Circuit Court Division
Attorneys in the Circuit Court Division handle major felony cases, most of which have been presented to the Grand Jury for indictment. Assistant State's Attorneys in the Circuit Court Division are assigned to one of eight Units:
Grand Jury Unit
Scott Carrington, Chief, 301-952-5448
The Grand Jury Unit is the “Tip of the Spear” for the Office of the State’s Attorney. Every case indicted in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is processed through the Grand Jury Unit. The Grand Jury Unit reviews the majority of felony cases resulting in an arrest with the exception of homicides, sexual offenses, economic, domestic violence, handgun, and serious violent offenses which conduct their own review. The Unit then makes its own decision as to what cases are indicted as well as the charges for each case.
Community Prosecution
C.T. Wilson, Chief, 301-952-2868
The Community Prosecution Unit (CPU) focuses not only on the prosecution of violent crimes, but alson crime prevention. Our prosecutors endeavor to involve all community stake holders, including law enforcement, county agencies, business owners, state and county agencies, community leaders and citizens in the crime solving and prevention process. This problem solving approach creates a positive relationship with all participants and fosters communication and information exchange to develop the best and most supported approach to crime prevention. Our attorneys are available to attend community meetings to directly address community issues and concerns. The CPU is committed to solving quality of life issues for the citizens of Prince George’s County.
Domestic Violence
Ada Clark-Edwards, Chief, 301-952-3147
The Domestic Violence Unit is a specialized unit within the State’s Attorney’s Office that handles both misdemeanor and felony cases involving intimate partner relationships (married, dating, living together, or child in common). It is staffed with experienced attorneys and an administrative staff committed to providing support and resources to victims of abuse and to the thorough investigation and prosecution of domestic violence cases. Members of the Unit are available to meet in person or by telephone to conduct interviews with victims and witnesses, discuss legal proceedings and provide information about the criminal justice system. Victim Advocates are also available to assist with identifying any support services that are needed and attend court with the attorneys to provide assistance and support in the courtroom to victims of abuse.
For more information, please go to Family Crisis Center and Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV).
The Homicide Unit
E. Wesley Adams III, Chief, 301-952-5542
The Homicide Unit is comprised of six seasoned attorneys who are responsible for investigating, charging and presenting at trial all homicides that occur in the County. Additionally, the Unit maintains a rotating on call schedule to assist the Detectives investigating all suspicious deaths by providing legal support and advice, reviewing evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Upon completion of a police investigation, prosecutions begin in the District Court, where a bond hearing and/or a preliminary hearing may be held while the State seeks an indictment before the Grand Jury. Once indicted, a motions and trial date will be set. Homicide prosecutions are can be complex and emotional cases handled by the office often times involving expert scientific testimony and difficult legal issues. Because of this, homicide prosecutions usually take approximately 12 – 15 months to complete.
Major Crimes Unit
Carol Coderre, Chief, 301-780-7711
The Major Crimes Unit is divided into five specialized teams:
* Gun and Drug Team, Alison Leonard-Leach, Team Leader, 301-952-3146
Prosecution of felony gun possession and felony narcotics offenses. This team coordinates with county, state and federal narcotics and firearms investigators to identify narcotics dealers and individuals precluded from possession of firearms due to prior convictions. The members of this team also work with federal authorities to identify individuals with handgun charges who are eligible for federal prosecution.
* Felony Trial Team, Donnaka Lewis, Team Leader, 301-952-3285
Prosecution of robbery, burglary, housebreaking and other general felonies. This team handles violent felonies that do not involve life-threatening injury as well as many quality of life felonies.
* Motor Vehicle Manslaughter Team, Kirstin Statesman, Team Leader, 301-952-3285
Prosecution of motor vehicle manslaughters. This team works closely with motor vehicle accident investigators to determine whether or not vehicle accidents resulting in death meet the necessary elements to support a motor vehicle manslaughter charge and then prosecute the cases accordingly.
* Sex/Child Abuse Team, Donine Carrington, Team Leader, 301-952-2569
Prosecution of rape, sex offenses, child abuse & elder abuse cases. This team works closely with law enforcement, Department of Social Services, and other agencies to identify sexual offenders and predators and helps protect our elderly citizens against various forms of abuse. The team also partners with the County’s school system and community to educate young people about internet sex crimes, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
* Violent Crimes Team, Katina Steuart, Team Leader, 301-952-3285
Prosecution of repeat violent offenders and serious violent crime. The members of this team work closely with federal and law enforcement officials to identify the most violent offenders in the community and prosecute their crimes effectively. This team handles violent offenses resulting in life threatening injury as well as some homicide cases.
Special Prosecution Unit
Joeday Newsom, Chief, 301-952-5114
This unit handles a variety of cases. They handle alleged police misconduct and review all police involved shootings; as well as public misconduct and conflict of interest cases.
The Economic Crimes Division, which also falls under the Special Prosecution Unit, prosecutes financial victimization such as mortgage fraud and theft from the elderly in addition to cases involving embezzlement, theft and other "white collar" crimes.
Post Conviction
Alana Gayle, Chief, 301-952-3500
The primary responsibility of the Post Conviction Unit is to handle post conviction matters in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Post conviction relief is a general term related to appeals of criminal convictions, which may include release, new trial, modification of sentence, and such other relief as may be proper and just. These matters include, but are not limited to, post conviction proceedings (ineffective assistance of counsel claims); writs of habeas corpus proceedings, (a legal action through which a prisoner can be released from unlawful detention); and writs of coram nobis proceedings, (a legal proceeding to correct a previous error when no other remedy is available).
The Unit serves to coordinate all Appeals, Motions for Reconsideration, Motions for a Review of Sentence, and Violations for Probation. The Unit will handle any request and hearings pursuant to the Health - General Article for substance abuse evaluation and treatment, as well as request for conditional or unconditional release from the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. The Unit will coordinate and respond to all requests made pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act.
Juvenile Division
Yvonne Cunningham, Chief, 301-952-3516
The Juvenile Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office files petitions against children (individuals under the age of 18 years), who commit delinquent acts. Delinquent acts are acts that would constitute crimes if they had been committed by adults. Assistant State’s Attorneys in the Juvenile Division prosecute a vast array of misdemeanor and felony cases ranging in seriousness from trespassing to homicides. Juvenile cases are heard in the Circuit Court sitting as a Juvenile Court.
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