Source: Prince George's County Courts
From now until the November election, CLPA will feature profiles of candidates running for office. These profiles provide information gathered from each candidate's campaign website or public statements to help the community become more informed about their positions and backgrounds. That series continues with our look at the candidates for Circuit Judge in Prince George's County.
First, let's answer the first two questions many may have:
1. What is a circuit court?
2. What is a circuit court judge?
A Circuit Court is part of the federal court system and hears many cases, from more serious criminal cases such as felonies and misdemeanors to civil, family law, and probate and estate cases. They also hear appellate cases from the District Court and rulings from administrative agencies.
A circuit court judge would be responsible for presiding over these trials. They would additionally be responsible for determining if the law was applied correctly in the trial court in appeals. They also hear appeals from federal administrative agencies and some original proceedings.
Four seats are available in this year's Circuit Judge race for Prince George's County. These are five candidates, so one candidate will not secure a seat. If that candidate is a sitting judge, they will lose their spot on the court. In Prince George's County, judicial appointments have long-lasting effects. Though the governor appoints circuit judges, they must successfully stand for election to continue in office for 15 years. The judge's name will appear on the ballot in the first general election at least one year after they were appointed to fill the vacancy.
Below, we highlight the candidates running for Circuit Judge, providing a snapshot of their qualifications, legal philosophies, and community involvement.
Appointed by: Governor Larry Hogan on January 6, 2023.
Education: Howard University (B.A. in Political Science), UDC David A. Clarke School of Law (J.D.).
Legal Experience: Nearly a decade as a solo practitioner, attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and five years as a Family Magistrate focusing on domestic and juvenile cases.
Community Involvement: Vice President of Community Legal Services, active in various bar associations, and member of the Maryland Judiciary's Equal Justice Committee.
Legal Philosophy: Johnson emphasizes community service and representation, especially drawing on his Afro-Latino heritage to ensure fair and just representation on the bench.
Appointed by: Governor Larry Hogan on January 6, 2023
Education: Florida A&M University (B.S. in Economics, M.A. in Applied Social Sciences), University of Miami School of Law (J.D.).
Legal Experience: Foreclosure Magistrate (2019-2023), private practice, Director of Graduate Legal Aid at the University of Maryland, Manager of Judicial Education for Maryland's courts.
Community Involvement: Active in the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Prince George's County Mock Trial Program, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Legal Philosophy: Rolle emphasizes fairness, compassion, and a deep dedication to the community, shaped by her personal experiences balancing law school as a single mother.
Running for: Circuit Judge in 2024.
Legal Experience: Marine Corps veteran with a legal practice in tax law, bringing a unique perspective to the bench.
Education: George Washington Law School (J.D.)
Community Involvement: Member of the Maryland State Bar Association and the American Constitution Society, with a focus on equality for historically excluded communities.
Legal Philosophy: Progressive, focused on fairness and inclusivity, and opposes being a "rubber stamp" in court. Sheehan emphasizes accountability and listening to all parties.
Appointed by: Governor Wes Moore in November 2023 to the Circuit Court, following her tenure as a District Court judge (appointed in 2017 by Governor Larry Hogan).
Education: University of South Florida (B.A. in English), Nova Southeastern University (J.D.).
Legal Experience: Over 20 years in law, including 14 years as an Assistant State's Attorney focusing on serious crimes such as child abuse and sexual assault.
Community Involvement: Active in various community initiatives, including mentoring programs through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and civic engagement programs for youth.
Legal Philosophy: With extensive experience in criminal law, Simpkins focuses on justice, fairness, and protecting public safety.
Appointed by: Governor Larry Hogan in 2022.
Education: University of Maryland and University of Virginia School of Law.
Legal Experience: Former Assistant State's Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice attorney, Inspector General for Prince George's County Police Department.
Community Involvement: Active in the Maryland State Bar Association, Maryland High School Mock Trial Competition, the Charm City Classic Mock Trial Competition, and the First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C.
Legal Philosophy: Turner believes his 30-year career in public service is essential for a strong judiciary, emphasizing trust, experience, and impartiality on the bench.