Application of Appropriate Statute
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DOJ Justice Manual › Title 9: Criminal › 9-42.000 - Fraud Against the Government › Justice Manual § 9-42.191
This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.
Text
It is the policy of the Department that in those instances in which the United States Attorney (USA) has a choice of statutes, charges normally should be brought pursuant to the more specific statute. In those cases in which special aggravating circumstances exist, the USA retains the discretion to charge a violation of the more serious general statute.
[updated January 2020]
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.