Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz is an experienced prosecutor who is dedicated to seeking justice for victims and protecting the public from the criminals who would do them harm. Over the past 20 years he has worked to protect and promote the public safety of the nearly 500,000 residents in Plymouth County. Under Cruz´s leadership the District Attorney´s Office has worked tirelessly to reduce crime through education and community based prevention programs.
Tim has been a strong leader and voice for the residents of Plymouth County. He helped draft legislation that calls for a prison sentence for those convicted of firing a weapon at a police officer and was a main proponent of legislation to close loopholes in the commitment of Sexually Dangerous Persons.
Tim also formed a Human Trafficking Task Force to improve investigations and prosecution of human trafficking cases, and get services for victims.
Tim utilizes his role as District Attorney to promote positive change in the community. His Diversion program addresses first-time offenders who may have faced a number of difficulties and pressures associated with growing up. The program has been successful in putting the lives of young men and women back on track, and allow them alternatives to criminal records.
Tim utilizes special courts, such as Drug Court and Veteran’s Court to hold offender’s accountable but also offer help to break the cycle and stay out of jail. The Plymouth County District Attorneys Office is currently participating in a district court pilot program to screen applications for complaints in an effort to improve court efficiency.
Another important part of District Attorney Cruz’s job as a prosecutor is the protection and support of victims of crime. In any given year, the office will meet with thousands of victims and the office has 18 victim witness advocates to assist victims of crime in many ways.
Outside the courtroom, District Attorney Cruz is working in the community. He and his staff conduct Cyber Safety trainings and Drug and Alcohol Awareness presentations to students and parents, so that they make smart choices outside of the classroom. District Attorney Cruz works to protect seniors in conjunction with the county’s TRIAD programs. During the pandemic, District Attorney Cruz hosted regular virtual trainings for seniors to get them information and resources on how to protect themselves against scammers.
District Attorney Cruz supports restorative justice programs and partners with the Plymouth County Sheriff to hold job fairs for those who have been justice involved. Last year, District Attorney Cruz established a Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), to investigate claims of wrongful conviction or actual innocence.