Florida Notary Practice Exam

If a complaint against a notary involves a criminal violation, where is it referred?

1. Local police department

2. State Attorney's office

3. The notary's employer

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation

The correct answer is: State Attorney's office

When a complaint against a notary involves a criminal violation, it is referred to the State Attorney's office. This is because the State Attorney's office is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses within their jurisdiction. They have the authority to investigate and take legal action against individuals accused of violating state laws, including notaries who may have engaged in criminal activities such as fraud, forgery, or other unlawful acts related to their duties. While local police departments can handle initial reports and investigations of criminal acts, they typically do not have the final prosecutorial authority. Referral to the notary's employer is more appropriate for administrative issues, not criminal violations. Similarly, while serious federal crimes might involve the Federal Bureau of Investigation, most notary-related violations are typically handled at the state level, making the State Attorney's office the appropriate entity for such referrals.