Carroll County State's Attorney
David Ellin
Republican
48
Finksburg, Carroll County
I am an attorney in private practice with offices in Westminster and Reisterstown.
I received my B.A. in English from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1994. I attended Cambridge University in Cambridge England and received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1997. I am a member of the Carroll County Bar Assocation, Baltimore City, MSBA, and Baltimore County Bar Association as well as the Maryland Assocation for Justice.
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Why are you running for office?
As a former felony narcotics prosecutor for Baltimore City, I am the only candidate with prosecutorial experience. Only I have the trial and Grand Jury experience necessary to be the State's Attorney. I will be tough but fair and keep criminals behind bars. I want Carroll County to be safe for my family and yours.
What is the most pressing issue facing the State's Attorney's office and how would you address it?
I can't pinpoint just one issue. The opioid crisis continues to fester in this county. Too many parents are burying their children. The crimes associated with addiction are rising. We need to develop more programs for youth that allow them to reach their full potential by developing positive behaviors. We need to help Veterans in our community that are struggling with addiction, PTSD, and homelessness.
What tools or resources does the State's Attorney's office need to keep the county safer?
The State's Attorney's office needs good prosecutors and the means to train them. Training isn't static. We need to provide training to prosecutors and staff as often as needed.
Should enforcing certain laws be prioritized over others, and if so, which?
All laws should be enforced equally. The citizens of Carroll County need to know that the State's Attorney's office will not allow lawlessness to reign in Carroll County.
What is your opinion of the police reform legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021?
I do not believe any of the police reform legislation passed in 2021 was necessary in Carroll County.
What should the relationship between Carroll County sheriff's and State's Attorney's offices look like?
It should be a cooperative relationship. The State's Attorney needs to collaborate with law enforcement, judges, victims and witnesses. The Sheriff depends on the State's Attorney to advise his office about legal issues in criminal cases to ensure his deputies are well-versed in making legal arrests.
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