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I have been a practicing attorney for more than 20 years and of those years, the last six have been spent as either a magistrate or judge on the Circuit Court for Prince George's County. As a lifelong resident of Prince George's County, I understand the community for which I serve. I have built a reputation for compassion and fairness having served over 13,000 citizens as a family magistrate in matters ranging from divorce, custody, and truancy.
Our communities are facing unprecedented challenges and the need for experienced, impartial, compassionate leadership in our judicial system has never been more crucial.
I think resources that provide solutions to the issues facing our community are an absolute asset. Mental health is a paramount issue facing our community. Raising awareness of the issue requires effort from all leadership sources in our community.
The public perception and faith in the court system. I feel the public needs to be educated on the important role they play in the judicial process.
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I have over 20 years legal experience that includes litigation, judicial education, being a magistrate, and now a sitting judge. Daily, I preside over civil, criminal, and family law cases; making it a priority to treat people fairly and with respect and compassion. My experience also includes the training and education of ALL judges and magistrates in the state. These combined experiences give me the requisite skills and knowledge about Maryland courts, its administrative policies, and the law.
Addressing this problem would require a multifaceted approach, that tackles the systemic issues contributing to this disparity. Ensuring fair and unbiased sentencing practices, along with empowering minority communities with support and resources such as community engagement initiatives aimed at addressing underlying social and economic factors, expanded mental health services, and comprehensive education and job training opportunities, would be crucial steps in combating this problem.
These programs offer alternatives to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and addressing underlying issues. They provide access to counseling, therapy, and support services tailored to individual needs. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, such programs can reduce recidivism rates, promote community reintegration, and save costs associated with incarceration. The appropriateness of offering diversion program is fact driven and should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Backlogs of cases and limited access to attorneys, are a challenge. Backlogs require streamlined case management, increased judicial resources, and the use of alternative dispute resolution. Enhancing access to attorneys require expanding legal aid services, promoting pro bono work, and allocating additional resources to guide individuals without legal representation. These strategies alleviate strain on courts, ensure timely justice delivery, and promote equitable access to the courts for all.
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As a Marine Corps veteran and public servant, I believe there is no higher professional calling than public service. My time in the military instilled in me the discipline necessary to confront tough issues and the decisiveness needed to resolve them. I currently practice tax law, which touches numerous other areas of the law, so I will bring a unique perspective to the bench and am prepared to handle the diverse array of matters that come before the circuit court.
I would apply the law fairly, impartially, and prudently; and in every instance when a child appears in my courtroom, I would give careful consideration to the background and circumstances that might have led them there. I would be ever mindful that youthful indiscretion is not born in a vacuum, but rather is often a symptom of problems beyond a child’s control. Where appropriate and when the law allows, I would be open to finding remedies that avoid carceral disruption to a child’s flourishing.
Diversion programs are a proven, effective alternative to incarceration. Often, behavioral problems and drug abuse are cries for help, and judges–aided by defense attorneys, prosecutors, and other partners–in many cases should answer those cries by connecting justice-involved persons with the resources they need to thrive. Our Prince George’s community has demonstrated that we are capable of lifting up our young people and leading them on a path toward accountability.
Transparency and trust. As a respected sitting judge stated last year in her testimony to the state legislature, judges accepting political campaign donations from lawyers and law firms that practice before them creates the appearance of impropriety. Many Prince George’s community members agree with this commonsense sentiment. I have pledged not to accept any campaign contributions from lawyers and law firms that might appear in my courtroom.
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As a former prosecutor and District Court judge with over 20 years of experience, I have gained vast legal knowledge and courtroom experience. While as a judge, I improved my legal analysis and impartial decision-making abilities. My experience handling a variety of cases has made me adaptable to different legal issues. Having served on both District and Circuit Courts, I understand the importance of judicial independence and the need to protect the rights of all parties involved.
The overrepresentation of minority youth in the prison system is an issue that requires a comprehensive approach. To achieve fairness, equity, and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system, judges must recognize systemic factors like socioeconomic disparities, racial bias, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. By promoting alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses, like diversion programs and restorative justice.
Diversion programs provide alternatives to traditional incarceration for those with behavioral problems and substance abuse. These programs prioritize rehabilitation, address underlying issues, and offer comprehensive, evidence-based interventions, including counseling, therapy, and support services. By redirecting nonviolent offenders, they save taxpayer dollars, promote positive outcomes, and enhance public safety.
To improve upon some of the challenges of Maryland's Circuit Courts we can use technology, alternative dispute resolution, adequate funding and resources, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. These strategic reforms can make court operations more efficient, reduce backlog and litigation costs, eliminate systemic biases, and deliver timely, fair, and accessible justice.
My legal experience spans over thirty years and is very broad and pertinent to my duties. For over twenty years I worked as a Federal and State prosecutor, trying over a hundred jury trials, and an administrator, including serving as Prince George’s County Principal Deputy State’s Attorney, and Director of the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability.
The Court must balance the need to hold juveniles accountable, particularly for violent offenses, with the goal of rehabilitation and making it possible for juveniles to ultimately become productive members of society. When adjudicating juvenile cases, the Court should consider dispositions that limit or avoid juvenile detention, while also ensuring the protection and safety of the community.
The Circuit Court has several significant diversion programs to address individuals who suffer from substance misuse, mental health disorders, and other behavioral problems. In appropriate cases, the Court should utilize these programs to reach just and fair outcomes when individuals meet established criteria and the circumstances warrant it.
One challenge includes access to the courts for everyone, including indigent litigants and individuals who need language interpreters to assist them. Currently, I sit on the Judicial Council’s Access to Courts Committee, which meets regularly to address these issues. Another challenge is security for judges. Currently, this issue is being addressed by the Maryland Judiciary and the Legislature.
