Episode Details

In a rare and revealing conversation, State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be Anne Arundel County's chief prosecutor. Known for working quietly behind the scenes, Colt Leitess brings decades of experience to bear on some of the county's most challenging criminal cases.

From her early days clerking with Baltimore's homicide unit during the era that inspired "Homicide: Life on the Street" to personally prosecuting the Capital Gazette shooter, Colt Leitess shares how her commitment to justice has shaped her career.

 The conversation explores the full scope of the State's Attorney's Office – managing 62 attorneys and a $16 million budget while handling every criminal case from serious traffic violations to homicides. Beyond securing convictions, the State Attorney’s Office highlights an overlooked aspect of prosecution: clearing those who may have been wrongfully charged.

Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of modern prosecution, from implementing body-worn camera evidence to recruiting qualified attorneys in an era when fewer law students pursue careers in prosecution. With characteristic authenticity, Colt Leitess concludes with powerful advice for women in leadership: "Be your authentic self, don't apologize." It's a philosophy that has served her well throughout her legal career. 

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