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State's Attorney · Frederick 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 raceFrederick County State's Attorney Charlie Smith is a Republican who was sworn in for his fifth term as the county's top prosecutor on January 3, 2023. He notes that no other state's attorney in the county has served more than three terms and emphasizes his commitment to the role beyond politics. Smith describes himself primarily as a prosecutor rather than a politician, stating he loves coming to work every day and views his fifth term as proof of this distinction. During his tenure, his office established new units for domestic violence, evidence review, cyber crimes, and created a mental health court to address recidivism among offenders with mental health issues. Looking ahead, Smith plans to be more proactive than reactive by creating family and juvenile justice centers focused on specific crime categories like child abuse and juvenile offenses.
Sources: Campaign website
Prosecution Philosophy
He distinguishes himself from politicians who seek office for advancement, emphasizing his identity as a prosecutor.
“"I think that my fifth term is proof that I am a prosecutor and not a politician."”
Mental Health & Crime Fighting
He advocates addressing mental health needs as part of crime fighting to reduce recidivism among offenders.
“"So we figured, look, let's address their mental health needs. That is crime fighting. It's not traditional crime fighting in a sense that everybody thinks, but it's crime fighting nonetheless."”
Community Safety Units
He highlights the creation of new units to serve the community better in specific areas.
“"New units were created to better serve the community, he said, in areas such as domestic violence, evidence review and cyber crimes."”
Future Justice Centers
He plans to create specialized centers for future terms focusing on family and juvenile justice.
“"He wants to create a family justice center and juvenile justice center for Frederick County."”
The Frederick News-Post reports that Smith was sworn in for his fifth term as Frederick County State's Attorney, noting he ran unopposed in the election which he considers the best way to run. He stated that politics is his least favorite part of his job and believes some seek the position to move up politically, whereas he aims to remain a prosecutor rather than a politician. His office has created new units for domestic violence, evidence review, and cyber crimes, alongside a mental health court designed to reduce recidivism rates for offenders with mental health problems. Smith outlined plans for future proactive measures including establishing family and juvenile justice centers in the next four years.
“"I think that my fifth term is proof that I am a prosecutor and not a politician."”
Source“"New units were created to better serve the community, he said, in areas such as domestic violence, evidence review and cyber crimes."”
Source“"We knew early on that we needed a different approach to these offenders... let's address their mental health needs."”
Source