Legal Definitions - SAUSA

A SAUSA, which stands for Special Assistant to the United States Attorney, is an attorney who is temporarily appointed to work as a federal prosecutor within a United States Attorney's Office. Unlike a permanent Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), a SAUSA typically comes from another government agency – such as a state or local prosecutor's office, a federal agency's legal department, or even sometimes private practice – to lend their expertise or assist with specific caseloads. While serving as a SAUSA, they possess the full authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes on behalf of the U.S. government.

Here are some examples of how a SAUSA might operate:

• Example 1: State Prosecutor Assisting Federal Drug Task Force
  A seasoned prosecutor from a large metropolitan district attorney's office, known for her expertise in complex narcotics investigations, is temporarily appointed as a SAUSA. Her role is to assist the local U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting a surge of federal drug trafficking cases that involve interstate criminal organizations. Her experience with state-level drug laws and local law enforcement agencies proves invaluable in coordinating efforts and building strong federal cases.

  Explanation: This illustrates a state prosecutor becoming a SAUSA to bring specialized knowledge and experience to federal cases, helping to manage a heavy caseload and enhance prosecution efforts.

• Example 2: Federal Agency Attorney Handling Environmental Crimes
  An attorney from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with extensive experience in regulatory enforcement and environmental law is appointed as a SAUSA in a U.S. Attorney's Office located near a major industrial zone. This appointment allows her to directly prosecute federal cases involving illegal dumping of hazardous waste and violations of clean water regulations, leveraging her deep understanding of environmental statutes and scientific evidence.

  Explanation: Here, an attorney from another federal agency serves as a SAUSA, bringing specific subject matter expertise to prosecute federal crimes within her specialized field, which might otherwise require significant training for a general AUSA.

• Example 3: Military Judge Advocate Prosecuting National Security Threats
  A Captain in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, who has experience in national security law and intelligence matters, is detailed to a U.S. Attorney's Office as a SAUSA. His primary responsibility is to assist in the prosecution of federal cases involving espionage, cyber warfare, or terrorism threats that have a nexus to military operations or personnel. His unique background provides critical insight into sensitive investigations.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates a military attorney serving as a SAUSA, highlighting how individuals from diverse government backgrounds can be temporarily deputized to prosecute federal crimes, particularly those requiring highly specialized knowledge related to national security or military affairs.