I take great pride in the exceptional work carried out by my office. Over the past few months, I have shared specific examples of our accomplishments, and many have inquired about the day-to-day operations within our office. I want to provide you with some insight into that.
The structure of the Office of the Attorney General varies from state to state. Our State’s Office of the Attorney General has eight distinct divisions: Administration and Budget, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Defense, Consumer Protection, Criminal Law, Health and Human Services, Energy and Natural Resources, State General Counsel, and Solicitor General. Furthermore, within the Executive Office in the Capitol building, I am supported by a dedicated team consisting of my Executive Assistant, Associate Attorney General, Chief of Staff, Communications Director, Public Information Specialist, and Director of Constituent Affairs.
The Administration and Budget Division is crucial in managing the office’s budget, personnel policies, payroll, benefits administration, and information technology matters. They are essential to keeping our operations running smoothly.
The Civil Litigation and Constitutional Defense Division represents the State of Idaho in various civil actions filed in state and federal courts, particularly in tort cases and constitutional challenges to state statutes. This division also provides prosecution services and legal representation to various State officials and entities.
The Consumer Protection Division enforces various consumer protection laws in Idaho, including the Consumer Protection Act, Competition Act, Telephone Solicitation Act, Pay-Per-Telephone Call Act, and Charitable Solicitation Act. They also offer educational and mediation services to safeguard consumers, businesses, and the marketplace from unfair or deceptive practices. Additionally, this division enforces and defends the State’s Master Settlement Agreement with the tobacco industry and related acts.
The Criminal Law Division handles criminal appeals, habeas cases in federal court, and post-trial phases of death penalty litigation on behalf of the State of Idaho. They also prosecute internet crimes against children, public corruption, Medicaid fraud, and insurance fraud. This division provides prosecutorial assistance to local prosecutors and has sworn peace officers who conduct criminal investigations and assist local law enforcement when needed.
The Energy and Natural Resources Division provides legal representation to state agencies involved in natural resources, water, and environmental issues. Deputies from this division frequently appear in both state and federal courts.
The Health and Human Services Division offers legal representation to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, including its Director, the Board of Health and Welfare, and its various divisions. This division has deputies stationed in Boise at the Department’s Central Office and in each of the seven regional offices across the State.
The Office of the Solicitor General supervises and approves all appellate litigation for the State of Idaho, ensuring consistency in the state’s legal positions. The Solicitor General also oversees state litigation against the federal government, challenging laws, executive actions, or administrative rules that infringe upon Idaho’s sovereign interests. Additionally, the Solicitor General evaluates and recommends whether Idaho should join or file an amicus brief in cases where the State is not directly involved.
The State General Counsel & Fair Hearings Division provides general and specialized legal advice and counsel to numerous State elected officials, officers, agencies, commissions, and other entities. This division also manages the Attorney General’s external legal service contracts and offers general counsel support to other divisions. Furthermore, the Fair Hearings Unit conducts all administrative appeal hearings for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, encompassing over six divisions and 40 programs.
You may encounter my office for various reasons, including consumer concerns, interactions with the Fair Hearings Unit, issues with state agencies, or sharing specific concerns about an issue. However, it’s important to note that I cannot serve as your attorney, provide legal opinions, or influence judicial decisions. If you require legal representation or legal advice, I recommend contacting the Idaho State Bar Association for referrals to qualified attorneys and guidance on your available options. Additionally, I do not have the authority to change legislation or vote on legislative matters. I would encourage you to contact your representative and senator to voice your opinion on a law or bill.
Serving the people of Idaho in this office is a privilege, and I value your feedback and perspective, whether we share the same views or not. Your comments are valuable, and I am grateful for your input on how I can best represent the interests of Idahoans. You may contact my office for assistance at 208-334-2400 or at aglabrador@ag.idaho.gov. If you would like to reach the Consumer Protection Division directly, you can do so at 208-334-2424 or through my website here.
I am proud of the work the men and women in my office do every day to serve our great State of Idaho. These are people who do their best to serve the people of Idaho. I want to thank each one of them for their unwavering dedication; it does not go unnoticed.
