US Attorney

For residents and communities across Texas, maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law are paramount concerns. While local and state law enforcement agencies address many issues, a crucial component of justice at the federal level is the United States Attorney's Office. In Fort Worth, Texas, the U.S. Attorney's Office plays a vital role as the chief federal law enforcement agency for the Northern District of Texas, which encompasses a vast area and a large population.

The U.S. Attorney, appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, serves as the nation's principal litigator under the direction of the Attorney General. In the Northern District of Texas, the U.S. Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting violations of federal criminal laws, representing the United States in civil lawsuits where the U.S. government is a party, and collecting debts owed to the federal government. This office is not a private law firm that represents individuals; rather, it represents the interests of the United States of America.

The work of the U.S. Attorney's Office is fundamental to ensuring public safety, combating complex criminal enterprises, and defending federal interests. They work closely with a wide array of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF, to investigate and prosecute crimes that often transcend state lines or involve federal statutes. This collaboration is key to addressing serious issues such as terrorism, violent crime, human trafficking, public corruption, and financial fraud, all of which can deeply impact communities across North Texas.

For Texans, understanding the function of the U.S. Attorney's Office provides insight into a critical layer of the justice system designed to protect citizens and enforce federal mandates. This introduction aims to shed light on the essential role of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Fort Worth and its broader impact on safety and justice in the region.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, is prominently located at 801 Cherry St #1700, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA. This address places the federal office within the well-known Burnett Plaza, a significant landmark in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. The central location provides a strategic advantage for federal operations and ensures accessibility for various stakeholders, including law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and other parties involved in federal legal proceedings.

For individuals visiting the office, particularly those arriving for official purposes such as victim assistance or witness testimony, the downtown Fort Worth location offers multiple transportation options. While specific parking within the Burnett Plaza building might be reserved for tenants, there are numerous public parking garages and metered street parking available within a convenient walking distance. Visitors are encouraged to plan their arrival and investigate nearby parking facilities beforehand to ensure a smooth and timely visit.

Furthermore, the building's strategic placement on Cherry Street means it is well-served by Fort Worth's public transportation network. Trinity Metro (FWTA) bus routes operate extensively throughout the downtown core, with various stops conveniently located near Burnett Plaza. This accessibility is crucial for federal operations, as it facilitates easy access for individuals from different parts of Fort Worth and the wider Northern District of Texas who need to interact with the U.S. Attorney's Office. The professional and secure environment of a federal office within a major downtown building reinforces the serious and official nature of its work.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, including its Fort Worth Division, carries out a broad range of responsibilities and services focused on enforcing federal law and protecting the interests of the United States. It's crucial to understand that this office does not provide legal services to private citizens for their personal legal matters; instead, it acts as the federal government's legal representative. Key services and responsibilities include:

• Prosecution of Federal Criminal Cases: This is a primary function, involving the investigation and prosecution of individuals and organizations that violate federal criminal laws. This includes a wide array of offenses such as:

  • Terrorism

  • Violent Crimes (including gun crime)

  • Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation

  • Public Corruption

  • Financial Fraud (e.g., healthcare fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud)

  • Cybercrime

  • Drug Trafficking and Related Offenses

  • Immigration Offenses

• Civil Litigation: Representing the United States in civil lawsuits, whether the government is the plaintiff (e.g., seeking to recover damages from those who defraud federal programs) or the defendant (e.g., defending federal agencies against civil claims).

• Asset Forfeiture: Seizing assets that are derived from or used in criminal activity, which can then be used to compensate victims or fund law enforcement initiatives.

• Collection of Debts: Recovering debts owed to the Federal Government that are administratively uncollectible.

• Victim and Witness Assistance: Providing support, information, and resources to victims and witnesses of federal crimes throughout the judicial process. This includes connecting them with compensation programs and protective services.

• Community Outreach and Partnerships: Collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and community organizations to build public trust, prevent crime, and address specific community needs through programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Safe Childhood.

• Appellate Litigation: Arguing cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, ensuring that legal rulings are upheld or challenged as appropriate.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, including its Fort Worth Division, stands out due to several significant features and highlights that underscore its critical role and operational excellence:

• Chief Federal Law Enforcement Authority: The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the district, giving the office significant authority and responsibility in prosecuting federal crimes and representing the U.S. government.

• High Conviction Rate: The Northern District of Texas boasts a notably high conviction rate, often hovering around 94 percent, which is several points higher than the national average for U.S. Attorney's Offices. This indicates a strong commitment to effective prosecution and a high degree of success in federal criminal cases.

• Comprehensive Prosecution Scope: The office handles a vast array of complex federal crimes, including high-priority areas such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, and public corruption, reflecting its commitment to addressing significant threats to public safety and national security.

• Inter-agency Collaboration: The U.S. Attorney's Office works closely and coordinates multi-agency investigations with a wide range of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners (e.g., FBI, DEA, ATF), maximizing resources and expertise in tackling complex criminal enterprises.

• Commitment to Victim and Witness Support: The office provides vital assistance and resources to victims and witnesses of federal crimes, recognizing their crucial role in the justice process and ensuring they receive necessary support.

• Strategic Community Programs: Beyond prosecution, the office engages in impactful community outreach programs, such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Safe Childhood, demonstrating a proactive approach to crime prevention and community well-being.

• Historical Significance: The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas was established in 1879, indicating a long-standing history of federal law enforcement and legal representation in North Texas.

• Broad Geographic Jurisdiction: The Northern District of Texas covers 100 counties and serves over eight million people, making the Fort Worth Division a key operational hub for a vast and diverse region.

It's important for locals in Texas to understand that the U.S. Attorney's Office is a federal government entity, not a private legal service provider. Therefore, it does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a private business might. Its services are mandated by federal law and are directed towards upholding federal statutes and representing the interests of the United States.

However, the value and "offerings" of the U.S. Attorney's Office to the public come in the form of its core mission and functions:

• Public Safety and Security: The primary "offer" is the vigorous prosecution of federal crimes, which contributes directly to the safety and security of communities across the Northern District of Texas.

• Enforcement of Federal Laws: By prosecuting those who violate federal statutes, the office ensures the integrity of federal systems and programs, benefiting all citizens.

• Victim and Witness Support: While not a "promotion," the provision of victim and witness assistance services is a critical support system for individuals impacted by federal crimes, offering guidance, resources, and protection.

• Deterrence of Crime: The consistent and successful prosecution of federal offenders acts as a deterrent, discouraging further criminal activity and thereby protecting the public.

• Integrity of Government: By pursuing cases of public corruption and fraud against the government, the office helps maintain transparency and accountability in public institutions.

For individuals who need to report a federal crime or are victims or witnesses in a federal case, contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office directly (or the appropriate federal law enforcement agency) is the proper course of action. They are not available for private legal consultation or representation against private parties.

To contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for official inquiries, reporting federal crimes, or victim/witness assistance, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 801 Cherry St # 1700, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA (Burnett Plaza)

• Phone: (817) 252-5200

• Mobile Phone: +1 817-252-5200

• Main Website: Information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas can be found on the Department of Justice website (justice.gov/usao-ndtx).

• Victim/Witness Hotline: For victims and witnesses involved in the federal judicial process in the Northern District of Texas, there is a dedicated hotline: 1-888-781-2577 (for Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls divisions).

• Reporting a Crime: You can often find a form to report suspected crimes on their website, or contact the appropriate federal agency directly.

These contact points are for official matters related to federal law enforcement and the functions of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

For locals in Fort Worth, Texas, the U.S. Attorney's Office is not a traditional "lawyer" in the sense of providing personal legal representation, but it is an absolutely essential and highly suitable presence for the overall well-being and security of the community. Its primary suitability stems from its fundamental role as the chief federal law enforcement agency for the Northern District of Texas.

The office's relentless pursuit of federal criminals, from drug traffickers and violent offenders to those committing complex financial fraud and human trafficking, directly contributes to a safer Fort Worth. This proactive enforcement protects residents from serious threats that often extend beyond local jurisdiction. Furthermore, the U.S. Attorney's Office plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of federal programs and defending the interests of the U.S. government, which ultimately benefits all taxpayers and citizens.

The provision of victim and witness assistance services is another crucial aspect that makes this office suitable for locals. For those who have suffered due to federal crimes, the U.S. Attorney's Office offers vital support and guidance through a challenging legal process. While its function is not to represent individuals privately, its commitment to justice, public safety, and supporting those impacted by federal crimes makes it an indispensable pillar of the legal and law enforcement landscape in Fort Worth and throughout North Texas.