Government Complaints/Government Ombudsman Offices

Government Complaints/Government Ombudsman Offices

Provider: CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

This unit provides consumer assistance for the state of California. The Attorney General represents the collective legal interests of the people of California and is the state's chief law enforcement officer. This unit is the primary access point for persons seeking assistance and information from the Office of the Attorney General. Services include consumer complaints, disaster related fraud reporting, discrimination assistance, immigration services complaints, and specialized information and referral. There are no geographic restrictions.

The unit accepts and responds to consumer complaints, conducts eligibility checks for firearms purchases, issues various special weapons permits, conducts inspections of firearms dealers and provides information and referral services for the public. The unit coordinates with law enforcement agencies regarding consumer fraud issues and assists in the investigation and prosecution of those who commit such fraud, including during times of disaster. The office does not provide legal advice or representation to individuals.

The unit also responds to questions, letters of concern or complaints about government agencies or their employees and how they conduct business, state programs, public policy and/or elected officials by providing specialized information and referral. The unit also acts as a clearinghouse for the Department of Justice programs.

For guidance on Home Owner Association (HOA) complaints visit, https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/homeowner_assn The OAG Bureau of Firearms enforces the State Law that anyone who wants to purchase a gun must receive instruction and pass the test for the Handgun Safety Certificate. The instruction is provided by Department of Justice Certified instructors. The test is available at most firearms dealerships. The person applying must be at least 18 years old, and a State resident. The test may be taked twice at the same dealership. It is good for a period of five years. The Office of Attorney General has a study guide and a video to assist people in preparing for the Handgun Safety Certificate. Order forms are available online at the agency website.

Because the Office of the Attorney General represents the collective legal interest of the People of California, the office is neither funded nor authorized by the California Legislature to provide legal research, legal analysis, legal advice, or to directly represent private individuals in personal legal matters. APPLICATION PROCEDURE To file a complaint, write a letter or send a completed complaint form to the Office of the Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit at the mailing address above. Consumer complaint forms can also be submitted online at: http://oag.ca.gov. Consumer complaints should include a name and return address, the name and address of the company in question, a description of the events as they occurred, and the dollar amount in question. To receive the Handgun Safety Certificate, the applicant must present CAID or CADL as proof of age and residence. FEES/PAYMENT SOURCE There are no fees for most services. The fee for taking the Handgun Safety Certificate exam is $25.
Application Procedure
Languages
Spanish
Service Condition Fee

Free

Free

FAX

(916) 323-5341

Service/Intake

(800) 952-5225 (Statewide - Office of the Attorney General) (916) 322-3360 (Outside California)

TDD

(800) 855-3000 (Spanish) (800) 735-2929

Service/Intake and Hotline

(800) 222-3463 (Missing Children Clearinghouse)

Service/Intake and Administration

(916) 227-7527 (Firearms Division - General Information) (916) 445-9555

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