DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I have the distinction of being the first full time domestic violence attorney in the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.  This distinction speaks to my intimate knowledge and awareness of the pervasive nature of domestic violence in the community.  It also speaks to my knowledge and awareness of the effects of domestic violence on the entire family, especially our youth – the future of this County.

In order to effectively protect victims of domestic violence as a prosecutor, you have to understand domestic violence.

There is a disturbing link between domestic violence and child abuse.  Similarly, there is a link between juvenile offenders and domestic violence.  I know this from professional experience and study.

Incidents of domestic are underreported.  Further, victims of domestic violence tend to endure escalating levels of abuse.

Substance abuse is often a catalyst for domestic violence and is used as an excuse by the abuser to avoid responsibility for their actions.

Because domestic violence has such a far reaching impact on the family unit and because domestic violence is too often overlooked, I commit to aggressively prosecute those offenders.  Similarly, I commit to have prosecutors adequately trained in the nuances of domestic violence in order to best serve the public as a whole and in order to combat domestic violence as a public crisis.

GANG VIOLENCE

It is time to curb the growth of gangs and gang violence in our County.  My approach to curbing gang violence has two (2) components:  Enforcement and Education.

I commit to fully prosecute anyone engaged in violence, particularly gang violence.  The equation is simple – if you commit a violent crime, you go to jail.

I have a similar commitment to taking a proactive approach to curbing gang violence through outreach education.  For example, I support preventative outreach programs for our youth, especially middle school students.  Gangs are recruiting members at earlier ages; our preventative outreach should target those same age groups.

AUTO THEFT

While not limited to youth, auto theft is a gateway crime for too many juvenile offenders.  Therefore, I believe the punishment for auto theft should be harsh; let’s get the attention of offenders early so that they hopefully understand that crime will not be tolerated here.

As a balance, I believe there must be a sufficient education campaign that helps Prince George’s residents understand how to decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of auto theft.  For example, we thankfully have seen decreases in auto theft since the County completed an education campaign asking residents to remove the keys from the cars they are exiting.

JUVENILE CRIME

Our youth are our future.  As a community, we have a duty to embrace our youth and to demand accountability from them.

I support the rehabilitation focused approach to juvenile justice.  However, violent offenders of any sort will be punished.

Further, I support smaller, localized alternatives to the traditional juvenile detention environments.

RECIDIVISM

The crime rate in Prince George’s County is actually going down according to some figures.  Recidivism is still an issue however.

I believe proper prosecution of the first offense(s) will lead to lower recidivism number.  I also believe that ongoing training opportunities will lead to better prosecutions and lower recidivism rates.

VIOLENT CRIME

I want violent criminals to get the unmistakable message that Prince George’s County is not the place to commit their crime.  Hence, violent and predatory offenders will go to jail.