The most important job of the Office of the Attorney General is to advance public safety and protect District residents, workers, and visitors. OAG uses every legal tool available to drive down crime. Effective prosecution is one of the tools in our comprehensive public safety strategy. OAG serves as the District’s prosecutor for crimes committed by youth and certain adult misdemeanors, including driving under the influence cases, traffic offenses, and some gun-related misdemeanors. The federal government, through the US Attorney for DC, is responsible for prosecuting all adult felonies. To make DC safer, we also take proactive measures to stop crimes from occurring in the first place. To do this, we utilize innovative, data-supported ways of prosecuting and preventing crime.
 
You can contact our Public Safety Division by calling 202-727-3500.

Public Safety Division

Advancing public safety, supporting victims, addressing mental health issues, and investigating fraud and corruption.

Family Services Division

Working on behalf of the District’s most vulnerable residents: abused and neglected children.

Victim Services

OAG’s Victim Witness Specialists offer support and services to victims and witnesses to crime and their family members.

Juvenile Prosecution

Effective prosecution plays a critical role in driving down crime and making our communities safer.

Restorative Justice

An innovative approach to addressing crime and conflict in the District and resolving harm as a community.

Reporting Child Abuse

Everyone should report child abuse, and reporting may be required by law. Learn how to report.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired driving is the leading cause of fatal traffic crashes. Do not be another statistic.

Defending Immigrant Communities

OAG works to protect our immigrant community through public education, community engagement, and defending the law in court.

Human Trafficking Initiatives

How the District is addressing this serious crime and what you can do.

DC’s Red Flag Law

Extreme Risk Protection Orders and removing guns from potentially dangerous people.

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

Combating this dangerous type of drug and its use in the District.

Laws and Legal Opinions

Learn more about specific laws in the District and the Attorney General’s Legal Opinions.

Latest Public Safety Announcements

Attorney General Schwalb Secures First STEER Act Judgment & Sues 12 More Dangerous Drivers Who Owe $619,000+ For Nearly 2,000 Unpaid Traffic Citations

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) secured its first court judgment against a dangerous driver under the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act. OAG also filed 12 new lawsuits against Maryland and Virginia drivers who have amassed a combined total of 1,989 driving infractions and who collectively owe the District nearly $620,000 in unpaid fines, penalties, and fees.

Judge's Gavel in a Courtroom
More Public Safety Announcements