Attorney General Office of Rhode Island: Your Comprehensive Guide

Attorney General Office of Rhode Island

The Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island is the chief legal office of the state, providing legal advice to the Governor and other state agencies, representing the state in court, and enforcing state laws. The office is led by the Attorney General, who is elected by the people of Rhode Island for a four-year term.

The mission of the Attorney General’s Office is to “protect the rights of the people of Rhode Island, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that justice is served.” The office’s vision is to be “a leader in the pursuit of justice and a trusted advocate for the people of Rhode Island.” The office’s values are integrity, professionalism, and service.

History

The Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island was established in 1843. The first Attorney General was John R. Bartlett, who served from 1843 to 1845. The office has been held by a number of distinguished attorneys over the years, including William H. Vanderbilt (1854-1857), Charles Matteson (1872-1875), and Herbert B. Tanzer (1935-1951).

Organizational Structure

The Attorney General’s Office is organized into several divisions, each of which has specific responsibilities. The divisions include the Civil Division, the Criminal Division, the Consumer Protection Division, the Environmental Protection Division, and the Public Utilities Division.

• Civil Division: The Civil Division represents the state in civil lawsuits, provides legal advice to state agencies, and drafts legislation.
• Criminal Division: The Criminal Division prosecutes criminal cases, investigates crimes, and provides training to law enforcement officers.
• Consumer Protection Division: The Consumer Protection Division enforces consumer protection laws, investigates consumer complaints, and provides education to consumers.
• Environmental Protection Division: The Environmental Protection Division enforces environmental laws, investigates environmental violations, and provides training to environmental professionals.
• Public Utilities Division: The Public Utilities Division regulates public utilities, investigates utility complaints, and provides assistance to utility customers.

Legal Responsibilities of the Attorney General Office of Rhode Island

The Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island is the chief legal office of the state, responsible for representing the state in legal matters and providing legal advice to the Governor and other state agencies.

The office also has a number of other responsibilities, including:

Representing the State in Legal Matters

The Attorney General’s Office represents the state in all legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. The office also provides legal advice to the Governor and other state agencies on a wide range of issues.

Significant Cases Handled by the Office in Recent Years

In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has handled a number of significant cases, including:

• The prosecution of former Governor Edward DiPrete on corruption charges
• The defense of the state in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s same-sex marriage law
• The negotiation of a settlement with the federal government over the state’s Medicaid program

Public Service Initiatives of the Attorney General Office of Rhode Island

The Attorney General Office of Rhode Island is deeply committed to serving the public and engaging with the community. Through various programs and initiatives, the office strives to protect consumers, safeguard civil rights, and promote access to justice for all Rhode Islanders.

One of the key public service initiatives undertaken by the office is the Consumer Protection Division. This division investigates and prosecutes cases involving fraud, deceptive advertising, and other unfair business practices. It also provides resources and guidance to consumers on how to protect themselves from scams and other illegal activities.

Civil Rights Division

The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General Office of Rhode Island enforces state and federal civil rights laws. It investigates and prosecutes cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. The division also provides training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and other organizations on civil rights issues.

Access to Justice Initiatives

The Attorney General Office of Rhode Island is committed to promoting access to justice for all. It operates several programs that provide legal assistance to low-income and underserved populations. These programs include the Legal Aid Bureau, which provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families, and the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Pro Bono Project, which connects volunteer attorneys with individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

Resources and Support Provided by the Attorney General Office of Rhode Island

The Attorney General Office of Rhode Island provides various resources and support services to the public, offering legal assistance, victim support, consumer protection, and other relevant services. These resources are designed to protect the rights of Rhode Island residents and ensure access to justice for all.

Individuals can access these resources through the Attorney General’s website, by calling the office directly, or by visiting one of their regional offices located throughout the state. The office also offers online resources and self-help guides to assist individuals with legal matters and provide information on their rights.

Legal Assistance

• Provides legal advice and representation to state agencies and departments.
• Represents the state in civil and criminal litigation.
• Offers legal assistance to victims of crime and their families.
• Enforces consumer protection laws and regulations.

Victim Support

• Provides support and assistance to victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
• Offers legal assistance to victims of crime, including help with obtaining restraining orders and filing for compensation.
• Works with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure that victims’ rights are protected.

Consumer Protection

• Enforces consumer protection laws and regulations.
• Investigates and prosecutes consumer fraud and scams.
• Provides consumer education and outreach programs.
• Offers mediation services to resolve consumer disputes.

Other Services

• Provides legal training and education to law enforcement officers and other public officials.
• Conducts investigations into allegations of misconduct by public officials.
• Offers legal advice to the Governor and other state officials.
• Represents the state in federal court.

Recent News and Developments Related to the Attorney General Office of Rhode Island

The Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island has been actively engaged in various legal matters and initiatives over the past year. Here’s a timeline of significant events and developments related to the office:

In January 2023, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced a new initiative to address the opioid crisis in the state. The initiative includes a focus on prevention, treatment, and enforcement.

In March 2023, the office filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging that the company misled the public about the risks of OxyContin and contributed to the opioid crisis.

In May 2023, the office reached a $12 million settlement with CVS Health over allegations that the company overcharged Rhode Island Medicaid for prescription drugs.

In July 2023, the office announced the creation of a new Civil Rights Unit to investigate and prosecute cases of discrimination and hate crimes.

In September 2023, the office filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization, alleging that the company violated state consumer protection laws.

These are just a few of the significant events and developments related to the Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island over the past year. The office continues to play an important role in protecting the rights of Rhode Islanders and ensuring that the law is upheld.