2026 District Attorney Norfolk District
A District Attorney leads criminal prosecutions within one of Massachusetts’ 11 prosecutorial districts, serving a four‑year term with no term limits. DAs work with police and witnesses to investigate cases, decide whether to bring charges, and, when cases go to trial, work to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. DA offices handle state‑level criminal matters, while federal crimes are prosecuted separately by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
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Joseph Michael Pagliarulo
(U)
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Djuna Elizabeth Perkins
(Dem)
What improvements in the criminal justice system would you prioritize?
What metrics should be used to evaluate the effectiveness of District Attorneys and their offices and how can this information be shared with the public?
What would you do to ensure that people are being treated fairly by your office regardless of race, immigration, or socioeconomic status?
Do you support expanding the use of pre-arraignment diversion for community-based interventions for young people and treatment for people experiencing substance use disorder?
How would you assure a fair trial in cases with high visibility and media attention?
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Campaign Phone
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Crimes against our most vulnerable residents, like sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and hate crimes are vastly underreported yet cause devastating longterm harm. Empowering victims of these crimes through increased community engagement and trauma-informed investigations and prosecutions will be my first priority. I would also prioritize the establishment of an Emerging Adult court, which provides significant accountability for young offenders while also providing support to prevent recidivism. Finally, I would work to expand mental health co-response programs, veterans and drug courts, and to establish a restorative justice program. We're all safer when everyone has what they need to thrive.
One metric of the effectiveness of District Attorneys is the rate of crime reporting and participation of victims and witnesses in prosecutions. An increase in reporting and participation can indicate satisfaction, and it can be assessed by anonymous feedback surveys from victims and witnesses, and tracking and publication by the DA's office. Another means to assess effectiveness is by analyzing prosecution outcomes according to whether the employee's decisions were supported by well-reasoned analysis and diligence. Finally, effectiveness can be measured by conducting 360-degree performance reviews of staff that include feedback from supervisors, peers, outside colleagues and subordinates.
I will ensure that the staff of the District Attorney's office reflects the diversity of the community we serve; ensure that all staff are trained in trauma-informed investigation and prosecution techniques and in avoiding implicit bias and confirmation bias; that the services of the District Attorney's office are accessible to those with disabilities and those who do not speak English as a first language; require staff to report misconduct involving impermissible bias; analyze investigation, charging and prosecution outcomes to ensure they do not result from impermissible bias; and maintain a Conviction Integrity Unit to review claims of unfair conviction.
Yes. I believe that any program that helps address the underlying issues that can lead to crime must be explored. As discussed above, I support the creation of an Emerging Adults court and the expansion of the existing drug court and mental health court, because these programs provide accountability while also seeking to provide the supports that prevent recidivism.
Ensuring a fair trial in a high-profile case requires the prosecutor to make decisions based only on the evidence, not on public sentiment or political influence; to speak about the case primarily in the courtroom and in court filings; to avoid making any public statement that could influence the jury pool; to maintain an open mind; to provide victims and witnesses with the supports guaranteed under the Victim Bill of Rights to confidentiality of their personal information, a safe waiting space, and to be informed of significant developments, and to seek protective orders as needed; to comply with all discovery obligations to the defendant and all ethical obligations; to hold law enforcement to the same standards of diligence and ethics.
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