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State's Attorney · Prince George's 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 raceKaren Piper Mitchell is a career prosecutor with over 25 years of experience prosecuting serious cases including murder, vehicular manslaughter, drug possession and distribution, sexual offenses, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and arson. She has served as Deputy State's Attorney since 2011 in Charles County, MD, where she oversees 60+ attorneys and staff in daily office operations. Her leadership roles include serving on hiring committees, supervising the Grand Jury Unit, approving indictments, and assigning dockets and cases. Mitchell develops administrative procedures and standard operating policies while overseeing technology upgrades including electronic discovery and digital case/evidence management. She serves as liaison to the Maryland State's Attorney's Association (MSAA) and is a member of its Legislative Committee. As faculty for statewide Trial Advocacy Training since 2013, she provides annual training to prosecutors on criminal and constitutional law, investigations, trial techniques, and case management. Additionally, she delivers annual law enforcement training to police departments covering confessions, search and seizure, witness identification, and de-escalation.
Sources: Campaign website
#KARENCARES
Vote for Karen Piper Mitchell for Prince George's County State's Attorney
Source: karenpipermitchell.com
Prosecutorial Excellence
Oversees daily office operations with 60+ attorneys and staff, supervises Grand Jury Unit, approves indictments, assigns dockets and cases
“Deputy State's Attorney since 2011 – oversees 60+ attorneys and staff in daily office operations in Charles County, MD. Leadership Roles – hiring committee member, supervises Grand Jury Unit, approves indictments, assigns dockets and cases.”
Technology & Innovation
Develops administrative procedures and oversees technology upgrades including electronic discovery and digital case/evidence management
“Policy & Innovation – develops administrative and standard operating procedures; oversees technology upgrades including electronic discovery and digital case/evidence management.”
Prosecutor Training
Provides annual training to prosecutors on criminal and constitutional law, investigations, trial techniques, and case management since 2013
“Trainer & Mentor – faculty for statewide Trial Advocacy Training since 2013; provides annual training to prosecutors on criminal and constitutional law, investigations, trial techniques, and case management.”
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Delivers annual training to police on confessions, search and seizure, witness identification, and de-escalation
“Law Enforcement Training – delivers annual training to police on confessions, search and seizure, witness identification, and de-escalation.”
The Washington Informer identifies Karen Piper Mitchell as a Charles County prosecutor running in the Prince George's County State's Attorney race against incumbent Tara Jackson and Councilmember Wanika Fisher. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Councilmember Jolene Ivey have endorsed Jackson, while Fisher has received endorsements from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and several legislators including House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk.
“Over 25 Years as a Career Prosecutor – prosecuting the most serious of cases, including murder, vehicular manslaughter, drug possession and distribution, sexual offenses, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and arson.”
Source“Law Enforcement Training – delivers annual training to police on confessions, search and seizure, witness identification, and de-escalation.”
Source