{"id":373961,"date":"2023-11-17T12:58:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:58:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-17T12:58:44","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:58:44","slug":"massachusetts-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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A district attorney (D.A.) is the prosecuting officer of a criminal case. This official represents the government in prosecuting criminal offenses. They are elected officials. D.A.s have several deputies underneath them who handle the day-to-day criminal prosecution activities.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

 D.A.s typically make the determination about what, if any, criminal charges are filed. The police will make an arrest<\/a>, but the district attorney determines whether to prosecute. The decision to prosecute will be made after the D.A. investigates.<\/p>\r\n

Following an investigation, a district attorney will argue in favor of prosecuting the alleged criminal during a preliminary hearing<\/a>. This will involve a grand jury<\/a>. If the D.A. decides to proceed with charges, they will represent the state of Massachusetts. The district attorney will argue in favor of bringing the matter to trial<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Training and Outreach<\/h2>\r\n

A Massachusetts D.A.’s job doesn’t just begin and end in the courtroom. D.A.s often spend time training police officers and conducting outreach within the communities they serve. It’s not as glamorous as T.V. shows would lead you to believe. Before the grand jury, the district attorney or the assistant district attorney will argue in favor of bringing the criminal matter to trial.<\/p>\r\n

If the case proceeds beyond the grand jury, the matter will go before a court. There, the district attorney’s job will continue until the alleged criminal is either relieved of charges or sentenced.<\/p>\r\n

For instance, D.A.s may hold training sessions for their local police department on matters such as search and seizure law<\/a>, criminal investigations, arrests, and more. D.A.s might also work with community groups to identify and help stop human trafficking, handle domestic violence cases, or recent updates to Megan’s Law requirements for sex offenders. Other common issues include prevention programs targeted at bullying and cyberbullying<\/a>, gang awareness, community-based justice, and even how to prevent sexual assault on campus and in the community.<\/p>\r\n

District attorneys work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to administrate criminal law and criminal justice. If you’re facing trial and communicating with the district attorney’s office over a criminal charge, you will see how arduous a process the criminal system is. If you’re dealing with this process, it’s a good idea to seek legal services from a licensed attorney. It’s also important to know that district attorneys deal with all types of criminal matters. These include:<\/p>\r\n