The Investigation Division carries out a wide variety of both criminal and civil investigations, and it serves as a resource for specialized assistance and advice for other agencies with respect to investigations. The Division carries out statutorily-required investigations of fraud against the State and the use of deadly force by police officers. The Division is the primary investigative agency in the State for any sort of public corruption.
The Health and Human Services Division represents the Department of Health and Human Services (except for child support and child protection, which are under the purview of the Child Support and Child Protection
Quick Exit The Victim Services Unit supports crime victims, survivors, and system-based advocates statewide through several programs and initiatives.
In 2015, the legislature funded two Maine State Police detectives and one forensic chemist to work exclusively on unsolved murder cases in coordination with a dedicated prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General. These professionals are joined by a Victim Advocate who is dedicated to serving the family members of victims.
The Criminal Division is responsible for all homicide prosecutions in the State of Maine (with the exception of vehicular manslaughter cases); for providing significant support to the prosecution of drug-related crimes through six AAG's specializing in this area; interstate extraditions; and handling appeals in criminal cases arising from the Criminal Division and as needed and as requested by the eight elected District Attorneys.
The Child Support Division provides legal counsel and representation to the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery. Representation is provided in cases in which parents are in receipt of public assistance, as well as in cases in which parents are not in receipt of public assistance and receive non-welfare services from the Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery. Parents and legal guardians may seek assistance from the State in establishing and collecting child support obligations and in establishing paternity for their children.
The Attorney General's Child Protection Division handles all the State's child protection litigation in the District Courts. The Division also handles administrative appeals in the Superior Courts and appeals to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. AAGs in this Division also sit on a variety of panels, workgroups and commissions; conduct trainings; and provide counsel to the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Child and Family Services.
The Administrative Services Division is responsible for budgeting, human resources, accounting, information systems, and other administrative functions for the approximately 200 employees of the Maine Office of the Attorney General. The Division is also responsible for administering the payroll and benefits of the eight District Attorneys and the Assistant District Attorneys.
The work of the Attorney General's office is spread across ten topical divisions and many special projects.
The Attorney General is Maine's chief law enforcement officer and represents the state in legal matters. The duties of the Attorney General are established by the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated, Title 5, sections 191 - 205.