Policy of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office Concerning Redaction of Certain Identifying Information from the Website

The Office of the Middlesex District Attorney periodically publishes press releases on its website concerning a variety of matters that are in the public interest and in the interest of public safety. As a result, the website, middlesexda.com, often includes identifying information about people after they are charged with criminal offenses.

The publication of this information is important to ensure both that the public is informed, and that this office is performing its duties with transparency and in a manner in which the public can have confidence.

It is the obligation of this office to balance the public’s right to information with the potential long term collateral impacts on the lives of individuals accused of crimes. The District Attorney recognizes that such information can sometimes cause permanent, life-altering damage to a person’s reputation. This is particularly concerning as it relates to juveniles who are identified because they have been charged as youthful offenders, who are subsequently acquitted of the charges.

It will therefore now  be the policy of this office to accept requests from individuals or their attorneys for a redaction of identifying information. Interested parties can contact the office using the online contact form here or may submit a request in writing.

All requests will be reviewed by the office’s public records team consisting of the Public Information Officer and members of the office’s Appeals and Training Bureau. In some cases where a complete redaction request is not approved, in the interest of  justice we would also consider publishing an update regarding the final outcome of the case. Submitted requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.