State Grant Spurs Domestic Violence Unit at State's Attorney's Office

September 29, 2008

Howard County State’s Attorney Dario J. Broccolino announced today that a $45,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention will enable the State’s Attorney’s Office to formally organize a domestic violence unit. The unit, based in the district court division of the State’s Attorney’s Office, provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and elder abuse.

“Since 1999, Howard County’s domestic violence caseload has increased over 40 percent,” said Broccolino. “This grant allows us to add a new position that will expand and enhance our ongoing efforts to protect the victims of domestic violence from further violent acts, to protect children and the elderly from household violence and to hold offenders accountable for their actions,” he added. According to Broccolino, the office will hire a domestic violence legal assistant (or paralegal) in support of a specially-trained staff consisting of a full-time prosecutor, victim advocate, and an administrative assistant. Assistant State’s Attorney Devora Pontell heads the unit.

Legal assistants are responsible for obtaining case evidence and information needed for each case, preparing subpoenas for witnesses and any necessary records such as medical or phone records, preparing motions and other court notices, and organizing discovery materials, all in compliance with Maryland Rules.

“It is gratifying that so many voices have recognized our track record and commitment in pursuing domestic violence cases and have supported our efforts to secure this funding that will now fully staff this unit,” said Broccolino. “We particularly appreciate the past and continuous support of County Executive Ken Ulman, the members of the County Council, District Court Judge Mary C. Reese, Howard County Police Chief William McMahon and Jodi Finkelstein, the executive director of the Howard County Domestic Violence Center,” he said.