Each opinion is reviewed by the drafting attorney, the division director, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Attorney General. The opinion may be revised throughout the process. Although the opinion is signed by the drafting attorney, all opinions reflect the official position of the office. Because of the precedential importance of the opinion, the process generally takes at least 120 days. Alternatives to formal opinions do exist.
Examples are letters of advice and informational letters.
These alternatives are not binding and take less time to research and issue. Most advice to state agencies is provided in the form of informal advice. Keep in mind that informal advice represents the position of the individual attorney and should not be described as an Attorney General's Opinion. If a question seeks to interpret statutes that are implemented by state agencies, the agencies can be asked to issue a rule or declaratory ruling. Note that these agency rulings are binding.