The Howard County Circuit Court will accept applications for the state's attorney position until Jan. 14.

Timothy J. McCrone resigned from the position Friday and was sworn in as a Howard County Circuit Court judge in a private ceremony.

Deputy State's Attorney Dario J. Broccolino was named interim state's attorney. Broccolino, 63, has previously worked as a prosecutor in Baltimore.

"[There are] some outstanding people in this office, and it's an honor to be their leader," Broccolino said after the ceremony.

Four Circuit Court judges, including McCrone, will appoint a permanent replacement to fill the rest of McCrone's term, which ends in 2011. Applicants must be able to practice law in Maryland and have lived in Howard County for at least two years.

McCrone said he expects to take his place on the bench next month.