Legal Definitions - Assistant United States Attorney

An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) is a lawyer appointed by the Attorney General to represent the federal government in civil and criminal cases filed in federal courts. They work under the direction of the United States Attorney and are responsible for prosecuting cases on behalf of the government.

• An AUSA may be responsible for prosecuting a case involving a federal crime, such as drug trafficking or white-collar crime.
• An AUSA may also represent the government in civil cases, such as those involving violations of federal laws or regulations.
• In some cases, a Special Assistant to the United States Attorney (SAUSA) may be appointed to assist a United States Attorney in specific cases.

These examples illustrate how an AUSA works to uphold federal laws and protect the interests of the government in legal proceedings. They are responsible for investigating cases, gathering evidence, and presenting arguments in court to secure convictions or favorable outcomes for the government.