Judge Number Four

Circuit Court Planning For Another Judge

St. Mary’s County will soon have a fourth Circuit Court Judge if a bill filed in the Maryland General Assembly successfully passes before the end of the legislative session. HB864, which unanimously passed the House of Delegates on February 27th, creates a fourth judgeship to address the increasing number of jury trials that have increased the workload. Joseph M. Stanalonis, Administrative Judge, and Amy Lorenzini, Associate Judge, currently sit on the bench. But even before the recent passing of Judge Michael Stamm, whose position will be filled by governor’s appointment in late spring, the increase in prosecutions prompted the Maryland Judicial Commission to consider adding a fourth judge.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling told the Commissioners during their March 4th budget work session (BWS) that a “significant number of jury trials” leading to “record convictions and sentencing milestones” have happened during the first two years of her term. Sterling also drew comparisons with Calvert County about the number of employees vs. workload. In 2024, 458 circuit court cases were handled by 11 attorneys in the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney's Office, or 42 cases per attorney. Calvert, meanwhile, had 239 cases handled by 12 attorneys, or 24 cases each. Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew Fader, according to Sterling, recognized the rising caseload, with jury trials increasing by 261% between 2019 and 2024.

The initiative to add another judge began with HB125 introduced by Delegate Brian Crosby (D-29B). Later withdrawn, the bill was replaced by HB864 sponsored by the Judiciary Committee Chair and Delegates Crosby, Matt Morgan (R-29A)  and Todd Morgan (R-29C). Breaking with their Republican counterparts, Commissioners Colvin (R-D1) and Hewitt (R-D2) pushed back on the idea over concerns about added costs to the county budget, up to $500K. It’s “important to note that there will be a recurring cost to St. Mary’s County,” Colvin remarked on February 4th. Hewitt wondered if Delegate Crosby’s original bill for a fourth judge was truly based on need. 

But Hewitt’s question was answered by State’s Attorney Sterling at the previously mentioned March 4th BWS, and supported by Judge Stanalonis who attended to speak to his own budget requests. Stanalonis confirmed the fourth judge was needed before the passing of Judge Stamm, saying jury trials are scheduled a year out or more now. Judge Stanalonis’ budget request to the Commissioners included $11K for furniture and $89.5K for a judges assistant. According to the fiscal note for HB864, the new judgeship would cost the county $400K in FY26, rising to $500K each year after. First year expenses cover an administrative assistant, three contract deputies, and one bailiff. According to the MD Courts website, a Circuit Court Judge’s salary is just over $204K per year.

Should the legislation pass, the Governor will likely appoint the fourth judge by October 2025. An appointment process is now underway to fill Judge Stamm’s seat. Under current law, any appointee must stand for election at the first general election falling at least one year after the vacancy was created. That means it’s possible two Circuit Court Judges will be on the ballot for the 2026 local elections.