Assistant District Attorney

Job Description

Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) are appointed by the District Attorney to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in criminal proceedings in Hampshire & Franklin Counties and the town of Athol. They are responsible for all pre-trial, trial, and post-conviction matters in assigned cases. ADAs prosecute a range of misdemeanor and felony cases in the Juvenile, District and Superior Courts. They represent the Commonwealth in bail arguments, substantive motions, plea negotiations, both jury and jury-waived trials, and appellate proceedings.

Duties & Responsiblities

  • Handle the arraignment session, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
    • Review complaints, police reports and BOP/CARI information;
    • Move to amend complaints if necessary;
    • Request bail;
    • File 56A forms;
    • File bail revocation and 58A motions;
    • Confer with Victim Witness Advocates, Court Liaison Officers and Probation Officers as needed;
    • File Notices of Forfeiture in narcotics cases;
    • Prepare Special Attention Forms;
    • Prepare discovery requests to local police departments;  
    • Handle Rule 17 motions;
  • Handle the pre-trial conference session, which includes, but is not limited to the following:
    • Review files, including Victim Impact Statements;
    • Determine whether any discovery remains outstanding and file follow-up requests as needed;
    • Confer with victims, Victim Witness Advocates, Court Liaison Officers and Probation Officers as needed;
    • Determine appropriate sentence recommendations;
    • Record all relevant information provided by defense counsel in the case file folder;
    • Prepare Witness Request Forms;
    • Prepare Restitution Forms;
    • Fill out Guilty Plea Checklists in OUI, drugs, guns and sex cases;
  • Conduct motion hearings and bench and jury trials, which includes but is not limited to, the following:
    • Review files;
    • Ensure that all necessary witnesses have been summonsed;
    • Check returns of service;
    • Cancel unnecessary witnesses;
    • Ensure that all discovery has been provided;
    • Visit the scene (if relevant and helpful);
    • Prepare written oppositions to Motions to Suppress and/or Dismiss;
    • Meet with, and prepare, witnesses in advance of hearing or trial;
    • File Witness Lists; 
    • Prepare direct and cross-examinations, openings and closings;
    • Decide whether and how to introduce exhibits;
    • Research evidentiary issues and anticipate evidence-based objections;        
    • Prepare and file Motions in Limine;

Qualifications

Must be admitted to practice in Massachusetts.  Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a prosecutor or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the core functions of the position.  Strong analytical, organizational, time management, writing and trial advocacy skills are essential.  This position also requires an individual who is able to work collaboratively with others and who is highly motivated to work in the public interest.