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Montgomery County Sitting Judges
I was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2008 by Governor O’Malley and reappointed in 2025 by Governor Moore. I have presided over matters in every division of the Court, handling a wide range of cases, including high profile and complex civil and criminal cases. I have taught other judges on a variety of topics at the Maryland Judicial College.
My priorities are to continue to serve the court as I have always done, with integrity and patience and to fairly and impartially apply the law to each person that comes before me. I serve as the chair of the Judiciary’s Equal Justice Committee and understand the importance of the court’s responsibility to administer justice fairly to all.
Courts are still trying to address the backlog caused by the pandemic, which results in delays in hearing some cases. To address this matter courts often double or triple book cases in hopes that one or more cases will be resolved prior to the court date. Mediation and other dispute resolution processes could be increased to assist in this process.
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My experience of over 20 years as a prosecutor, defense attorney and as an Associate Judge in the District Court has prepared me well for the Circuit Court. As an attorney I litigated countless bench and jury trials. Over the past six years as a District Court Judge I have presided over thousands of cases. I have used extensive litigation experience to prepare adequately for my role in the Circuit Court. Presiding for the last 6 years has also shown my character and temperament daily.
Providing fair and impartial justice to ensure that all parties are heard and have access to the Courts. Also, enhancing the public trust the community has with the Court. Community engagement is vital through education and outreach. An additional priority is attempting to reduce delays in management of the docket.
Access to the Courts continues to be a challenge. The Courts must continue to be proactive on developing innovative ways to insure that all have access to the Courts and justice. Anyone that wishes to be served by the Court must be aware of how to access all services available regardless of the type of case.
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Temperament, legal acumen, and integrity are the hallmarks of a good judge. My 27 years as a prosecutor have prepared me for this judgeship by instilling these qualities in me, along with a deep commitment to public service. A judge must also serve as a leader in the legal community; a path I have already begun through my work as an adjunct law professor, where I have had the privilege of shaping the next generation of lawyers.
My priority is that every person who comes before me feels they have had a full opportunity to present their case, that they have been heard, and that I have treated them fairly, with respect, and in accordance with the law.
Like all public institutions, it is important that the Maryland court system serve well every member of the public that comes before it. As the sheer volume of cases increases and the issues within them grow more complex, the challenge is to maintain the same high quality of service the court system has always provided — efficiently and effectively.
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240-277-1899
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Prior to my appointment to the bench in 2024, I spent 23 years in private practice, handling hundreds of hearings in civil, family, and guardianship matters. A large percentage of the Circuit Court’s docket involves family law, and I bring substantial experience in that area. I have also worked extensively with individuals facing high levels of stress, as well as mental health and substance use challenges. Drawing on that experience, I maintain a calm, steady, and compassionate demeanor.
The most important qualities a judge can bring to the bench are fairness and respect for all who appear before the Court. I am committed to ensuring that every party is heard and treated with dignity. I also plan to draw on my extensive experience with guardianship matters to serve the community in this growing and evolving area of the law.
The greatest challenge facing the Maryland court system is securing the resources necessary to ensure efficient and equal access to justice for everyone and to protect the safety of everyone who works in and accesses the court system.
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301-279-9020
Sixty percent of the court's cases are family law. I have represented clients in family law cases: divorce, custody, child support, visitation, access, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, marital property, prenuptial, postnuptial, and separation agreements for over 34 years. I have represented clients in criminal law, juvenile law, civil law, and probate cases. I am an immigrant, a former military police officer, and a former chair of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission.
My priorities are restorative justice (where applicable), fair sentencing in accordance with the law, and treating people in my courtroom with compassion, dignity, and respect, regardless of who they know or how much money they have. The Justice Policy Institute's report states that Maryland incarcerated a higher percentage of its young Black males than any other state in the country due to extensive sentencing. Fair, consistent, and predictable sentences reduce crime and cost taxpayers less.
In my experience, the greatest challenges facing the Maryland court system are cultural sensitivity and flexibility to improvement. Montgomery County is one of the most diverse counties in the United States. I think judges should spend more time in the community they serve. Spending time with people from diverse groups, different genders, life experiences, and socioeconomic backgrounds increases relatability and reduces bias.
