Featured Stories
WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON SEPT. 4, 2026
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 5 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on Sept. 4, 2026:
* * *
WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Protects Virginians through establishment of new units, protects children online, and spotlights outreach team
-
Attorney General Jones continues to deliver on his promise to fight for Virginians through the establishment of the Worker Protection Unit and the Federal Accountably Unit. In addition, the Office of the Attorney General recently secured a landmark child-safety
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 5 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on Sept. 4, 2026:
* * *
WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Protects Virginians through establishment of new units, protects children online, and spotlights outreach team
-
Attorney General Jones continues to deliver on his promise to fight for Virginians through the establishment of the Worker Protection Unit and the Federal Accountably Unit. In addition, the Office of the Attorney General recently secured a landmark child-safetysettlement of $353 million with Meta. The Office of the Attorney General also spotlights the community engagement work being done by the Outreach Team.
Protecting Virginians
Attorney General Jay Jones shared how both the Worker Protection Unit and the Federal Accountability Unit will protect Virginians from rights violations, and how securing a $353 million settlement with Meta is just the start of the fight to hold Big Tech accountable.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Announces Creation of Worker Protection Unit to Protect Virginia Workers and Promote Fair Competition
"For the first time in the history of the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, working people will have a dedicated enforcement team fighting for their rights on the job. Under my orders, this unit will protect workers, enforce the law, and hold bad actors accountable," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "We will investigate wage theft, uncover misclassification schemes, and protect workers from retaliation. When an employer refuses to follow the law, we will take action. To every employer that pads profits by cheating working people, hear me clearly: the cost of breaking Virginia law is about to go up."
MeidasTouch: Workers Unite as VA Moves to Protect Workers in Their Workplaces
"Folks feel like they don't have someone who's got their back that it's too expensive for them to go to court on their own dime. And for me, this is a message to the folks of Virginia that we are here to help and we are here to fight on your behalf so that you get the money that you're owed, that you are not being classified as something that you are not so that you can be paid less when you work, you're supposed to be paid. And so that's something that we're committed to," said Attorney General Jones.
[...]
"This is a state that protects its workers, that cares about its workers, that wants to make sure that the workforce is provided for. I think with that back stop, you're going to see a lot more folks across Virginia who have the confidence to speak up and speak out. You know, you hear so many stories about folks who have been silenced, who have been, you know, afraid to say anything because of the imbalance that has existed for far too long. This is a moment when we are finally changing uh how we think about it here in this commonwealth."
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jones Forms Dedicated Legal Unit to Confront Unprecedented Trump Administration Overreach
"I have a fundamental responsibility as Attorney General to defend the Commonwealth and protect Virginians when the federal government exceeds its authority," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "I promised to put Virginia first, and the Federal Accountability Unit will take on Trump administration actions that hurt Virginians, from tariffs that exacerbate the cost crisis, to the damage left behind by DOGE. My team will be ready to act when Trump holds critical funding hostage, when federal policies threaten Virginia workers and families, or when the President attacks our democracy. The creation of this unit ensures dedicated personnel and resources are in place to fight back in court and protect the people we serve."
InsideNoVA: Virginia Attorney General creates unit to challenge federal actions
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is creating a four-attorney unit dedicated to challenging actions by the Trump administration that his office says exceed federal authority or threaten the commonwealth's interests.
[...]
"I have a fundamental responsibility as Attorney General to defend the Commonwealth and protect Virginians when the federal government exceeds its authority," Jones said.
The unit will focus on issues including federal funding, elections, health care, immigration, environmental protections, consumer issues, constitutional rights, tariffs and other economic policies.
Augusta Free Press: Jay Jones rolls out new Trump accountability team in state AG's office
The new Federal Accountability Unit that Jay Jones rolled out today is why we needed to elect a Democrat to be our attorney general last fall.
A release from the AG's office calls the unit "a new team within the Office of the Attorney General dedicated to confronting Trump administration actions that exceed federal authority and threaten Virginia's interests.
"I promised to put Virginia first, and the Federal Accountability Unit will take on Trump administration actions that hurt Virginians, from tariffs that exacerbate the cost crisis, to the damage left behind by DOGE," Jones said in a statement.
"My team will be ready to act when Trump holds critical funding hostage, when federal policies threaten Virginia workers and families, or when the President attacks our democracy. The creation of this unit ensures dedicated personnel and resources are in place to fight back in court and protect the people we serve," Jones said.
The portfolio for the unit will include issues of federal funding, elections, healthcare, immigration, environmental protections, consumer issues, constitutional rights, tariffs and other economic policies, and the fallout from DOGE cuts to the federal workforce.
Cardinal News: Notes from the Square: Virginia attorney general forms legal unit to challenge federal overreach
Attorney General Jay Jones announced Thursday that his office has formed the Federal Accountability Unit to challenge what he called federal overreach.
The new unit will investigate Trump administration actions that exceed federal authority and threaten Virginia's interests, Jones' office said.
[...]
"I have a fundamental responsibility as Attorney General to defend the Commonwealth and protect Virginians when the federal government exceeds its authority," Jones said in a statement. "I promised to put Virginia first, and the Federal Accountability Unit will take on Trump administration actions that hurt Virginians, from tariffs that exacerbate the cost crisis, to the damage left behind by DOGE."
He added that the team will be "ready to act when [President Donald] Trump holds critical funding hostage, when federal policies threaten Virginia workers and families, or when the President attacks our democracy."
Among the issues that the unit will handle are federal funding, elections, healthcare, immigration, environmental protections, consumer issues, constitutional rights, tariffs and the continuing fallout from federal workforce cuts. It also aims to coordinate multistate litigation and work alongside other states' attorneys general on cases involving Trump administration policies and actions.
"We understand the weight of this work and the stakes for Virginians," Keenan said in a statement. "We will move quickly, defend the Commonwealth, and meet unlawful action with the full force of the law. Our charge is to anticipate and counter emerging threats, build the strongest cases possible, and ensure the state is prepared when its interests or its people are put at risk."
[...]
Also this week, Jones' office announced that Virginia is slated to receive $364 million from recent billion-dollar multistate settlements with Meta over social media addiction claims and data sharing.
Jones said that a portion of Virginia's settlement funds will go toward remediating harm caused by social media platforms and supporting social media literacy for parents.
"We are really excited to put this money into efforts that are going to continue to help protect our kids," Jones told reporters on Wednesday. "We're going to make sure that they're going to be used for a variety of purposes, like unplugged programs and activities for kids that are going to help combat this loneliness and social isolation that we've seen from this online existence."
Virginia is scheduled to receive its first payment, an undisclosed portion of the full amount, within 30 days of approval of the settlement by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Meta is required to implement sweeping child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook. The settlement was reached after attorneys general from 52 states and U.S. territories, including Virginia, claimed that the company deceived the public regarding mental health harms its social media products can have on teens.
[...]
Both the implementation and efficacy of the features will be regularly assessed by an independent auditor and the settling states.
The settlement also resolves Virginia's claims against Meta for sharing private information about Facebook users with third parties leading up to the 2016 election. The commonwealth will receive an additional $11 million through that settlement, Jones' office said.
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Announces a $17 Billion Landmark Settlement with Meta with $353 Million Guaranteed for Virginia
"For years, Meta intentionally deceived the public about the addictive and harmful design features that have wreaked havoc on youth mental health. I am elated to announce a settlement agreement that will put an end to these dangerous practices and deliver meaningful relief that will protect children from online harm," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "For the past five years, this office and its dedicated public servants have stood tall against one of the largest tech giants in the country and refused to back down in the face of costly and time-consuming investigations, legal battles, and sophisticated legal schemes to prevent accountability. Today's historic settlement proves that no matter how deep a company's pockets, or how vast their legal armies, when major corporations and Big Tech companies put the safety of our children at risk to turn a profit, Virginia will bring them to justice. With this relief, Virginia will finally be able to put substantial resources behind initiatives to undo these harms, prevent future harms and change the face of how young people interact with social media for years to come by continuing to hold social media companies accountable."
C-SPAN: "In Virginia, we have drawn our line in the sand."
"This is certainly something that is historic, not just for Virginia but across the country. We have not just a landmark settlement in terms of dollar figures, but the guardrails to keep Americans secure," Attorney General Jones said. "We are going to hold everybody accountable, no matter who you are. If you are doing harm to our kids, we are going to come after you."
WHRO: Virginia AG, Henrico Co. senator not done with Facebook following Meta settlement
A legal win against Meta may bring new reforms and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth. But one state Senator who pushed for stricter reforms isn't done fighting.
[...]
Beyond the more than $350 million dollars coming to the Commonwealth, Meta says it'll add new rules for minors on Facebook and Instagram. This includes age verification, daily time limits and quote "check in breaks" in an effort to dissuade endless scrolling. Many of the reforms align with changes demanded by VanValkenburg under a 2025 state law he authored.
But that law is currently on hold on First Amendment grounds, with a federal judge in Alexandria writing the state "does not have the legal authority to block minors' access to constitutionally protected speech until their parents give their consent."
Jones appealed and argued the lower court got it wrong because the law, "imposes only an incidental burden on speech."
"After completing the age verification, adults are free to access any speech on any social media platform for as long as they would like, and minors are free to access any speech on any platform for as long as their parents would like," Jones' filing reads.
The Richmond-based Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed and kept the law on hold in an order issued Monday.
The 2025 law also goes further than the settlement; for example, VanValkenburg wanted 1-hour limits, Meta said they'd limit teens to 2. The Senator wants the state to keep fighting to defend his law, and AG Jones said he plans to.
"The Meta settlement is a huge win, but we can walk and chew gum at the same time," Jones said in a voice memo sent to Radio IQ. "And just as we did with Meta, we intend to prevail."
Community Outreach
The Office of the Attorney General's Outreach team is the local point of contact for communities across the Commonwealth. Coordinators and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) connect with residents and local leaders, educating and informing Virginians on the resources and work being done by the Office.
Before students in Chesapeake headed back to school, they attended the Chesapeake VA Rules Camp. Each year, the OAG partners with local law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth to host "Virginia Rules" camps. These camps offer young people fun, interactive instruction on Virginia's law and build positive relationships between local law enforcement and campers.
TRIAD Coordinator Ben Bickel and CLO Taylor Davis were invited to speak at the Upper King William County Senior Citizens Center about frauds and scams. The Outreach team was able to answer questions from community members, connect with local law enforcement, and share information about OAG resources like MFCU, TRIAD, and Consumer Protection. At the Chickahominy Area TRIAD August meeting in New Kent County, MFCU CLO Randy Davis spotlighted recent cases closed by the unit. In Washington County, Shenandoah County, and Botetourt County CLOs Amy Duncan, Ajashu Thomas, and Lara Bussert connected with seniors in the community.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3112-what-virginians-are-seeing-attorney-general-jay-jones-shares-weekly-roundup-of-actions-taken-14
Va. A.G. Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 4 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
Attorney General Jones announced today that after securing a historic victory in a fair housing case involving racial discrimination, his office has successfully collected and returned more than $800,000 to the Virginians impacted by the discriminatory practices. On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones presented the Mills and Smith families
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept. 4 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Jones Awards More Than $800,000 for Families Following Historic Victory in Fair Housing Case
Attorney General Jones announced today that after securing a historic victory in a fair housing case involving racial discrimination, his office has successfully collected and returned more than $800,000 to the Virginians impacted by the discriminatory practices. On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones presented the Mills and Smith familiestheir payouts of more than $400,000, which is the largest payout to individual complainants in the history of the Virginia Fair Housing Office and Office of the Attorney General.
The case concluded in February 2025 when a jury found that the defendant and owner of Lazy Cove Campground, Regina Turner, discriminated against two families by evicting them upon learning that one of the campers was Black. After failing to comply with multiple court orders and refusing to pay the damages, the Office of the Attorney General initiated special auction proceedings for Ms. Turner's properties in order to obtain the funding for the court-ordered damages. On August 12, 2026, Regina Turner was also ordered to serve 30 days in jail at a contempt hearing where she was escorted out of the courthouse in handcuffs for failing to comply with the orders.
"Every Virginian deserves access to safe and affordable housing, and they deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity. This case and the egregious discriminatory actions endured by the Mills and Smith families are heart wrenching and unacceptable," said Attorney General Jones. "I am proud to bring much overdue and deserved relief, and I want to thank the public servants in both the Virginia Fair Housing Office and the Office of the Attorney General whose dedication and tenacity brought this precedent-setting conclusion into reality after six arduous years."
"These successful outcomes underscore the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's commitment to enforcing fair housing protections and holding accountable those who engage in housing discrimination in Virginia," said Liz Hayes, Director of the Virginia Fair Housing Office. "Most importantly, these cases demonstrate that individuals who experience discrimination can seek justice and meaningful remedies. The substantial awards secured for these families make clear that housing discrimination has serious consequences and that every Virginian deserves a fair and equal opportunity to access housing."
The 18-acres of waterfront on a peninsula in Smith Mountain Lake, which was foreclosed on to collect on the jury's verdict, was sold for $1,045,000.00. Each family received $417,287.67, which is the full amount, with interest, that a jury awarded them at the end of the trial.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3111-attorney-general-jones-awards-more-than-800-000-for-families-following-historic-victory-in-fair-housing-case
Md. A.G. Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown released the following statement after the Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that Question 3, the proposed congressional redistricting constitutional amendment, may remain on the November ballot with revised ballot language:
"I commend the attorneys and staff of the Office of the Attorney General who successfully defended the constitutional amendment
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 4 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Statement on Supreme Court of Maryland Redistricting Ruling
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown released the following statement after the Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that Question 3, the proposed congressional redistricting constitutional amendment, may remain on the November ballot with revised ballot language:
"I commend the attorneys and staff of the Office of the Attorney General who successfully defended the constitutional amendmentapproved by the General Assembly.
As Maryland's chief legal officer, I have a responsibility to defend the constitutionality and legal sufficiency of measures enacted or approved by the General Assembly when they are challenged in court, and our team carried out that responsibility with skill and professionalism.
"With today's ruling, the question will remain on the ballot, and Maryland voters will have the opportunity to decide the matter for themselves in November."
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Statement-on-Supreme-Court-of-Maryland-Redistricting-Ruling.aspx
Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 4 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey posted the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
*
Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, including new impersonation and video-call sweepstakes schemes
The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newly
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 4 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey posted the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General McCuskey Warns consumers of new scam tactics Targeting West Virginians
*
Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, including new impersonation and video-call sweepstakes schemes
The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newlyreported scam tactics: scammers impersonating West Virginia state representatives and scammers using video calls to claim consumers have won sweepstakes or lottery prizes.
Of the 401 scam complaints the Consumer Protection Division received in August, the top scams were:
1. Medicare
2. West Virginia state representative impersonation scams
3. Robo Calls (loans, debt relief, final funeral expenses, etc.)
4. Computer/Phishing
5. Sweepstakes and lottery scams
The Consumer Protection Division received reports involving a scammer who claimed to be a representative of the State of West Virginia and offered insurance and other subsidies. One consumer reported receiving approximately 70 calls from the scammer, who used spoofed West Virginia telephone numbers to make the calls appear legitimate. These calls were live rather than automated or robotic. Consumers should remember that scammers can use technology to "spoof" caller ID, making a call appear to come from a familiar or legitimate West Virginia telephone number.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Division is warning West Virginians about a sweepstakes scam involving video calls. Scammers use What's App, Facetime and other applications with video capabilities. These calls typically come from an email address and numbers are not usually listed. Many consumers who reported this scam did not answer. When consumers have answered, they say the scammer's video screen is black and they cannot see the scammer, but the scammer can see them.
Ways to protect yourself
* Be aware that criminals can "spoof" phone numbers - Your caller ID may show familiar numbers that aren't actually calling
* Be wary of notices of any contest winnings, especially if you didn't enter
* If calls seem suspicious, don't engage with callers; hang up and call back using numbers you have on file
* Keep detailed records - Document all interactions with service providers and financial transaction
* Research before you trust - Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
What not to do
* Don't handle money transfers for strangers - You could unknowingly participate in money laundering
* Never accept or forward packages for online acquaintances - This may involve illegal activity
* Never pay anyone with gift cards - Legitimate companies don't accept gift cards as payment
* Never pay money to claim prizes - Real contests don't require payment
* Never provide personal or financial information over the phone - to unsolicited callers
* Never send money to people you haven't met in person - This includes online romantic interests
You can find out more about scams, ways to protect yourself, and file a scam report at ago.wv.gov. Likewise, you can call our Consumer Protection Hotline and speak with our Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.
***
Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov//article/attorney-general-mccuskey-warns-consumers-new-scam-tactics-targeting-west-virginians
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Paul Alvarez
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Paul Alvarez
*
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Paul Alvarez, who died on December 18, 2025 after a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty Cheektowaga Police Department (CPD) officer in West Seneca, Erie County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of footage from security cameras
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Paul Alvarez
*
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Paul Alvarez, who died on December 18, 2025 after a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty Cheektowaga Police Department (CPD) officer in West Seneca, Erie County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of footage from security camerasand responding officers' body-worn cameras, police reports, witness statements, and the medical examiner's report, an interview with the involved officer, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the involved officer committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges are not warranted in this case.
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on December 18, Mr. Alvarez was walking east near the center of the westbound lane on Clinton Street in West Seneca while dressed in all black with his hood up. Clinton Street is a two-lane roadway running east to west lined with streetlights with significant gaps between them, which create areas with very limited light. Clinton Street does not have sidewalks, and the posted speed limit is 45 MPH.
At 9:25 p.m., an off-duty CPD officer was driving west in the westbound lane on Clinton Street when his dog yelped from the backseat. The officer glanced toward his dog then looked back at the road, where he said he saw "something" directly in front of his vehicle and struck it before he could stop. Another driver traveling in their car behind the off-duty officer reported hearing a "thud" upon impact. The officer then got out of his vehicle, saw that he had hit Mr. Alvarez, and went to check on him. Several other drivers also stopped, and the off-duty officer instructed one of the bystanders to call 911.
Following multiple 911 calls, officers with the West Seneca Police Department (WSPD) reported to the scene. When they arrived, they saw members of the Union Volunteer Fire Department attempting to provide aid to Mr. Alvarez, which they continued to do until emergency medical personnel arrived in an ambulance to perform lifesaving measures. Mr. Alvarez was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officers with WSPD spoke with the off-duty CPD officer and administered standardized field sobriety tests, which he passed. The off-duty officer also voluntarily submitted a preliminary breath alcohol test (PBT), which returned a blood alcohol content of 0.00 percent. The off-duty CPD officer was then transported to WSPD headquarters, where he completed a written statement.
In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person caused a death when they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person's standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. Though he was distracted by his dog and failed to see Mr. Alvarez in the roadway, there is no evidence that the off-duty officer was speeding, impaired by drugs or alcohol, or otherwise driving in a dangerous manner. After he hit Mr. Alvarez, the off-duty officer got out of his vehicle and asked bystanders to call for help.
In this case, the evidence does not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the off-duty officer's conduct was a gross deviation from the standard that would have been observed by a reasonable person in the same circumstances, or that he failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death. Therefore, OSI concluded that the evidence did not warrant criminal charges.
The OSI recommends that all law enforcement agencies in New York hold police officers to the same standards applied to civilians involved in motor vehicle collisions and obtain a blood sample for toxicology blood testing. In this case, while the involved officer's PBT returned a blood alcohol content of 0.00 percent, he also volunteered to provide a blood sample. Still, WSPD officers did not take steps to secure a blood sample for testing. They should have taken a blood sample. In addition, in cases where an involved officer refuses to consent to a blood test, OSI recommends that the responding law enforcement agency seeks a court order to compel compliance.
***
Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-office-special-investigation-releases-report-death-paul
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that her Office's Criminal Appeals Section successfully defended the overwhelming majority of criminal convictions challenged on appeal or in federal habeas proceedings over the last two fiscal years, maintaining a 96.5% success rate.
"Among the most important work of the Attorney General's Office is defending convictions obtained
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 4 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Nearly 97% Success Rate Defending Criminal Convictions on Appeal
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that her Office's Criminal Appeals Section successfully defended the overwhelming majority of criminal convictions challenged on appeal or in federal habeas proceedings over the last two fiscal years, maintaining a 96.5% success rate.
"Among the most important work of the Attorney General's Office is defending convictions obtainedby prosecutors around our state on appeal - including for crimes like homicide and rape," said Attorney General Mayes. "I am proud that my office has successfully defended those convictions in nearly every case and kept violent offenders behind bars."
Over the last two fiscal years, the Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Section defended 687 cases involving 2,287 individual convictions, including 197 homicide convictions and 697 sex crime convictions. Of those convictions, the Office successfully defended 2,207 -- a success rate of 96.5%.
The convictions defended span a wide range of offenses, including homicide, sex crimes, crimes against persons such as assault, kidnapping, and robbery, property crimes, fraud, drug offenses, and other criminal offenses.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-nearly-97-success-rate-defending-criminal
AGO Labor Day Report emphasizes building stronger protections for Washington workers
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 4 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
AGO Labor Day Report emphasizes building stronger protections for Washington workers
*
The last year has seen progress to safeguard worker rights in Washington, but there's more to do, according to the Attorney General's Office's 2026 Labor Day Report, released today.
Highlights of the AGO's work this past year include:
* Launching a new Worker Rights Unit to emphasize enforcement of the state's labor protections.
* Passing the Immigrant Worker Protection Act to increase
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 4 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
AGO Labor Day Report emphasizes building stronger protections for Washington workers
*
The last year has seen progress to safeguard worker rights in Washington, but there's more to do, according to the Attorney General's Office's 2026 Labor Day Report, released today.
Highlights of the AGO's work this past year include:
* Launching a new Worker Rights Unit to emphasize enforcement of the state's labor protections.
* Passing the Immigrant Worker Protection Act to increasetransparency and fairness in the workplace.
* Protecting the rights of pregnant workers at O'Reilly Auto Parts through a $5.6 million settlement.
* Securing compensation for local and female farmworkers alleging discrimination at Toppenish-based Cornerstone Ranches.
* Winning a court ruling against the federal administration's unlawful and indiscriminate firing of probationary federal workers in Washington.
"The people who power Washington's economy deserve fairness and vigorous enforcement of our state's legal protections," said Attorney General Nick Brown. "Our office is committed to fighting every day for the well-being and dignity of workers in our state."
The AGO works collaboratively with legislators, state and local agencies, worker advocates, unions, and businesses to help protect workers in Washington.
"Protecting workers' rights is one of the most essential functions of government. The work Attorney General Nick Brown and his staff do every day to ensure that Washington's labor laws are enforced is especially vital in this moment when the federal government has abandoned this responsibility," said April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. "Washington's labor movement is grateful to have an Attorney General dedicated to filling this gap and advocating for working people in our state."
We plan to continue fighting on behalf of workers in 2026 and 2027.
The 2026 report's recommendations for our office and for the state include calls to:
1. Conduct robust outreach to workers and businesses on their rights and requirements under the Immigrant Worker Protection Act.
2. Support farmworker collective bargaining.
3. Stop the underground economy by enacting a law to hold contractors responsible for labor violations committed by their subcontractors.
4. Ban surveillance pricing and surveillance wages in Washington state.
A copy of the Attorney General's Labor Day Report is available here.
-30-
Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General's Office FAQ
***
Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ago-labor-day-report-emphasizes-building-stronger-protections-washington-workers
