The West Virginia Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state. His office has a broad mission that includes providing skilled legal counsel and representation to the state, its officers, agencies, and boards on a wide range of legal matters. The Office is also responsible for prosecuting and defending legal actions on behalf of the State, and for ensuring that the rights of the State and its citizens are protected in matters before the circuit courts, state appellate courts, and all federal courts.
The Attorney General also is entrusted with enforcing the laws of the State as they relate to consumer protection, unfair trade practices, civil rights, and other important areas. Additionally, the Attorney General may appoint outside attorneys to serve as special assistant attorneys general on certain legal matters.
Finally, the Attorney General’s Office plays a critical role in state criminal law. In addition to providing advice and consultation to county prosecuting attorneys, the Office has the exclusive responsibility for representing the state in all criminal appeals and in all habeas corpus proceedings filed by prisoners within the State.
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office is comprised of these divisions:
- Administration
- Arts & Education Division
- Civil Rights Division
- Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division
- Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Division
- Criminal Appellate Division
- Health & Human Services Division
- Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU)
- Solicitor General Division
- Tax and Revenue, Claims Commission & Transportation Division