The District Attorney is the lawyer for the people – prosecuting criminal offenses in the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. These offenses range from simple assault and larceny to murder and rape. The staff of 165 Assistant District Attorneys, Victim Witness Advocates, Juvenile Justice coordinators, State Police investigators, Child Abuse investigators and paralegal professionals handle 40,000 cases each year. Their objective is swift and fair justice while providing critical services to crime victims and their families. Under D.A. Blodgett’s leadership, the Essex District Attorney’s Office has a 95% conviction rate for major felonies.

Partnering with other community leaders and concerned citizens, D.A. Blodgett has worked hard to improve public safety in Essex County. His collaborative efforts have reduced auto insurance fraud in Lawrence and Lynn, eliminated the backlog of gun cases in Lynn, held domestic abusers more accountable and helped keep victims of domestic violence safer. As the lead law enforcement officer in the county, D.A. Blodgett works closely with police, schools, other elected officials, hospitals, Councils on Aging, and non-profits to develop solutions to address crime in every community in the county.

While prosecution remains the chief function of the office, D.A. Blodgett is a strong proponent of crime prevention, particularly when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable – children and senior citizens. In addition to offering Juvenile and Youthful Diversion for first-time, non-violent offenders, D.A. Blodgett has developed numerous programs for young people and their parents, about drugs, underage drinking, Internet safety, and bullying. These programs are designed to give parents and young people the information they need to make good decisions and avoid being the perpetrator or victim of a crime.

D.A. Blodgett has also developed and participated in several programs to protect senior citizens from abuse, scams, identity theft and other crimes. Together with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s Office participates in TRIAD, a national program designed to enhance senior safety. The District Attorney’s Office also participates in the Elder Justice Network which addresses elder abuse.  The D.A.’s office has staged mock trials throughout the county, in order to familiarize seniors with the criminal justice system to encourage them to come forward when they are victimized.

To learn more about the District Attorney’s Office, please visit: www.mass.gov/essexda