Steven L. Trostle
Republican
https://harfordstatesattorney.com/
In your opinion is there a difference between being “tough on crime” and being “smart on crime”? Please explain.
Of course there is! Incarceration is best used for the truly violent offenders. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t times to incarcerate non-violent offenders. “Tough on crime” is a subjective phrase that politicians like to use. I like to use common sense. Does the person need to be removed from society for a period of time? If yes, then take appropriate action. If not, then still take appropriate action!
Should minor offenses be decriminalized, resulting in fines instead of jail time?
I do believe in leaving jail time as an option for Judges. Like snowflakes, no two crimes are identical, and there is no one-size-fits-all punishment that achieves all goals of criminal justice (rehabilitation, retribution, restitution, deterrence, removal from society, etc…). Like I said in the first question and answer, there are times that incarceration is appropriate for non-violent offenders, and it should be on the table.
Do you favor using pretrial risk assessment? Will you recommend pretrial supervision?
Yes. In fact, so much so that I’m currently working with the Sheriff’s Office and the Judges to institute such a program as quickly as possible. I’ve seen the success rates in St. Mary’s and Kent counties, and I’m sold on it.
Would you work to expand criminal diversions in which willing victims and offenders are offered mediation?
It’s a double edged sword. Sometimes we lose cases because we insist on going forward with prosecution and we alienate victims that want us to either drop the case or at least ease up. On the other hand, victims are often intimidated into making such requests. I think well trained prosecutors need to have diversion as a tool in the prosecution work bag, to be used with discretion.
Would you support reentry programs to improve employment opportunities for inmates returning from state prison sentences?
This is probably our biggest failure in the criminal justice system in the State, if not the Nation. We incarcerate people for long periods of time then send them out and expect them to reintegrate and not reoffend, but without tools to help them reintegrate. I’m absolutely for it.
Would you support mental health screening and treatment of pretrial detainees?
Yes. It’s no different than the question asked earlier about pre-trial release. I’m on board with this shift in philosophy, and I’m actively working towards it already.
