(Centreville, Md. — Jan. 7, 2009) Lance G. Richardson was sworn in on Jan. 5 to serve the balance of the four-year term as State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County. Circuit Judge Thomas G. Ross, administrative judge for Queen Anne’s County, appointed Richardson to replace Frank M. Kratovil, Jr., who was elected in November to the United States House of Representatives, representing the First District.

Maryland law provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the position of state’s attorney during a term, the resident judge of the Circuit Court has the responsibility and authority to appoint a replacement.

“Each of the candidates who applied is an experienced, dedicated, and exceptionally capable trial lawyer, with a background that includes prosecution of criminal cases,” Judge Ross said. “Mr. Richardson, however, is uniquely qualified. As one of the two current deputy state’s attorneys, he is familiar with the cases and investigations that are presently pending, and I fully expect him to expertly administer the office and its personnel, as well as to maintain its policies and procedures, while identifying any improvements that may be needed.”

Judge Ross added, “Mr. Richardson is the best suited to work cooperatively with law enforcement officials, county and town government officials, other criminal justice agencies, crime victims, attorneys, and the general public.”

Richardson moved to Queen Anne’s County with his family as a child, and graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School as co-valedictorian. He is a 1990 graduate of University of Maryland and a 1994 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, and is a member of the Maryland Bar. After one year of private practice as an associate with Kopen & Quick, LLP, in Easton, Richardson worked as an assistant public defender in Queen Anne’s County from 1996 to 2003, when he was hired by Kratovil as a deputy state’s attorney.

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