Jim Barakat

Supports reducing incarceration and expanding alternatives: data-driven prosecution focused on violent and repeat offenders, diversion, decriminalization of low-level nonviolent offenses, restorative justice, 'productive' probation, and raising the age of Juvenile Court jurisdiction in Massachusetts to 21.

“Lowering prison populations is a crucial step for creating a more just, sustainable, and effective criminal justice system.”

teambarakat.com·As of August 2026

Barakat pledges to increase transparency and accountability in the DA's office itself: public reporting of charging and outcome data, evaluation of policies by measurable outcomes, an office culture where prosecutors seek justice rather than convictions, and independent review mechanisms for misconduct and suspected wrongful convictions.

“I would increase public reporting of office data, evaluate policies using measurable outcomes, and foster a culture in which prosecutors see their role as seeking justice, not simply winning cases.”

progressivemass.com·As of August 2026

Barakat calls gun violence a serious threat and would prioritize data-driven enforcement targeting repeat offenders and illegal gun trafficking alongside community-based prevention programs, while saying that gun charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences would always be open to amendment on a case-by-case basis to fit the circumstances.

“cases involving gun charges with minimum mandatory sentences will always be open to amendment on a case-by-case basis. This ensures that the punishment fits the circumstances, allowing the DA's office to balance public safety with fairness and proportionality in sentencing.”

progressivemass.com·As of August 2026

Believes no agency - local, state, or federal - is above the Constitution, including ICE; will scrutinize cases involving ICE coordination to ensure evidence was lawfully obtained, support transparency and oversight of federal actions affecting local cases, and defend constitutional rights for citizens and non-citizens alike.

“I will defend constitutional rights for everyone-citizen and non-citizen alike. I will scrutinize cases involving ICE coordination to ensure that evidence was lawfully obtained.”

teambarakat.com·As of September 2026

Supports raising the age of Juvenile Court jurisdiction in Massachusetts to 21 so 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds receive developmentally appropriate accountability, rehabilitation, and services instead of automatic adult-court processing, and supports meaningful resentencing/parole review for young adults serving life-without-parole under older laws.

“As District Attorney, I will support raising the age of Juvenile Court jurisdiction in Massachusetts to 21, giving 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds access to developmentally appropriate accountability, rehabilitation, and services rather than automatically processing them through the adult criminal system.”

teambarakat.com·As of September 2026

Supports stronger police accountability as Norfolk DA: independent investigations of potential conflicts, term limits for specialized homicide investigators, universal body-worn cameras with consequences for disabling them, meaningful civilian oversight of discipline, and heightened scrutiny for use-of-force and officer-involved cases. He frames this around the Karen Read and Sandra Birchmore cases.

“As District Attorney, I will push for a culture of accountability that protects both the public and the integrity of legitimate law enforcement.”

teambarakat.com·As of August 2026