I have served as a Circuit Court judge since 2022 and have presided over countless trials involving the full range of cases heard in our Court. Before my appointment I practiced law for 37 years representing individuals, local businesses, and national companies, in all types of cases. I have an informed understanding of the different perspectives parties bring to the Court.

Juvenile justice policy and reforms to address the problem of juvenile crime, are within the purview of the legislature and executive branches. Judges apply and enforce the laws established by the legislature. The Department of Juvenile Services is the executive agency whose task is to manage, supervise, and treat youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system in Maryland.

Each case requires individualized judgments as to whether a diversion program or traditional form of punishment is best to protect the public and/or to attempt rehabilitation and treatment. We have a successful Adult Drug Treatment program designed to decrease crime by providing comprehensive need specific treatment. Participants must agree to, and abide by, very strict conditions to remain in the program.

The mission of the Maryland Judiciary is to provide fair, efficient and effective justice for all. Judges must serve people with integrity and transparency, provide access to justice, be adaptable, and communicate effectively. Maintaining the public’s trust that the Court is serving its mission is a challenge that we best meet by treating all parties with respect and remaining accountable.

My broad range of experience makes me uniquely prepared to serve as a circuit court judge. From my clerkship in the very court on which I wish to serve through my work as a family law practitioner, felony prosecutor, and civil litigator for the State, I have experience in nearly every practice area heard by the circuit court. But it’s through my extensive community service that I have gained the leadership experience and commitment to helping others that has most prepared me for this role.

By continuing to support efforts to reach our young people long before they’ve committed crimes requiring incarceration. I’ll work with the community to make sure our young people stay in school and receive what they need to thrive and succeed. I’ll continue serving with organizations creating opportunities and providing services for our youth. And when incarceration is required to keep the community safe, I’ll order access to rehabilitative services to promote maximum success upon release.

Supporting and expanding these programs must be the judiciary’s top priority and incarceration must be an absolute last resort for those confronting mental health and substance abuse issues. All necessary resources must be directed to these programs to ensure we are reaching all those who could possibly benefit. And the effectiveness of each of these programs must be regularly reevaluated to maximize community benefits while protecting our increasingly limited financial resources.

Ensuring continued and expanded access to justice is our greatest challenge. Judges must continually take note of the programs available to disenfranchised people and direct folks into those programs. We must exercise wisdom and discernment to always encourage and guide litigants into alternate dispute resolution where appropriate. And we must be uncompromising in our insistence that our judicial system be more inclusive and that it reflects the rich diversity of the communities it serves.

During my 24-year legal career, I was a criminal prosecutor, insurance defense attorney, law school instructor and most recently an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). As an ALJ, I conducted fair and impartial due process hearings and issued oral and written decisions in matters where Maryland citizens appealed state agency determinations.

Issues regarding criminal justice policy are addressed by the legislature and executive branch. As a Circuit Court Judge, I will apply the law equally and fairly without prejudice or partiality. After addressing public safety concerns, I would consider programs that provide services to treat, rehabilitate, and supervise juveniles to support them in becoming productive members of society.

Diversion programs can be valuable in appropriate circumstances. In all cases, the judge must evaluate any public safety concerns as well as the appropriate treatment and supervision necessary to avoid recidivism while equipping the person with the tools necessary to succeed in society.

Breaking down the barriers of distrust that the citizens have for the judicial system is one of our biggest challenges, and also our greatest opportunity to move toward a better relationship with the community. By treating all litigants with kindness, fairness, and taking the time to explain process and procedure to the litigants, the judiciary can build the public trust.

I have 19 years of civil and criminal litigation experience., I have appeared before 12 of the 24 Maryland circuit courts, have argued before the Maryland appellate courts over 60 times (including 14 times before the Maryland Supreme Court), and have litigated in the US Supreme Court. I have taught at the University of Maryland law school for 17 years, where I have been named adjunct professor of the year.

A judge must faithfully apply the law. Policy issues are committed to the legislative and executive branches of government. In any case before me, I will apply the law with integrity, independence and impartiality in a manner which requires personal responsibility, ensures justice and fairness for all, and demands dignity, empathy and respect for all persons involved.

Our Court has a Drug Court program which imposes strict conditions upon participants as they engage in comprehensive and individualized treatment. I believe in programs which require accountability for past actions, seek to address the root cause of criminal behavior, and prevent future crime and victims of crime while providing help to those who are in need.

Many diverse people bring their disputes before our Court, and we must be able to disagree without being disagreeable and ensure that adversarial disputes are resolved with civility and afford justice to all. Judges must serve the community with integrity, independence and impartiality and ensure that all who come before the Court are heard and afforded dignity, empathy and respect.

I have litigated countless cases involving most fields of law, within and outside of Maryland on the trial and appellate level. That, in addition to 13 years being engaged in a variety of community outreach programs, prepared me for the bench. My qualifications led to my recommendation by many bar associations, Governor Hogan’s Judicial nominating committee and Governor Moore’s appointment

As a Judge I am required to follow the law and address each case on an individual basis. While the concerns raised in this question are important, those concerns are better addressed by legislators who make policy decisions. As a Judge I am prohibited from addressing policy and legislative matters

The community and legislature have provided means by which the Courts are able to address these issues. On a case-by-case basis I would determine what resources are available and to what extent any such resource should or should not be utilized in any given case. I would not hesitate to employ diversion programs in the appropriate cases.

The people who comprise the judges and support staff of our court seek to earn public trust while striving each day to help our community understand the laws and policies by which we are bound. Judges depend on the public’s trust that we honor the oath by which we’re sworn and the Constitution by which we are required to obey.