Christopher (Chris) Hutchison joins Abram and Hutchison after a distinguished eleven-year career as a prosecutor in the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal division. Chris brings extensive trial experience in all types of criminal matters, from minor traffic offenses to complex felony level crimes, including cases involving organized crime (under racketeering or “RICO” laws), murder, and drug dealing. As criminal courts evolve into multi-faceted areas of approach and treatment, Chris can offer an in-depth view on how cases are built, investigations are pursued, and resolutions negotiated.
Throughout his career at the Delaware DOJ, Chris served in various capacities within the Criminal Division. After spending time prosecuting misdemeanor cases in The Court of Common Pleas and Family Court, he served for three years in the drug prosecution unit; where he was ultimately responsible for providing strategic and tactical guidance in drug investigations and prosecuting all felony level drug cases. He then spent three years working closely with police crash reconstruction teams on the investigation, charging and prosecution of vehicular fatality cases. At the same time, he was also involved in several high-profile murder and racketeering investigations and their subsequent trials.
From 2013 through 2018, in addition to prosecuting complex felony matters, he served as a supervisor in the DOJ, training and guiding a team of prosecutors and support staff. From 2013 through 2016, he oversaw the screening of all felony level arrests; ultimately being responsible for determining whether a case should proceed to the Superior Court or whether it should resolve in a lower court. From 2016 through 2018, he supervised the felony trial unit, leading a team of eight prosecutors and five support staff in filing and resolving felony level cases in Superior Court.
Chris has also served on several boards and committees. He was a member of the committee to reform the Delaware Problem Court Program, which designed and modified specialty courts such as Drug Court, and Mental Health Court. He was also a member of the Department of Justice legislative committee, tasked with implementing and improving criminal laws. In addition, Chris regularly speaks at conferences, seminars, and training sessions on topics related to criminal law and procedure, wiretap investigations, trial advocacy, and search and seizure. He has also coached several high school Mock Trial teams. Chris has been awarded several honors over the course of his career including the Delaware Department of Justice’s Distinguished Deputy Attorney General’s Award and the Delaware State Police Superintendent’s Certificate of Commendation for his work in a large-scale organized crime investigation.
In addition to his time spent as a prosecutor, Chris also spent four years in private practice, specializing in criminal defense and civil litigation.
Admitted to Practice
Education
- B.S. Widener University, 1999
- J.D. Widener University School of Law, 2002
