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Hello Prince George's County!
Since 2020 began, we have been working very hard to bring you some new and exciting things to keep you up to date on cases, programs and initiatives in our office.
- We are in Annapolis everyday during the 2020 legislative session to bring home some changes that are needed for residents and visitors.
- Our first Community in the Courthouse of 2020 is scheduled for February 25th at 8:30 a.m. This first session of the year will have breakfast and several rounds of trivia, with door prizes and more. See below for more information and to register.
- The first episode of The Blue Chair Podcast is locked and loaded and ready for you to listen in. Please see below for the link to access the first episode.
We at PGSAO want to hear from you. For more details, please check out the announcements below and get engaged with us!
Your State's Attorney
Aisha Braveboy
 Please join Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy and #TeamPGSAO for the first Community in the Courthouse of 2020! This program provides residents an opportunity to learn more about the justice system here in Prince George’s County. In addition, they will hear about State’s Attorney Braveboy’s initiatives and programs. During the monthly sessions attendees can ask questions, voice their concerns and engage with Ms. Braveboy and her team. Our first courthouse session in 2020 will be February 25th. We will serve breakfast and host several rounds of trivia, with door prizes and more.
Location: Upper Marlboro Courthouse, 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, Room M0421
For more information, contact: Thelmetria Michaelides at 240-508-2018 or tamichaelides@co.pg.md.us.
 On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy was joined by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Collins, II, other elected officials, advocates and supporters at a press conference to discuss House Bill 917 (HB917) and Senate Bill 606 (SB606), “Criminal Law – Hate Crimes Basis – 2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins, III’s Law.” The legislation in the House Chamber, HB917, was crossed filed with SB606 in the Senate Chamber. House Bill 917 and SB606 will strengthen the hate crime statute, clarifying that hate does not have to be the sole motivation for a hate crime.
Currently, Maryland’s hate crime statute is ambiguous and requires prosecutors to prove that hate or bias was the sole motivating factor for a crime.
“Requiring prosecutors to prove that hate or bias is the only motive for a crime is an extremely high standard that gives hate crime offenders an easy defense. This law has to change and the time is now. Maryland Legislators must pass SB606 and HB917, the Second Lieutenant Richard Collins, III law,” Braveboy said.
Learn more about the "2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins, III’s Law from recent media coverage:
Baltimore Sun: Parents of murdered Bowie State student call on lawmakers to strengthen Maryland hate crime law
WJLA Channel 7 News: Parents of Bowie State student killed on UMD campus push to amend Md. hate crime law
 On Monday, February 10, 2020, State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy and members of her team joined with the Collins family and other supporters on "Lobby Night" in Annapolis to talk to legislators to get support for the 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III Hate Crime legislation.
 On January 28, 2020, the State's Attorney held a press conference about the strangulation bills that were introduced to both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Currently strangulation is a second degree assault, making it a misdemeanor. State's Attorney Braveboy testified before both committees in support of this legislation, urging the legislature to make strangulation a first felony assault.
 The first episode of the The Blue Chair Podcast is here!
 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @pgsaonews!
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