The Role of the District Attorney’s Office

The principal function of the District Attorney’s Office is to prosecute crimes in superior, district, juvenile and appellate courts, serving Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol. Assistant District Attorneys represent the Commonwealth after the arrest, complaint or indictment, and conviction of an individual for a felony or misdemeanor. In addition, assistant district attorneys assist law enforcement officers, when requested, in the investigation of illegal activity.

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has units which specialize in the areas of domestic violence, juvenile justice, consumer protection and crimes committed against children, elders and persons with disabilities. Victim/Witness advocates provide information about the court process to victims and witnesses of crime(s), including assisting victims of domestic violence in filing petitions for abuse protection orders and offering referrals for crisis intervention. A Detective Unit of the Massachusetts State Police is assigned to the office to investigate, or assist local law enforcement officers, in homicides(s), major crime(s) and narcotics, as well as responding to all unattended death(s) in the jurisdiction.

The Northwestern District Attorney's Office also promotes and participates in community education and outreach efforts in the areas of civil rights, domestic violence, consumer protection, internet safety, bullying prevention and crimes committed against children, elders and persons with disabilities.