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State's Attorney · Anne Arundel County · 2026 Primary
The State’s Attorney is the county’s lead prosecutor, responsible for managing the legal office that handles all criminal cases on behalf of the public. This official decides whether to bring formal charges against individuals, oversees criminal trials, and works with law enforcement to address local crime. Because they determine how laws are enforced and which cases are prioritized, this office significantly shapes public safety and the local justice system.
View all candidates in this raceAnne Colt Leitess is a career prosecutor for over 30 years who was appointed as Anne Arundel County State's Attorney in 2013 and elected to the office in 2018 and 2022. She describes herself as a married mother of three sons, a native of Maryland, and a veteran public servant with an 18 million dollar budget office employing over 150 people including prosecutors, victim advocates, case managers and investigators. Leitess has led the Office of the State's Attorney for seven years according to her campaign materials and was the first woman appointed to lead the Violent Crime Team before becoming its leader. She positions herself as dedicated to seeking justice for all while not allowing politics to influence what she calls the largest law firm in the county.
Sources: Campaign website
I want exactly what you want in an Anne Arundel County State's Attorney. I want someone who will work for a safer and just county and who has the morals and ethics to do the job.
I do not shy away from tough cases, nor do I allow injustice to harm the innocent.
As State's Attorney, I can continue to speak for crime victims who couldn't speak for themselves.
My career, my record, my reputation has shown that as State's Attorney, I am dedicated to making our county a better place, and I will never play political games with our families' safety.
Source: annearundelanne.com
Criminal Justice
Prosecuting violent crime and seeking justice for victims while protecting community safety
“Whether it's prosecuting mass murderers, rapists, child abusers or gang leaders, Anne has never shied away from taking on the most challenging cases in Anne Arundel County.”
Public Safety
Prosecuting those who endanger community while seeking treatment and rehabilitation for non-violent and youthful offenders
“The State's Attorney's Office seeks treatment and rehabilitation for non-violent and youthful offenders. But when it comes to public safety and violent crime-we prosecute those who endanger our community.”
Victim Services
Speaking for crime victims who couldn't speak for themselves and serving on State Board of Victims Services since 2019
“As State's Attorney, I can continue to speak for crime victims who couldn't speak for themselves.”
The Baltimore Banner reports that the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #70 says the police department's relationship with Anne Arundel County prosecutor's office is broken under Leitess leadership. Union President O'Brien Atkinson stated officers are reporting strong cases ending in acquittals, serious charges being pleaded down to lesser offenses, and cases dismissed allowing repeat offenders back into communities. Leitess disputed these claims and questioned the union's motivation for endorsing her opponent Carolynn Grammas, noting the FOP has endorsed Republican candidates for State's Attorney since 2014.
“Whether it's prosecuting mass murderers, rapists, child abusers or gang leaders, Anne has never shied away from taking on the most challenging cases in Anne Arundel County.”
Source“When it comes to public safety and violent crime-we prosecute those who endanger our community.”
Source“Seniors Should be wary of Scams - There is no shortage of Internet or mail schemes designed to entice people to believe they have an opportunity to get rich quick”
Source“Monitoring the safety of our children - As children get older, the dangers that lurk online are the next concern.”
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