On Friday, December 6, 2024, the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court issued a public reprimand to Attorney Craig F. Kowalski. This decision followed a petition for discipline and a stipulation from both parties, which waived a hearing in favor of a direct resolution.
The case is entitled “Bar Counsel v. Craig F. Kowalski, Esq.,” with case no. 2024-14.
Kowalski, who served as an assistant district attorney, was involved in the prosecution of a first-degree murder case. The trial centered around allegations that the defendant had punched the victim and subsequently stomped on his head. The defense argued that the defendant acted in self-defense, fearing an imminent attack.
During the trial, Kowalski was found to have engaged in improper cross-examination, including the use of rhetorical questions that amounted to badgering. His closing arguments were also criticized for being inflammatory and for attempting to elicit sympathy from the jury. This included labeling the defendant a “bully” and mocking the defense’s position.
As a result of these actions, the Massachusetts Appeals Court overturned the defendant’s conviction, citing Kowalski’s misconduct as pivotal in creating a substantial risk of a miscarriage of justice. The Board of Bar Overseers ultimately determined that a public reprimand was the appropriate sanction for Kowalski’s violations of professional conduct rules.
The Disposition states:
“Whereupon, pursuant to Supreme Judicial Court Rule 4:01, Section 8(3), and the Rules of the Board of Bar Overseers, Section 3.56, it is ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Craig F. Kowalski be and hereby is PUBLICLY REPRIMANDED.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Kowalski is an attorney in Marshfield, Massachusetts. He acquired his law license in Massachusetts in 2002.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
