states and the federal government.
Staff:
- · Executive Division
-
The Executive Division houses the executive staff, including the Attorney General. The Chief Deputy Attorney General oversees all legal staff for the Office and keeps abreast of the day-to-day legal matters. The Legislative Affairs Office drafts and coordinates the Attorney General’s legislative agenda. The Public Relations Office coordinates public functions of the Attorney General and handles all
press activity. The scheduling and secretarial staff directly serve the Attorney General. The Constituent Affairs Office responds to all written public inquiries.
Please click for legal employment opportunities within the Attorney General's Office.
Staff:
- Troy King, Attorney General
- L. Daniel Morris, Jr., Chief Deputy Attorney General
- Rosa H. Davis, Chief Assistant Attorney General
- Pat Roberts, Section Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Michael A. Nunnelley, Assistant Attorney General
- Cheairs M. Porter, Assistant Attorney General
- Corey L. Maze, Deputy Attorney General
- Peter J. Smyczek, Deputy Attorney General
- Chris Bence, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Ashley Farmer-Harbin, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Jean Ann Farshee, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- J.W. Godwin, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Ollie J. Ingram, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Elizabeth Joy Patterson, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Melissa B. Senn, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Suzanne Webb, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Keith L. Young, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Matthew Glarrow, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- · Family Protection Unit
-
- · General Civil and Administrative Law Division
-
This division represents the State in civil actions in all courts and before administrative boards as both a defender and initiator of civil actions. The range of civil matters handled by this division includes prisoner litigation, representation in administrative hearings, and contracts and related commercial transactions. The Civil Division also encompasses the Utilities Section, which represents the public in all matters affecting utility services before the Alabama Public Service Commission, and the Consumer Affairs Section, which responds to complaints from the public regarding consumer transactions. Armed with Alabama's Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Consumer Affairs attorneys may seek civil and criminal penalties.
The General Civil and Administrative Law Division was established in September 1998 to provide continued support for many of the critical services previously handled by the Civil Division. Comprised of 11
experienced civil attorneys, this division represents the State in civil actions in all courts and before administrative boards as both a defender and initiator of civil actions. The range of civil matters handled by this division includes prisoner litigation, representation in administrative hearings, and contracts and related commercial transactions. The Civil Division also encompasses the Utilities Section, which represents the public in all matters affecting utility services before the Alabama Public Service Commission, and the Consumer Affairs Section, which responds to complaints from the public regarding consumer transactions. Armed with Alabama’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Consumer Affairs attorneys may seek civil and criminal penalties.
Utilities Section
The Utility Section represents Alabama ratepayers in administrative dockets at the Public Service Commission. The majority of these dockets involve implementation of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. In these dockets, the Attorney General represents the public's interest in bringing competition to the local telephone market.
The Utility Section reviews all applications, tariffs, petitions and other pleadings filed with the Alabama Public Service Commission. These reviews on behalf of Alabama consumers require a substantial amount of time. All of the new companies and the existing companies file tariffs supporting the provisioning of service and changes in service. The Utility Section staff reviews the filings for issues affecting the public interest and intervened in many administrative hearings on these matters.
Enforcement dockets are an important part of the legal work accomplished by the attorneys in the Utility Section. Representation begins with an analysis of the application and cross-examination of the company at a certification hearing. Requests for changes in tariffs and service regulations are sought as a part of the legal process. Consumer complaints are monitored at the Attorney General's Office, the Public Service Commission and other regional agencies. The attorneys actively participate in Show Cause proceedings against utility companies.
The Utility Section assists Alabama consumers in all matters affecting utility services within the state. Particular attention is given to consumer issues with the unregulated utilities. A consumer protection specialist is available to assist consumers in mediating complaints and to attend community events to provide consumer education on utility issues with particular attention on issues confronting elders.
Consumer Affairs Section
The Attorney General's Office of Consumer Affairs provides three primary services for the State of Alabama and its residents: (1) serves as a mediator of consumers' complaints that relate to a retail transaction; (2) investigates allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a business which may violate state
or certain federal laws; and (3) offers information and consumer education to the public about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. The Attorney General cannot serve as an individual's private attorney in contractual type disputes with a business. However, in many instances, we are successful in mediating
complaints to the mutual satisfaction and benefit of the consumer and the business.
If circumstances warrant, the Attorney General can initiate legal action, either civil or criminal, to represent the interests of the State of Alabama and enforce the various laws designed to protect consumers from con artists and unscrupulous practices by businesses. When such action is taken, the Attorney
General is authorized to seek damages, or restitution, on behalf of the affected consumers as well as, possible injunction relief, civil penalties, and even incarceration if a criminal conviction is obtained.
Boards & Agencies
The Attorney General is responsible for all litigation matters for all State Agencies. Many of the larger agencies have their own legal departments with attorneys appointed by the Attorney General. There are more than 80 boards, bureaus, and commissions, however, that are not large enough for their own legal department or full-time attorney, and, therefore, must rely on the Attorney General's Office for legal representation. Attorneys in the office are designated to assist the following boards and agencies:
Accountancy, Board of
Adjustment, Board of
Aeronautics
Aging - Commission on
Agricultural Center Board
Alabama Development Office
Alabama International Airport Authority
Architects
Archives and History
Armory Commission
Arts and Humanities, Counsel on
Athletic Trainers Commission
Auctioneers
Auditor
Building Commission
Children's Trust Fund
Chiropractic Examiners Board
Compromise, Board of
Consumers Utility Rate Hearing Fund
Contractors Review Committee
Coroner
Cosmetology, Board of
Counseling, Board of Examiners of
Credit Union Administration
Crime Victims Compensation Board
Criminal Justice Information Center
Dental Scholarship Board
Dietetics/Nutrition Board
Educational Television
Elections
Electrical Contractors Board
Emergency Management
Energy, Department of
Engineers and Land Surveyors
Farmers Market Authority
Firefighters Standards Board
Forensic Sciences
Forever Wild Board
Foresters, Board of Registration for
Funeral Directors Board
Geologist, Board for Licensure
Hearing Instrument Dealers Board
Heating and Air Conditioning |
Historic Blakely Authority
Historical Commission
Indian Affairs
Interpreters Commission
Judicial Inquiry Commission
Labor
Landscape Architects
Library Services
L.P. Gas Board
Manufactured Housing Commission
Marriage & Family Therapy
Massage Therapy Board
Motor Sports Hall of Fame
Occupational Therapy Board
Peace Officers Benefit & Annuity Fund
Peace Officers Standards & Training
Pharmacy Board
Physical Fitness Board
Physical Therapy Board
Podiatry, Board of
Polygraph Examiners Board
Prepaid Affordable College Tuition-PACT
Psychology, Board of
Records Commission
Registrars
Safety Coordinating Committee
Secretary of State (Corporate Matters)
Secretary of State (Election Matters)
Secretary of State (Trade Marks)
Sickle Cell Commission
Social Worker Examiners
Soil & Water Conservation Committee
Space and Rocket Center
Speech Pathology and Audiology
State Health Planning & Development
Tenure Commission
Tourism and Travel
Treasurer
Veterans Affairs Administration
Veterinary Medical Examiners, Board of
Voting Rights Act - Certification |
Staff:
- Billington M. Garrett, Sr., Division Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Olivia W. Martin, Section Chief, Assistant Attorney General
- Tori Adams, Assistant Attorney General
- Ben Albritton, Assistant Attorney General
- Bettie J. Carmack, Assistant Attorney General
- Mary A. Goldthwaite, Assistant Attorney General
- Todd E. Hughes, Assistant Attorney General
- James M. Steinwinder, Assistant Attorney General
- J. Matt Bledsoe, Assistant Attorney General
- Ellen R. Leonard, Assistant Attorney General
- Jeffery H. Long, Assistant Attorney General
- Jack W. Wallace, Jr., Assistant Attorney General
- Angela Atcheson, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Elizabeth Utley, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Helen Hoffman, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Rene A. Whyard, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- · Investigations Division
-
The Investigative Division investigates public corruption and white-collar crime cases, as well as violent crimes and drug cases. The Investigations Division has 13 special investigators and three support employees.
Its mission is to conduct investigations in a fair and impartial manner and to report the findings of these investigations accurately and completely. This division conducts investigations independently as well as in concert with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Professionalism & Expertise
In addition to the special investigators of the Investigations Division, another 10 investigators are assigned to the Medicaid and Welfare Fraud Units. The total investigative staff of 23 investigators has an average of 25 years of law enforcement experience. The training received by our investigators covers the gamut of law enforcement expertise from "Cyber Cop" to homicide investigations. Investigators are qualified as Hostage Negotiators, Firearms Instructors, Defensive Tactics Instructors, Criminal Investigative Analysts, Law Enforcement Electronics Technicians, Fraud Examiners, and Police Instructors. This Division is recognized throughout the State of Alabama for the quality of its investigative and instructional activities.
Territory & Jurisdiction
Investigations are conducted throughout the state requiring investigators to pursue leads in metropolitan and rural areas from Bayou La Batre to Huntsville. Some cases require investigation be conducted in other states and countries.
Nature of Investigations
While the Attorney General has the authority to investigate any type of criminal
activity, typical cases involve multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes, murder, environmental crimes, public corruption, Judicial Inquiry matters, arson, worker's compensation fraud, welfare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and child pornography.
Affiliations
Our investigators participate in numerous task forces and conferences aimed at reducing crime and strengthening law enforcement efforts. These include High Intensity Drug Trafficking, Health Care Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Gambling, Financial Institution Fraud Working Group, International Homicide Investigators Association, Economic Crime Summit, Medicare Networking Council, and Consumer Roundtable.
Staff:
- Howard Sisson, Division Chief (non-attorney)
- Robert Caviness, Assistant Division Chief
- Laura Lingle, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Robyn Sidlowski, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- Jackie Thomas, Support Staff (non-attorney)
- J.W. Barnes, Investigator
- Danny Billingsley, Investigator
- Bobby J. Briscoe, Investigator
- Tommy Calhoun, Investigator
- Kyle Callaghan, Investigator
- Donna Cayton, Investigator
- Jeff Chandler, Investigator
- Kyle Clark, Investigator
- Ralph Connor, Investigator
- Thomas F. Coram, Jr., Investigator
- Pervis L. Fleming, Investigator
- James Kiel, Investigator
- Chris McRae, Investigator
- Darrell Sambor, Investigator
- Susan Smith, Investigator
- Eddie Spivey, Investigator
- William Summers, Investigator
- Assie Webb, Investigator
- · Law Enforcement Unit
-
The Law Enforcement Unit:
- Coordinates annual statewide law enforcement training on constitutional and criminal procedures; laws of arrest, search and seizure; and changes in the state's criminal and traffic laws.
- Reviews and answers most constituent complaints lodged against local and county law enforcement agencies, on the behalf of the Attorney General.
- Provides assistance to law enforcement agencies, upon request.
- Attends law enforcement conferences and association meetings on the behalf of the Attorney General's office, to stay abreast of issues affecting law enforcement.
- Is responsible for the annual Attorney General's Law Enforcement Summit.
First Responder Line-of-Duty Death Certification
Law Enforcement: Select either the online fill-in or manual fill-in form, print it out, and please mail it to:
Attorney General Troy King
Office of the Attorney General
500 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Staff:
Telephone: 334-242-7462 / Email: dmckinley@ago.state.al.us.
- · Medicaid Fraud Unit
-
Medicaid Fraud Unit
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of allegations of fraud and abuse by healthcare providers against the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The Unit is also responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of abuse and neglect of residents in Medicaid-funded facilities.
Staff:
- · Opinions Division
-
Through the Opinions Division, the Attorney General, upon written request, furnishes written opinions on questions of law to the Governor, the other constitutional officers,
the heads of state departments, agencies, boards and commissions, the members of
the Legislature, and thousands of other local public officials and political subdivisions.
Section 36-15-1 of the Code of Alabama outlines many of the duties of the Attorney General. These include giving his opinion in writing on questions of law connected with the interests of the state, state departments, and enumerated local, county, and municipal officials and bodies. Opinions may be requested by enumerated public officials directly and by boards and agencies by resolution of the governing body. Copies of official written opinions are published in a Quarterly Report and distributed to public officials as required by § 36-15-1(3) of the Code of Alabama.
As required by law, this Office keeps and maintains, with proper indexes, copies of all official opinions, along with the requests and matters related to each of those opinions. Correspondence files and indexes are also maintained. Copies of opinions are distributed upon request. Another important duty of the Division is the submission of legislation about elections and voting to the United States Department of Justice for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act. The Division also provides an Election Law Hotline during election periods.
Staff:
- · Public Corruption and White Collar Crime Division
-
The Public Corruption and White Collar Crime Division is comprised of prosecutors specially trained in the prosecution of public corruption, election fraud, bid-rigging, complex economic crimes, and ethics code violations. This division also assists the Alabama Securities Commission and the Judicial Inquiry Commission in their prosecutions.
Staff:
- · Victim Assistance Division
-
Created on January 11,1988, the Attorney General's Office of Victim Assistance (AGOVA) was established to provide statewide assistance to victims of violent crime. The journey through the justice system can be traumatic, especially for victims of violent crime. AGOVA offers victims and victims' families a place they can turn to after their offender is sentenced.
AGOVA provides direct victim assistance as well as referrals to victims through its toll-free Hotline, listed above. Some of the services provided are listed below. If you click on any of these topics, you will find some of the information our office regularly provides to victims. Let us know if there is other information you would like to see on our website.
Victims Services Info-Snippets:
Other:
Staff:
- · Violent Crimes Division
-
These prosecutors represent the State in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes, especially murder and rape, throughout Alabama. This division often takes cases where the local district attorney may have a conflict or that may require more resources than the district attorney has available.
The Attorney General's Office is uniquely positioned to prosecute crime across the entire state. The
Violent Crimes Division represents the State in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes,
especially murder and rape, throughout Alabama. It handles this function by both prosecuting office-developed cases and assisting district attorneys in practically every county with difficult or conflicting cases.
Staff:
|
