George Psoras: Why I’m running for state’s attorney | COMMENTARY (original) (raw)
I am running for state’s attorney because I believe Carroll County deserves stronger leadership, greater accountability and a higher level of excellence in its prosecutor’s office.
I have lived in Hampstead for many years and have devoted my time and resources to my church, local charities and our community. Throughout my career, I have been guided by the principle that success brings with it a responsibility to serve. After decades in the courtroom and thousands of clients represented, I believe the time has come to use my experience and skills to serve the people of Carroll County.
I have assembled a team of exceptional trial lawyers, including Joseph Murtha and Clarke Ahlers, both former prosecutors with distinguished records of success. Together, our team brings more than 100 years of combined legal experience. Thousands of local families have trusted us during some of their most difficult moments because they know we will fight relentlessly for them and leave no stone unturned.
My years of experience litigating against the State’s Attorney’s Office have given me a unique perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. Too often, cases are lost because of inadequate preparation, insufficient training or a lack of courtroom experience. As state’s attorney, I will recruit and retain top talent, demand the highest standards of professionalism, strengthen training and build an office that is known for excellence, integrity and results.
For decades, I have successfully managed a law practice, led a team of attorneys and handled some of the most serious and complex cases in Maryland. Effective leadership requires more than good intentions; it requires proven management ability, sound judgment and a record of success. I have demonstrated those qualities throughout my career.
Some have attempted to criticize me for being a successful criminal defense attorney. I view that experience as one of my greatest qualifications. Understanding how criminal cases are defended makes me a stronger advocate for victims and a more effective prosecutor. It is also worth noting that previous Carroll County state’s attorneys, including Haven Shoemaker and Judge Brian DeLeonardo, were criminal defense attorneys before serving as prosecutors.
Others have criticized me for self-funding my campaign and refusing contributions from outside interests. I chose that path because I believe the state’s attorney should answer only to the people of Carroll County, not political organizations, special interests or campaign donors.
Recent attacks have questioned the level of my support for law enforcement. Nothing could be further from the truth. My partners, Murtha and Ahlers, have represented more than a hundred police officers throughout their careers. Mr. Murtha notably represented Baltimore Police Officer William Porter in the Freddie Gray matter after Porter was wrongfully prosecuted by Marilyn Mosby. We have spent decades working alongside law enforcement officers and understand the difficult and important work they perform every day.
My opponent, Allan Culver, fails to address the glaring fact that he (along with his co-prosecutor, who resigned) was banned from appearing in court by all four Circuit Court judges for over 15 months due to ethical and legal violations, for which he was never officially exonerated. Perhaps most telling is that my opponent and his supporters have resorted to a false smear campaign featuring AI-generated images of me and have avoided discussing qualifications, experience, leadership and results. Elections should be decided on merit, not personal attacks, misleading accusations or manufactured controversies.
This election presents a clear choice about the future of the State’s Attorney’s Office. I offer decades of courtroom success, proven leadership, independence from political influence and a commitment to building the strongest prosecution team Carroll County has ever had.
I respectfully ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve as your next state’s attorney.
George Psoras is a criminal defense attorney and a Republican candidate for Carroll County state’s attorney.