Department Overview

The Attorney General and the Department of Justice provide legal representation and advice to all state government departments, agencies and commissions. The Attorney General also provides legal opinions at the request of other public officials and handles all criminal appeals from state trial courts. When public interests are at stake, the Attorney General can take legal action on behalf of the State and its citizens.

Through the Consumer Protection Division, the Attorney General works to educate North Carolina consumers and protect them from frauds and scams. The Victims and Citizens Services Section also works to protect the rights of victims and help citizens better understand the criminal justice system.

In addition to legal services, the Department of Justice provides assistance to law enforcement agencies across North Carolina. The State Bureau of Investigation works with local law enforcement to investigate crimes. The North Carolina Justice Academy provides training for local law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice also oversees standards for officers through the Sheriffs' Standards Training Commission and the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission. In addition, the Department oversees standards for private security, private investigators and other related professions through the Private Protective Services Board as well as burglar alarm businesses through the Alarm Systems Licensing Board.