Norfolk District Attorney's Office

For residents of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, understanding the role and functions of the Norfolk District Attorney's Office is essential for comprehending how justice is pursued and public safety is maintained within our communities. Unlike a private law firm that represents individuals, the District Attorney's Office serves as the chief prosecuting agency for all criminal matters that occur within the 27 cities and towns of Norfolk County. This includes everything from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, such as homicides, sexual assaults, and drug offenses. Led by District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, the office is committed to seeking justice through the fair and ethical prosecution of criminal cases, while also prioritizing the needs and voices of victims and their families.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office is a vital component of the Massachusetts criminal justice system. With a dedicated staff of Assistant District Attorneys, victim-witness advocates, and support personnel, they work tirelessly to investigate crimes, present cases in court, and ensure that accountability is met. Their mission extends beyond just convictions; they actively work to foster positive partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community organizations to create a safer environment for everyone in Norfolk County. While the nature of their work means they are often associated with high-profile cases, their daily operations involve thousands of cases each year, all handled with the goal of upholding the law and protecting the public.

It is important to note that as a government entity responsible for prosecution, the Norfolk District Attorney's Office operates differently from a defense attorney's office. Their primary function is to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in criminal proceedings. As such, feedback and reviews from individuals involved in the criminal justice system may reflect diverse perspectives. Some reviews may express concerns regarding specific case outcomes or procedural matters, reflecting the inherent tensions and complexities within the adversarial legal system. For example, some feedback highlights strong opinions on particular ongoing cases, such as the John O’Keefe case, and others express broad allegations regarding legal activities. These comments, while reflecting individual experiences and perceptions, are part of the public discourse surrounding the work of any prosecutorial office. The office, in its official capacity, focuses on its mandate to pursue justice according to the law.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office is centrally located in Quincy, Massachusetts, making it a key hub for criminal justice operations across Norfolk County. The main office address is:

1515 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, USA

This prominent location on Hancock Street in Quincy offers excellent accessibility for individuals needing to interact with the office, including victims, witnesses, and legal professionals. The office is situated within Quincy Center, a highly accessible area well-served by public transportation. The Quincy Center MBTA station, which provides Red Line subway service and commuter rail access, is within easy walking distance. This makes it convenient for individuals traveling from Boston, Cambridge, and other communities connected by the MBTA system. For those driving, the office is readily accessible from major roadways such as I-93 (Southeast Expressway) and Route 3A. Public parking facilities are available in the downtown Quincy area, although it's always advisable to plan ahead for parking, especially during business hours. The office building itself maintains a professional and official environment, reflecting its governmental function.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office is responsible for a wide range of services directly related to the prosecution of criminal offenses and the support of victims and witnesses within Norfolk County. Their primary services include:

• Criminal Prosecution: The core function of the office is to prosecute all felony and misdemeanor criminal cases that occur within the 27 cities and towns of Norfolk County. This includes a broad spectrum of offenses such as homicides, sexual assaults, domestic violence, robberies, drug offenses, fraud, theft, and operating under the influence (OUI/DUI). They operate in District Courts, Juvenile Courts, and Superior Courts throughout the county.

• Victim/Witness Services: A critical component of their work is providing comprehensive support to victims and witnesses of crime. Victim/Witness Advocates (VWAs) are available in every court to assist individuals throughout the criminal justice process. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, court accompaniment, safety planning, protection, assistance with victim impact statements, property return, and referrals to community-based services such as shelters, counseling, and legal assistance.

• Specialized Units: The office has specialized units dedicated to addressing specific types of crimes and providing targeted support. These include units focused on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), Community Violence, and Solved and Unsolved Homicides.

• Alternative Punishment and Rehabilitation: For first-time offenders charged with less serious offenses, the District Attorney's Office makes appropriate and effective use of alternative punishment and rehabilitation options, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote restorative justice where applicable.

• Community Partnerships and Prevention Programs: The office actively engages in partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to strengthen prevention programs and address critical public safety issues such as the opiate crisis, domestic violence prevention, and youth outreach initiatives.

• Civil Rights Grievance Policy: They maintain a Civil Rights Grievance Policy to ensure accountability and address concerns related to civil rights violations within their jurisdiction.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office is characterized by several key features and highlights that underscore its role and impact within Norfolk County:

• Broad Jurisdiction: The office is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses across all 27 cities and towns within Norfolk County, ensuring comprehensive coverage and consistent application of the law throughout the region.

• Extensive Caseload: With approximately 130 employees, the office prosecutes around 20,000 cases annually, demonstrating the significant volume and breadth of their work in maintaining public order and safety.

• Dedicated Victim/Witness Support: A significant highlight is the robust Victim/Witness Assistance Program. VWAs are assigned to all courts (District, Juvenile, Superior, and Probate) and provide crucial, free services to help victims and witnesses understand their rights, navigate court processes, and access necessary resources.

• Leadership in Public Safety Initiatives: Under District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, the office has been instrumental in passing laws to prevent and prosecute crime, toughen laws on drunk driving and domestic violence, and protect seniors from fraud. He has also been deeply involved in community-based prevention efforts, including those addressing the opioid crisis and supporting domestic violence shelters.

• Commitment to Community Engagement: The office actively engages with the community through various initiatives, forums, and partnerships, fostering dialogue and collaboration to enhance public safety and address social challenges. This includes initiatives like "Courageous Conversations About Race" and various safety programs.

• Transparency and Accountability: They operate under Massachusetts law, ensuring that all criminal cases brought to prosecution are handled by their office or the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, providing a clear chain of responsibility in criminal justice.

As a government entity responsible for law enforcement and prosecution, the Norfolk District Attorney's Office does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Their services are mandated by law and are provided to the public as part of their official duties.

• Free Victim/Witness Services: All services provided by the Victim/Witness Assistance Program are free of charge to eligible victims and witnesses of crime. This includes support, information, and referrals, which are critical resources for individuals navigating the aftermath of criminal incidents.

• Public Information and Resources: The office provides extensive public information and resources through its website and direct outreach. This includes explanations of the court process, victim rights, and contact information for various support programs. These resources are available to anyone in the community seeking to understand the criminal justice system.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office is a public service institution, and its "offerings" are structured around its statutory responsibilities to uphold justice and ensure public safety for all residents of Norfolk County.

For inquiries related to criminal cases, victim services, or general information regarding the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1515 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, USA

• Phone: (617) 769-6100

It is important to note that if you are a victim or witness, you may be connected with a dedicated Victim/Witness Advocate who can provide tailored support. For specific case information, it is often necessary to provide details about the case number and parties involved.

For residents of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, the Norfolk District Attorney's Office serves as an indispensable institution for ensuring justice and maintaining public safety. Its presence in Quincy, a central and accessible location, means that its vital services are readily available to individuals across the 27 communities it serves. The office's primary role in prosecuting criminal offenses is crucial for upholding law and order and providing a sense of security within our neighborhoods.

Beyond prosecution, the robust Victim/Witness Assistance Program highlights a profound commitment to supporting those impacted by crime. This service, offered free of charge, provides invaluable emotional, practical, and informational support to victims and witnesses navigating what can be a traumatic and confusing legal process. Furthermore, the office’s proactive engagement in community partnerships and crime prevention initiatives, as well as its leadership in legislative efforts to strengthen public safety laws, directly benefits the well-being of local citizens. While a prosecutorial office may naturally be subject to public scrutiny and varying opinions on specific outcomes, its fundamental mission remains to serve the Commonwealth. For locals, knowing that a dedicated team is working to prosecute crimes, support victims, and enhance overall public safety makes the Norfolk District Attorney's Office a critical and suitable entity for the functioning of our Massachusetts communities.