Attorney General Greg Abbott

Profile

The attorney general is the chief lawyer for the people of Texas. An elected official, he defends the laws and the constitution of the state, represents the state in litigation and approves public bond issues. The office of the attorney general serves as legal counsel to all boards and agencies of state government, and issues legal opinions when requested by the governor or state agencies. The attorney general also defends challenges to state laws and suits against both state agencies and employees of the state. The office of the attorney general files civil suits upon referral by other state agencies. In some circumstances, the attorney general has jurisdiction to prosecute violations of the law, but in most cases, criminal prosecutions by the attorney general are initiated only upon the request of a local prosecutor. Although daily work is in the hands of assistants, the attorney general controls the form and substance of state civil cases and the final form of legal opinions. His legal opinions are not legally binding, but carry significant weight and help shape state policy. The attorney general is prohibitedfrom offering legal advice or representing private individuals, but his office is supposed to serve and protect the rights of all citizens. Actions that benefit all citizens of this state include enforcement of health, safety and consumer regulations, educational outreach programs and protection of the rights of the elderly and disabled. The attorney general is also charged with the collection of court-ordered child support and the administration of the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Source: Office of the Attorney General. Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Kim Quaile Hill and Kenneth R. Mladenka, "Texas Government: Politics and Economics."

Attorney General's Biography

Attorney General Greg Abbott was reelected as the 50th Attorney General of Texas on November 7, 2006. Prior to his election as attorney general, Greg Abbott served as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court and as a State District Judge in Harris County. He was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by then-Governor George W. Bush in 1995, winning reelection in 1996 and 1998. He was born in Wichita Falls in 1957 and raised in Duncanville. After graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in finance, he received his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He and his wife, Cecilia, live in Justin with their daughter, Audrey.

Contacts

Greg Abbott Email: greg.abbott@oag.state.tx.us www.oag.state.tx.us

Office of the Attorney General PO Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711-2548 Physical address: 300 W. 15th Street Austin, TX 78701 Work: 512-463-2100 Email: greg.abbott@oag.state.tx.us www.oag.state.tx.us

Public Information Coordinator Red Hargrove Work: 800-252-8011 In Austin: 512-475-4413 Email: public.information@oag.state.tx.us

Director of Crime Victim Services Division Herman Millholland Work: 512-936-1200         800-983-9933 Fax: 512-320-8270

Press Office Work: 512-463-2050 Fax: 512-475-4433

Communications Director Jerry Strickland Work: 512-658-6552 Email: jerry.strickland@oag.state.tx.us

Press Secretary Tom Kelly Work: 512-247-8559 Email: tom.kelly@oag.state.tx.us

Press Secretary Allison Castle Work: 512-247-8559 Email: allison.castle@oag.state.tx.us

Consumer Protection Hotline: 800-621-0508

Open Records Hotline: 512-478-6736

Public Information & Assistance: (800) 252-8011 or (512) 475-4413 (in Austin) public.information@oag.state.tx.us Questions/Comments About Child Support: 24-hour hotline: 1-800-252-8014 Child Support State Office: (512) 460-6000 Automated Payment and Case Information: (800) 252-8014 Employer New Hire Reporting Program: (888) 839-4473 child.support@oag.state.tx.us Conference Unit: conferences@oag.state.tx.us Crime Victim Services Division: crimevictims@oag.state.tx.us

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