State’s Attorney 2022

State’s Attorneys in Maryland are accountable to you, the public, and are elected to their position every four years. How much information is available for you to make the decision? Are the candidates for the office of State’s Attorney in your county “tough on crime” or are they “smart on crime”?

MAJR has prepared a short list of questions reflecting your concerns. This survey was sent to every registered candidate in each jurisdiction. Only the candidates listed below responded by our 6/21/22 deadline. MAJR thanks these candidates for their participation.

The questions posed are:

• What is your understanding of the racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system? To the extent your office could make a difference, how would you address these disparities?
• Would you support a statewide survey of  all Md. State’s Attorneys’ offices to identify any racial / ethnic fairness disparities in charging and plea-bargain policies?
• In your opinion, is there a difference between being “tough on crime” and “smart on crime”? Please give examples of what you might do in office in this regard.
• Does Maryland need to expand access to criminal records’ expungement for formerly incarcerated citizens who successfully complete their terms and remain law-abiding? Are the current statutes effective to ensure public safety and provide equitable access to employment?
• Do you support reform of our juvenile justice system (4 parts) to:a) seek less incarceration for lower level offenses and more diversion to treatment?b) prevent police from lying to juveniles to induce confessions?c) create a presumption of restorative justice remedies or school discipline for non-felony offenses occurring on school grounds?d) support treatment of juveniles who have been sex-trafficked as victims, not offenders?
• In conclusion, what else would you like to tell voters about your criminal justice plans?
• (Allegheny, Calvert, Charles or Howard ONLY) Will you support establishment of an ongoing pretrial supervision program that does not charge fees?

As responses to this survey are available they will be posted by jurisdiction. Just click on your county to read the current responses.