Democrat
1) 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?
In Maryland, African-Americans make up 31% of the State population, but comprise 70% of the State’s prison population. In Montgomery County, African-Americans make up 18% of the County’s population, yet comprise 54% of the County’s jail population.
I currently serve as Deputy State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County. I would draw upon my experience as Deputy State’s Attorney and implement several initiatives that have demonstrated success in addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system as follows: The Conviction and Sentencing Integrity Unit which will review cases where defendants have made claims of absolute innocence or have been disproportionately sentenced. Applications from individuals sentenced when they were juveniles will have priority. The Public Integrity Unit will focus on police misconduct, allegations of excessive use of force, and public corruption cases.
Partner with local law enforcement to host job fairs targeting County residents who have an interest in seeking employment within law enforcement. My administration will engage members of law enforcement, community stakeholders, educators, business leaders, and young people to address the root causes of racial disparities within the criminal justice system.
Finally, I will work with Montgomery County’s Housing Opportunities Commission to expand housing opportunities for Public Safety professionals in Montgomery County.
2) 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?
Yes, I would support a survey of Maryland State’s Attorneys’ office to identify fairness disparities in charging and plea-bargaining practices.
3) 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.
Yes, there is a difference between being “tough on crime” and “smart on crime”. It will always be the goal of my administration to be “smart on crime.” When it comes to violent crimes or violent repeat offenders, my administration will seek a sentence that contains the appropriate period of incarceration.
Additionally, we seek to create restorative programs that provide opportunities for defendants to address the root causes of their offenses and provide tools to address housing insecurity and food insecurity in order to prevent these individuals from reoffending.
As Deputy State’s Attorney I manage a diversion program for non-violent offenders where after a plea of guilty to the felony count, defendants are offered community service, free tuition for Certificates or Associate Degrees from a Community College and are connected to employment services. Upon successful completion of the program defendants have the opportunity to have their criminal convictions expunged. I want to enhance the diversion programs in Montgomery County to include these measures in order to address recidivism in the County.
Emerging Adults are defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 26 who are experiencing a period of development between adolescence and adulthood. Unfortunately we know an extraordinary amount of the incarcerated population fall within this category. I will create a mentoring program for Emerging Adults who are currently incarcerated and slated to return home to Montgomery County within the next 12 months. This program will address education, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and employment insecurity. The goal will be to develop a plan for success that can be implemented upon the first day of the individual’s release from incarceration.
These are examples of “smart on crime” that will be implemented by my administration once I am elected as State’s Attorney for Montgomery County.
4) 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?
Maryland should expand access to criminal records’ expungement for formerly incarcerated citizens who have successfully completed their terms for certain offenses. The current statues do ensure public safety however do not provide equitable access to employment.
5) 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?
a) seek less incarceration for lower level offenses and more diversion to treatment? Yes. See response to question 3. b) prevent police from lying to juveniles to induce confessions? Yes. c) create a presumption of restorative justice remedies or school discipline for non-felony offenses occurring on school grounds? Yes. d) support treatment of juveniles who have been sex-trafficked as victims, not offenders? Yes. My administration will work with non-profit organizations to provide treatment to victims of sex trafficking. Also, we will provide additional services for non-citizen juvenile victims who have been removed from their homes and families.
6) In conclusion, what else would you like to tell voters about your criminal justice plans?
A key issue of my platform is decriminalizing behavioral health. An investment in mental health resources is necessary to expand these services. As State’s Attorney, I will retain behavioral health specialists on-site to advise attorneys and staff regarding behavioral health issues. Additionally, my office will develop juvenile programming that focuses on adolescent health issues.
