District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue
Meet DA Shugrue
District Attorney Timothy Shugrue represents the 7th district in the Commonwealth, Berkshire County, which is comprised of 32 cities and towns.
As the chief government prosecutor and top law enforcement official, DA Shugrue tries cases on behalf of the Commonwealth. His office sees cases in Berkshire Superior Court (Pittsfield); three district courts (North Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington); three juvenile courts (North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington); the Massachusetts Appeals Court (Boston); and the Supreme Judicial Court (Boston).
Under DA Shugrue’s leadership, the Office has established a Department of Community Engagement. DA Shugrue believes that proactive involvement in the community will lead to a brighter future for Berkshire County.
Core to the DA’s philosophies is the importance of accountability. Accountability for actions though takes place in different forms.
DA Shugrue is an advocate of well-thought-out diversion courts. The implementation of these courts helps to provide structured, wraparound services that allow individuals the support they require to find a more successful, productive life.
DA Shugrue also recognizes that career criminals require more intensive intervention. Working closely with law enforcement and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, the DA identifies appropriate measures in response to those who bring harm to the community.
Illegal firearms and drugs have become an epidemic in the United States. Through over 31 years as a practicing attorney, DA Shugrue has witnessed the effect that this epidemic has had on families, schools, business owners, mental health, homelessness and communities. DA Shugrue is committed to addressing this epidemic.
Under his leadership, DA Shugrue’s staff are instituting a research-based approach to criminal behavior. Through this approach, prosecutors identify those who pose the greatest risk to our community and provide vigorous prosecution to hold dangerous criminals accountable.
Biography:
District Attorney Shugrue moved to the Berkshires as a child. He has remained in Berkshire County ever since, raising his three children here along with his wife Joann.
Prior to becoming District Attorney, DA Shugrue served as an assistant district attorney in Hampden and Berkshire County. Following his time as an assistant district attorney, DA Shugrue owned his own private law practice for over 28 years.
DA Shugrue received his bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Massachusetts and his Juris Doctorate from Western New England College in 1986. He has spent his entire professional career as a trial lawyer.
One of DA Shugrue’s greatest accomplishments besides being elected District Attorney is being the Co-Founder of the Berkshire Children’s Advocacy Center along with Retired Pittsfield Police Detective Joe Collia, the first and only child advocacy center in Berkshire County.