Us Code § 5557 - Officers and agents authorized to investigate, issue search warrants, and prosecute for violations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5557 — Officers and agents authorized to investigate, issue search warrants, and prosecute for violations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5557. Officers and agents authorized to investigate, issue search warrants, and prosecute for violations

(a) General

The Secretary shall investigate violations of this subtitle and in any case in which prosecution appears warranted the Secretary shall report the violation to the United States Attorney for the district in which such violation was committed, who is hereby charged with the duty of prosecuting the offenders, subject to the direction of the Attorney General, as in the case of other offenses against the laws of the United States; and the Secretary may swear out warrants before United States magistrate judges or other officers or courts authorized to issue warrants for the apprehension of such offenders, and may, subject to the control of such United States Attorney, conduct the prosecution at the committing trial for the purpose of having the offenders held for the action of a grand jury. Section 3041 of title 18 of the United States Code is hereby made applicable in the enforcement of this subtitle.

(b) Cross reference

For provisions relating to the issuance of search warrants, see the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 90–578, title IV, §402(b)(2), Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, referred to in subsec. (b), are set out in the Appendix of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5557, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, related to applicability of other provisions, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859. See section 5560 of this title.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5314, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 659, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States magistrate judges" substituted for "United States magistrates" in subsec. (a) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Previously, "United States magistrates" substituted for "United States commissioners" pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§631 et seq.) of Title 28.

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 5557 is part of Title 26 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 26 U.S.C. § 5557. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5557

What does United States Code § 5557 cover?

Section 5557 ("Officers and agents authorized to investigate, issue search warrants, and prosecute for violations") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5557?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5557" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5557 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.