Do you believe the Norfolk County DA’s office needs to make changes, and if so, what kind?
Yes, it is necessary to make changes within the Norfolk County District Attorney's office to foster beneficial outcomes and restore public confidence. I will do this by focusing on transparency, promoting adherence to ethical and legal standards through expanded training and review of appointees, and shifting the prosecutorial culture by increasing accessibility of diversion programs.
Robert’s Top Priorities
Charge criminal offenders
Divert or dismiss simple drug possession cases
Ensure language access in the criminal legal system
Make sure all people have adequate access to legal help and the legal system
Negotiate with defense attorneys to resolve cases via plea bargain
Prepare for and represent the state in bench and jury trials
Reduce violent crime
Remove violent offenders from the community
Reduce corruption
Support crime victims
Educate the public about the policies, practices and changes in the prosecutors’ office
Prioritize domestic and sexual violence initiatives
Hold law enforcement accountable
Restore public faith in the justice system
Establish a Veterans court
Protect at-risk senior citizens
Guarantee constitutional rights
Prevent recidivism
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Charge criminal offenders
Divert or dismiss simple drug possession cases
Ensure language access in the criminal legal system
Make sure all people have adequate access to legal help and the legal system
Negotiate with defense attorneys to resolve cases via plea bargain
Prepare for and represent the state in bench and jury trials
Reduce violent crime
Remove violent offenders from the community
Reduce corruption
Support crime victims
Educate the public about the policies, practices and changes in the prosecutors’ office
Prioritize domestic and sexual violence initiatives
Hold law enforcement accountable
Restore public faith in the justice system
Establish a Veterans court
Protect at-risk senior citizens
Guarantee constitutional rights
Prevent recidivism
Other
Please say a little more about what priorities you chose and why.
Each of these points comprises the overall duties of the District Attorney role; therefore, they are all important factors for a productive and successful DA's office. They are all priorities in my eyes. I will ensure that every facet of the role is given adequate attention.
Do you believe it is your job to support:
✅ = yes ❌ = no ⚫️ = no response
✅ Expanded pre-trial services
✅ Alternatives to incarceration
✅ Diversion programs for youth offenders
✅ Diversion programs for mental health-based offenses
✅ Diversion programs for substance abuse related offenses
❌ Children being arrested in school for discipline-based offenses
✅ Expanding access to legal help within the legal system
✅ Devoting funding and staff time to community-based incarceration alternatives
✅ Victims who want to pursue criminal charges and no contact orders
✅ Victims who do not want to pursue criminal charges and no contact orders
✅ Limiting the use of cash bail in misdemeanor and low-level felony cases
❌ Holding youth in adult jails at any point in the adjudication process
✅ The limiting of misdemeanor non-dangerous offenses
✅ Immigrants that are concerned about possible deportation
✅ Clear public guidelines around the use of sentencing enhancements
❌ Use of independent prosecutors to investigate alleged police brutality
✅ Making the DA’s office more demographically representative
✅ Use of alternative metrics to conviction rates for measuring prosecutor performance
✅ Collecting and sharing de-identified trial and demographic data with the public, including bail and plea bargain offerings
✅ Use of an “open file” policy that provides defendants with information about their prosecution as early as possible
✅ Publicly sharing information on funding received through civil asset forfeiture
✅ Reducing re-incarceration for those who have violated probation
✅ Publicize policies you will advocate for as part of the Massachusetts District Attorney’s Association (MDAA)
Download our full candidate issue comparison
Please take 2 items in the above list and explain why this issue is or is not a priority for you, should you become DA.
Item 1: Diversion programs for youth offenders
I am committed to the introduction of diversion methods whenever possible, not only for youth offenders, but in cases that involve substance use disorders, mental health issues, or other instances of extenuating circumstances that inform a case. This is a priority because I do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; I believe in and strive for fair and just outcomes.
Item 2: Use of an “open file” policy that provides defendants with information about their prosecution as early as possible
When crucial evidence is withheld from defense attorneys, the integrity of a case is impacted. I experienced such miscarriages of justice during my time as a defense attorney; therefore, I support an "open file" policy. It is a blatant infraction of the judicial system and would not be considered acceptable conduct by those I appoint. I will ensure such situations are avoided through thorough training and review of appointees.