The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office serves as the primary prosecutorial agency for one of the most populous and influential regions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tasked with representing the state in criminal matters, the office oversees the prosecution of thousands of cases annually across a diverse landscape ranging from dense suburban centers to rural communities. Under the leadership of District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, the office has balanced traditional law enforcement with modern prevention programs and community-based justice initiatives.

The Leadership of District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey

Michael W. Morrissey has served as the Norfolk County District Attorney since 2011, making him a long-standing figure in the Massachusetts judicial system. His tenure is characterized by a transition from a decades-long legislative career to the executive role of the county’s top prosecutor.

Early Career and Legislative Impact

Before his election as District Attorney in 2010, Morrissey spent over thirty years in the Massachusetts General Court. Serving in the House of Representatives from 1977 to 1992 and the State Senate from 1992 to 2010, he represented the Norfolk and Plymouth districts. During this period, he chaired several high-profile committees, including the Committee on Public Safety.

His legislative work provided the foundation for many of the legal tools currently used by prosecutors across the Commonwealth. He was instrumental in drafting and passing laws aimed at strengthening penalties for drunken driving, domestic violence, and cocaine trafficking. Furthermore, his efforts to protect seniors from financial fraud and children from cyberbullying and sex offenders have had a lasting impact on state policy.

Education and Professional Background

A native of Quincy, Massachusetts, Morrissey’s professional journey began at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Western New England College and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. Before entering full-time public service in the judicial branch, he was a founding partner of a law firm that managed multi-state operations, providing him with a perspective on both private legal practice and public administration.

The Mandate and Responsibilities of the Office

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for approximately 20,000 criminal cases each year. These cases cover a wide spectrum of offenses, from municipal violations and drug possession to complex white-collar crimes and first-degree murder.

Prosecution and Court Proceedings

Under Massachusetts law, criminal prosecutions are divided between the Office of the District Attorney and the Office of the Attorney General. The Norfolk DA’s office handles the vast majority of local crimes. The office employs approximately 130 staff members, including over 60 Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) who represent the Commonwealth in various courts.

  • District Courts: These courts handle the majority of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and certain felonies. The Norfolk DA’s office operates within five district courts located throughout the county.
  • Superior Court: More serious crimes, such as homicide and aggravated assault, are presented to a grand jury. If an indictment is returned, the case moves to the Superior Court in Dedham, where higher penalties can be sought.
  • Juvenile Courts: The office also has a dedicated staff for juvenile matters, focusing on rehabilitation and the specific needs of younger defendants across three juvenile court locations.

Victim Witness Program

A core component of the office’s mission is the Victim Witness Program. This initiative is designed to support individuals who have been impacted by crime as they navigate the often-intimidating legal process. Victim witnesses receive assistance with court notifications, safety planning, and connections to counseling services. The program ensures that the voices of victims are heard during sentencing and that their rights, as protected under the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights, are upheld.

Jurisdiction and the 27 Towns of Norfolk County

The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has jurisdiction over 27 cities and towns. This geographic diversity requires the office to maintain strong relationships with local police departments and municipal governments.

The communities served include:

  • Large Municipalities: Quincy, Braintree, and Weymouth.
  • Suburban Towns: Brookline, Milton, Needham, and Wellesley.
  • Southeastern Communities: Randolph, Stoughton, and Avon.
  • Central and Western Towns: Canton, Dedham (the county seat), Foxborough, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Norwood, Sharon, Walpole, and Westwood.
  • Coastal and Border Towns: Cohasset, Dover, Plainville, and Wrentham.

The office operates its primary headquarters at 45 Shawmut Road in Canton, MA. This central location allows for efficient coordination with the Norfolk Superior Court and various regional law enforcement task forces.

Community Prevention and Public Health Initiatives

Beyond the courtroom, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has expanded its role into public health and community safety prevention.

The Opiate Crisis

Recognizing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on Massachusetts communities, the office has implemented several community-based prevention efforts. This includes funding training for local police and fire departments in the administration of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses. The DA has also supported drug diversion programs, which allow non-violent offenders with substance use disorders to seek treatment rather than traditional incarceration, aiming to break the cycle of addiction and recidivism.

Domestic Violence and Support Services

Domestic violence remains a high priority for the office. Michael Morrissey previously served on the board of directors for DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended), a Quincy-based organization. The DA’s office works to strengthen domestic violence laws and provides specialized training for prosecutors to handle the sensitive nature of these cases, which often involve complex family dynamics and the need for immediate victim protection.

School Safety and Youth Diversion

The office maintains a close relationship with school departments across the 27 towns. Programs focus on maintaining safe school environments, preventing cyberbullying, and educating students about the legal consequences of drug use and social media misuse. For first-time, non-violent young offenders, the office utilizes discretionary diversion programs that focus on community service and education as an alternative to a permanent criminal record.

High-Profile Cases and Legal Controversy

In recent years, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has been the subject of intense public and media scrutiny due to several high-profile cases that have sparked debate regarding prosecutorial integrity and law enforcement accountability.

Commonwealth vs. Karen Read

One of the most widely followed cases in recent Massachusetts history involved the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. In February 2022, the Norfolk DA’s office announced the arrest of Karen Read, O’Keefe’s girlfriend, alleging that she struck him with her vehicle and left him to die in the snow outside a residence in Canton.

The case became a flashpoint for public debate, with defense attorneys alleging a wide-ranging cover-up involving local and state police. In August 2023, District Attorney Morrissey took the unusual step of releasing a pre-recorded video statement defending the integrity of the witnesses and the investigation, a move that drew both support and criticism regarding the presumption of innocence.

The first trial in 2024 ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. In June 2025, a retrial concluded with Karen Read being found "not guilty" on the major charges of homicide and motor vehicle homicide, though she was convicted of operating under the influence. Following the verdict, the DA’s office issued a brief statement acknowledging that "the jury has spoken," marking a conclusion to a case that had deeply divided the local community.

The Death of Sandra Birchmore

Another case that has cast a shadow over local law enforcement is the death of 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore in 2021. Initially, the Norfolk DA’s office and state medical examiners ruled her death a suicide, stating there was no evidence of foul play.

However, federal authorities later intervened. In August 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of a former Stoughton police officer, Matthew Farwell, alleging that he had murdered Birchmore and staged the scene to look like a suicide. The federal investigation revealed a long-term predatory relationship between the officer and Birchmore, which had begun when she was a minor. This discrepancy between the initial county investigation and the federal findings led to increased calls for independent oversight and audits of local police practices.

Federal Probes and Institutional Accountability

The fallout from these cases has led to broader investigations into the criminal justice infrastructure of Norfolk County. A federal probe was launched to examine the handling of specific investigations, and an independent audit of the Canton Police Department uncovered what was described as "antiquated policing" methods.

These developments have prompted the District Attorney’s Office to reinforce its commitment to transparency. While the office continues to handle its massive caseload, the emphasis has shifted toward modernization and addressing public concerns regarding the relationship between prosecutors and the law enforcement officers they rely on to build cases.

Administrative Structure and Contact Information

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office is organized into several specialized units to ensure that ADAs have the expertise required for specific types of crime.

  • Homicide Unit: Manages the most serious investigations involving loss of life.
  • Special Victims Unit: Handles cases of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
  • Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit: Focuses on fatalities resulting from impaired or reckless driving.
  • Appeals Unit: Represents the Commonwealth when convictions are challenged in higher courts.

How to Contact the Office

For residents of Norfolk County, the office provides various resources for reporting crimes, seeking victim support, or inquiring about case statuses.

  • Main Office Address: 45 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021
  • Phone Number: 781-830-4800
  • Standard Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Official Website: nfkda.com

Public records requests and media inquiries are typically handled through the office's communications director, ensuring that information is disseminated in accordance with state transparency laws.

Summary of the Norfolk County DA's Role

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office is a cornerstone of the regional justice system, managing a complex balance of rigorous prosecution and community-focused prevention. Under Michael W. Morrissey, the office has navigated significant legislative changes and high-profile legal battles that have tested its procedures and public standing. As the office moves forward, the focus remains on its dual mandate: ensuring public safety through the fair prosecution of crimes and providing a voice for victims within the judicial process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current District Attorney of Norfolk County?

The current District Attorney is Michael W. Morrissey. He was first elected in 2010 and has served multiple terms since taking office in January 2011.

Which towns are under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk County DA?

The office serves 27 municipalities, including Quincy, Braintree, Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Framingham (note: Framingham is in Middlesex, but local districts may vary; per official records, Norfolk serves 27 specific towns like Weymouth, Randolph, and Wellesley), and others.

What happened in the Karen Read case?

Karen Read was accused of the murder of John O'Keefe. After a mistrial in 2024 and a retrial in 2025, she was found not guilty of the primary homicide charges but was convicted of operating under the influence.

Does the DA’s office provide help for victims of crime?

Yes, the office operates a Victim Witness Program that provides support, court information, and safety planning for victims throughout the duration of a criminal case.

Where is the Norfolk County District Attorney's office located?

The main office is located at 45 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021.