Overview of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

This section describes the makeup and responsibilities of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

Table of Contents

Overview

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA) was established under Sections 12 and 13 of Chapter 12 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which provide for the administration of criminal law and the defense of civil actions brought against the Commonwealth in accordance with Chapter 258 of the General Laws. BCDA serves 4 cities and 16 towns1 in southeastern Massachusetts. In addition to working from the superior and juvenile courts, BCDA operates from four district courts, all of which have six-member jury-trial sessions. BCDA represents the Commonwealth at bail hearings, at commitment proceedings related to criminal matters, at rendition proceedings, and during the presentation of evidence in all inquests. It also assists in the investigation of a variety of criminal activities. In addition to its legal and investigatory activities, BCDA operates several programs that provide educational services to the public and to people involved in the criminal justice system. The programs subject to our audit are described below.

The Juvenile Diversion Program is available, at the discretion of Assistant District Attorneys, to young offenders (age 18 and under) who are charged with certain nonviolent crimes, such as possession of alcohol, purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol, possession of an open container of alcohol, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting. Program participants can postpone their arraignments for four months while completing the requirements of the program, which may include paying restitution, sending a letter of apology, writing an essay, performing community service, and completing an education program in person or online. When participants have successfully completed the program requirements, the charges against them are dismissed before arraignment. The Juvenile Diversion Program is discretionary, is not required or governed by statute, and does not receive separate funding. BCDA operates the program using the money the Legislature appropriates each year to fund BCDA’s overall operations.

BCDA also operates a Victim Witness Assistance Program. According to BCDA’s website,

The primary goals of the Victim Witness Assistance Program are to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime and to aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B) and all additional services provided as a policy of the program within the Office of the District Attorney.

As of June 21, 2017, BCDA employed 21 full-time victim witness advocates, who support victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process and provide information and services as required by Section 5 of Chapter 258B of the General Laws (see Appendix).

  1. The cities and towns are Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Easton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Westport.

Date published: October 1, 2018

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