OLYMPIA – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna expressed gratitude to legislators today for supporting several of his 2011 legislative proposals.

?“Contrary to public perception, Republicans and Democrats do work together in Olympia,” McKenna said. “During an incredibly busy year, I’m grateful to legislators for helping to increase protections for consumers and for preventing inmates from fleecing taxpayers.”

Consumer protection

SEATTLE – The Washington Attorney General’s Office cautions homeowners about paying to participate in a “mass joinder” lawsuit promising mortgage relief.

The lawyers and marketers pushing these suits charge upfront fees and frequently promise results. In reality, litigation is time-consuming and even a qualified attorney can’t guarantee the outcome of a case. Moreover, representatives of a legitimate class-action suit would not ask for money to join.

SEATTLE – Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna joined the attorneys general of 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, in objecting Tuesday to the settlement of a private, class-action lawsuit against DirectBuy, Inc., because it offers no real benefit to consumers.

Attorney General steps in to ensure homeowners can contact foreclosure trustees

SEATTLE – Six months into its investigation into unlawful business practices by foreclosure trustees, the Washington Attorney General’s Office announced that it has uncovered an additional widespread problem that jeopardizes homeowners’ chances of stopping a foreclosure.

Legislation sought to reduce widespread abuse of ‘immigrant assistant’ title

SEATTLE  --  Across Washington, immigrants looking for the right to live and work legally in our state are unknowingly risking their futures. The Washington Attorney General’s Office announced 10 new settlements today with individuals accused of illegally practicing immigration law – a legal area so complicated that one wrong step can drastically delay citizenship or completely ruin a family’s chance to pursue the American dream.

OLYMPIA – Today, 11th Circuit Chief Judge Joel Fredrick Dubina agreed to proceed with an expedited schedule for hearing the health care reform challenge that is before that court.  A three-judge panel will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, June 8, at 9:30 a.m. in Atlanta.

Attorney General’s Office sues online companies for failure to deliver orders

SEATTLE – The Washington Attorney General’s Office is suing an online seller of stethoscopes for sales practices that caused consumers substantial heartache.

Small businesses nationwide are eligible for refunds stemming from Washington Attorney General’s lawsuit

SEATTLE – You may be owed money if you paid a Washington-based company that sold search-engine optimization, shopping cart integration and Web design and hosting services. The Washington Attorney General’s Office says small businesses nationwide are potentially eligible for refunds as a result of a consumer protection settlement with a group of defendants who used multiple business names since 2005.

SPOKANE – The Washington State Court of Appeals Division III today affirmed convicted rapist Kevin Coe’s civil commitment as a sexually violent predator.

Georgia marketer latest to settle over car ads

SEATTLE – Ads proclaiming, “Government Vehicle Disposal,” and “The Repo Joe Sale,” are designed to steer buyers to used car sales events  under the pretense they’re getting a special deal. But the Washington Attorney General’s Office says these promotions usually violate the state’s Consumer Protection Act.