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Complaints Against the State

The Attorney General's office is unable to assist or comment on complaints against state agencies because we are required by law to provide legal representation to many state agencies in disputes arising out of their actions. This duty precludes the Attorney General from representing individual citizens in their disagreements with state agencies or providing advice to any individual regarding the disputed activity.

We suggest you consult a private attorney. An attorney would directly represent your interests and is the one whose advice would be most helpful to you. If you wish, you may contact a private attorney through the lawyer referral service of your county bar association.

You may also wish to contact your state representative in the Senate or the Assembly, or the Governor's Office regarding your dispute . Keep in mind that allegations which are not clear and specific cannot be acted upon.

Any monetary claim against the State of California or any state agency must be submitted to the State Board of Control for administrative review prior to the initiation of any court action. You may direct your claim to:

State Board of Control
Government Claims Unit
P.O. Box 3035
Sacramento, CA 95812-3035

The Board may, after reviewing your claim, grant your demand. If it is denied, your recourse would be through the Court system. The Attorney General cannot assist you in either proceeding. The Bureau of State Audits is responsible for investigating complaints about wrongdoing by state agencies or state employees, misuse of government funds or equipment. You may direct your complaint to:

Bureau of State Audits
555 Capitol Mall Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
1(800) 952-5665 (Within California)
(916)445-0255 (Outside California)

Keep in mind that an allegation that is not clear and specific cannot be acted upon. Your state representative will often be happy to help you to resolve issues you may have with state agencies. In order to solicit the assistance of your representative you must write a letter indicating your complaint. The letter can be mailed to your representative's district office whose address you will find in your local telephone directory under "State Government". Or you may wish to contact your state legislators in the California Assembly and Senate in their capital office. They may be reached by writing to:

State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-9900

Keep in mind that allegations which are not clear and specific cannot be acted upon. To reach the Governor's Office please write to:

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor's Office
State Capitol Building, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-2841.

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