Federal attorneys play a crucial role in the justice system, representing the United States government in federal court cases and providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private counsel.
There are two main types of federal attorneys in Arizona: United States Attorneys and Federal Public Defenders. United States Attorneys prosecute criminal cases brought by the federal government, represent the United States in civil litigation, and handle appeals. Federal Public Defenders provide legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
The United States Attorney for the District of Arizona is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the state. This individual is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and representing the United States in civil matters within Arizona. The current United States Attorney can be found on the official website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
The Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona leads the office that provides legal defense to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford private counsel. The Federal Public Defender is appointed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Information about the current Federal Public Defender is available on the Federal Public Defender’s Office website for the District of Arizona.
Federal Public Defenders provide their services at no cost to clients who qualify based on financial need. United States Attorneys do not charge fees, as they represent the federal government. Private attorneys who handle federal cases may charge varying rates depending on the complexity of the case and their experience.