Tenure

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 1974. Member of the House since 1975.

Current Assignments

1993- Chair, Judiciary Committee (Member, 1975-)

1993- Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations

1993- Legislative Policy Committee

2012- Task Force to Study the Laws and Policies Relating to Representation of Indigent Criminal Defendants by the Office of the Public Defender

Past House Service

Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer , 2002, 1996; Special Committee on Gaming , 2001.

Public Service

Article 27 (crimes & punishments) Revision Committee, 2004-2008; Law and Criminal Justice Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-; Co-Chair, Task Force to Examine Crime Victims' Rights Laws in Maryland, 1996-2003; Anti-Terrorism Workgroup, 2001-2002; Commission on Juvenile Justice Jurisdiction, 1998-2001; Council on Jury Use and Management, 1999-2000; State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy, 1999-; Maryland Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy, 1996-1999; Sentencing Guidelines Advisory Board, 1993-1999; Criminal Justice Information Advisory Board, 1991-1996; Governor's Commission on Gun Violence, 1995-; Joint Executive-Legislative Task Force to Study Commercial Gaming Activities in Maryland, 1995; Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, 1994-; Joint Task Force on Maryland's Procurement Law, 1993-1994; Court of Appeals Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, 1993-; Drunk and Drugged Driving Task Force, 1988-1990; Task Force on Crime, 1976-1977; Law Enforcement and State-Appointed Boards Committee, Prince George's County Delegation; Past Chair, Prince George's County Delegation.

Memberships

Maryland Rural Caucus, 2002-; Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, 2001-; Order of Sons of Italy; American Bar Association; Maryland State Bar Association; Past President, Prince George's County Criminal Trial Lawyers Association; Inactive Member, Painters Local Union no. 1773.

Awards

Robert C. Heeney Award, Criminal Law Section, Maryland State Bar Association , 2010; Legacy of Excellence in Litigation, University of Baltimore School of Law , 2006; Legislative Award, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence , 1999; Most Valuable Legislator Award, Stephanie Roper Committee , 1994.

Biographical Information

Born, Washington, DC, March 4, 1937; Washington, D.C. Parochial Schools; Benjamin Franklin University, B.C.S., Commercial Science and M.C.S., Commercial Science, 1959; Eastern College; Mt. Vernon School of Law, University of Baltimore, LL.B., J.D., 1963; Attorney; Married, Six children, Nineteen grandchildren.