Members of the District Court Team prosecute the vast majority of criminal cases initiated in Montgomery County (assault, reckless endangerment, auto theft, drug violations, hate crimes, driving while under the influence or while impaired, driving with a revoked or suspended license, automobile accidents involving serious physical injury, violations of peace and protective orders, and more). Currently, a District Court Team trial attorney handles about 8,000 criminal and traffic cases each year.

Every attorney on the District Court Team is in court four days per week. A single day's docket involves approximately 30 to 90 criminal or traffic cases. Each case averages between 2 and 10 witnesses. Approximately half of the defendants on each docket are represented by defense counsel. In order to evaluate the merits of each case (determine an appropriate plea offer and prepare for trial) a District Court Team attorney must communicate with each of these individuals before court begins. Assuming just 3 witnesses per case, this may amount to 160 witnesses, defense attorneys, and defendants whose right to counsel has been waived.

Four of the District Court Team's 14 trial attorneys are assigned to the task of prosecuting District Court appeals and jury demands in the Circuit Court. Because these cases are generally before 12 jurors, they require far more time to prepare and to litigate. In 1997, the combined number of jury demands and appeals was 1,275. The following year that number grew to 1,434. By 1999, the number was 1,650. Most recently, the count was almost 3,000

District Court Team attorneys easily average 10 to 12 hour workdays, five (and often six) days per week. In addition to the time that they have to spend in court each day, Team attorneys must prepare the next day's docket, do extensive post-court work on past dockets, answer personally a number of phone calls consistent with the number of cases they are required to handle (often 30 to 40 calls per day), keep up on changes in the law, and attend office meetings and trainings.

Volunteers (high school students, undergraduate students, law school students, and retired individuals) represent another indispensable component of the District Court Team. Volunteers screen thousands of criminal cases each year. They interview and subpoena witnesses, hear out defense attorneys hired to represent the accused, and write reports summarizing their findings and recommendations for the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Attorney and non-attorney staff assigned to the District Court Prosecution Team work extraordinarily hard and maintains long hours. They are each enthusiastic, capable, and committed public servants. Together, they effectively investigate, prepare, conference, and responsibly prosecute thousands of criminal cases each year.

Assistant State's Attorneys Christina Rodriguez and Vlatka Tomazic

Assistant State's Attorney Bereket Tesfu

Margaret Schweitzer, 240-777-7327, Team Leader, received her bachelor of arts from the University of Maryland in 1980. In 1983, she received her law degree from the University of North Carolina. After graduating, Margaret clerked for the Honorable John F. McAuliffe in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Margaret began in the office in 1984 as a District Court Assistant. Since joining the office, Margaret has been assigned to the juvenile, felony drug, economic crimes as well as general felony prosecution teams. During her tenure with the office Ms. Schweitzer successfully prosecuted numerous felony case including the following notable trials: State v. Holmes, involving the robbery of a convenience store in which the clerk was executed by a shot to the back of the head; State v. Slye, involving a home invasion robbery in which a young man was shot and killed and State v. Arrevalo, involving a child abuse case in which the defendant was tried in absentia and is currently on warrant status. In addition to trial work, Margaret has handled numerous post-conviction matters including appeals before the Court of Special Appeals as Special Assistant Attorney General as well as coram nobis and post conviction hearings before the Circuit Court of Montgomery County. Margaret became the Chief of the District Court in March 2007.

David Baker, 240-777-7318, Assistant Team Leader, received Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 from Baldwin Wallace College and majored in finance and political science. Prior to graduation from college, Mr. Baker worked as a Branch Operation Manger for National City Bank in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Baker graduated from the University of Maryland Law School in 1988 and served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Rosalyn Bell of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals from 1988-1990. He joined the office in 1990 and presently is the Deputy Team Leader of the District Court. Mr. Baker also handles budgetary matters for the office.

Alan K. Bennett, 240-777-7324, joined the State's Attorney's Office in 1984. Mr. Bennett is a life-long resident of Montgomery County. Mr. Bennett received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1983. Presently, Mr. Bennett screens preliminary inquires, handles bond reviews, and is the liaison to the District Court judges. While serving as an Assistant State's Attorney in Juvenile Court, Mr. Bennett prosecuted the case of a 13 year-old boy who shot and killed his mother and seriously wounded his father.

Lindsey Binkstock, 240-777-7424, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on September 2, 2008.  Lindsey attended The George Washington University where she received her degree in Political Science in 2004 and her law degree in 2007.  Lindsey interned with the United States House of Representatives and worked at George Washington University in the Office of the Special Events and the Office of Alumni Programs.  In 2005, she worked as an Intern for the Arlington County Circuit Court in Virginia.  During the summer of 2006, she worked as an Intern with our Office.  From 2007 to 2008, Lindsey served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Joseph Dugan, Jr.  Lindsey is assigned to the District Court Team.

Cory Birdsall, 240-777-7411, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on August 17, 2004. Cory graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1999. She received her law degree in 2003 from the University of Maryland School of Law. Cory worked as a Law Clerk for Mudd, Harrison & Burch in Towson in 2001 and 2003. She also worked as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable J. Norris Byrnes in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. In 2002, she was an Asper Fellow in the Federal Public Defender's Office in Baltimore. She also was a Summer Associate for Whitney & Bogris in Towson. Most recently, Cory has served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Dennis M. McHugh in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.  Cory currently works on the 8:30 Team. 

Tracy Bortnick, 240-777-7476, began working as a Special Assistant State's Attorney on March 5th, 2007.  Tracy graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a degree in Organizational Studies.  She received her law degree in 2005 from the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University.  During the summer of 2003, she worked for our office as an intern.  She also worked as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Brook Hedge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  From 2005 to 2006, she served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable David Boynton.  Most recently, she has been an Associate with Solomon Malech & Cohen in Bethesda.  Tracy is assigned to the District Court Team.

Teresa (Tessy) Casafranca, 240-777-7476, began working as a Special Assistant State's Attorney on March 5, 2007. Tessy graduated from Syracuse University in 2002 with a dual degree in Public Policy and Political Science. In 2005, she received her law degree from American University, Washington College of Law. Tessy worked as a Law Clerk for the Montgomery County District Court in the fall of 2005. In 2006, she served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael J. Algeo. Tessy is fluent in Spanish and English.

Rachel Coll, 240-777-7343, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on September 2, 2008.  Rachel graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, in 2004 with a degree in Political Science.  She received her law degree in 2007 from the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.  In 2005, Rachel worked as a Legal Intern for the United States Department of labor, Office of the Solicitor.  In 2006, she was a Law Clerk for the Montgomery County Public Defender's Office.  From 2007 to 2008, Rachel served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable David Boynton.  Rachel is fluent in English and Spanish.

Timothy Hagan, 240-777-7451, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on August 18, 2008.  Tim graduated from Georgetown University in 2001 with a degree in Government and English.  He received his law degree in 2007 from the University of Maryland School of Law.  From 2002 to 2004, Tim worked for howrey Simon Arnold & White, LLP, as a Litigation Project Assistant and Litigation Paralegal.  Tim worked as an intern in our Office during the summer and fall semester of 2006.  From 2007 to 2008, Tim served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Nelson W. Rupp, Jr.  Tim is assigned to the District Court Team.

Robert Hendricks, 240-777-7410, Robert graduated from St. Mary’s College in 2001 with a degree  in Philosophy.  In 2006, he received his law degree from the University of  Baltimore School of Law.  In 2002 and 2003, Robert worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer with the Montgomery County Department of Juvenile Justice.  In  2004, Robert was a Summer Associate for Semmes, Bowen and Semmes in Baltimore  and began work as a part-time law clerk in January 2005 up until his employment  with the State’s Attorney’s Office.  Robert also works an adjunct professor with  the University of Baltimore Law School Trial Advocacy Program.  Robert currently works on the 8:30 Team.

Christina Hughes, 240-777-7356, began working as a Assistant State's Attorney on November 26, 2007.  Christy graduated from James Madison University in 2000, with a degree in Business  Administration. She attended DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and received her law degree in May, 2007. Christy worked as Law Clerk with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office from January to May, 2006. Christy joined our staff in July of 2006. She has worked as a Legal Assistant with our Juvenile Court Team and most recently, she has been a legal Assistant handling Complaints.

Dana Kaplan, 240-777-7464, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on October 1, 2007. Dana graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2002. In 2003, she received her Masters of Science in Journalism. Dana completed her law degree in 2006 at American University, Washington College of Law. From January to May of 2005, she worked as a Law Clerk with the Public Defender Srvice in Wshington, D.C. During the summer of 2005, she was an intern with the U.s. Attorney's Office in Washngton, D.C. Dana was a Rule 16 Practitioner for the Montgomery County from August to December of 2005. Most recently, she was the Law Clerk for The Honorable Michael J. Algeo.

Hans Moore, 240-777-7325, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on March 16, 2009.  Hans graduated from the University of Maryland in 2004 with a degree in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice.  He received his law degree in 2008 from the University of Baltimore School of Law.  Hans was a Courtroom Clerk for Montgomery County Circuit Court during the summers of 2004 and 2005.  During the summer of 2006, he worked as a Legal Intern for The Honorable John N. Prevas in Baltimore City.  From 2007 to 2008, he worked as a Law Clerk for Fan, Fitzpatrick & Thompson LLP, in Rockville.  Most recently, Hans has served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Eric M. Johnson.  Hans is fluent in English and Spanish.

Christina Rodriguez, 240-777-7429, began working as a Special Assistant State's Attorney on February 6, 2006. Christina graduated from the University of Maryland in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Psychology. In 2005, she received her law degree from The George Washington University Law School. During the summer of 2003, Christina interned with our Office in the Domestic Violence Unit. She worked as a Law Clerk in 2004 in the Homicide/Major Crimes Division of the United States Attorney's Office. Most recently, she has been a Contract Attorney at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Washington, DC.  Christina currently works on the 8:30 Team.

Adam Ruther, 240-777-7334, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on August 18, 2008.  Adam graduated from Montana State University in 2004 with a degree in English Literature and Honors Studies.  He received his law degree in 2008 from the University of Baltimore School of Law.  During the summer of 2006, Adam worked as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Lawrence R. Daniels in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.  In 2007, Adam worked as a Law Clerk for Warnken, LLC.  Adam worked as an Intern with our Circuit Court Felony Trial Team from March 2008 until he was hired as an Assistant State's Attorney.  He is assigned to the District Court Team.

Rosalyn Tang, 240-777-7323, began working as a Special Assistant State's Attorney on March 2, 2009.  Rosalyn graduated from Duke University in 2002 with a degree in Sociology and Visual Arts.  She received her law degree in 2006 from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, in Dallas, Texas. During the summer of 2005, Rosalyn worked as an Associate for Hartline, Dacus, Barger, Dreyer & Kern, LLP and also for Orgain, Bell & Tucker, LLP, in Texas.  From 2006 to 2007, she was an Associate for The Cantalupo Law Group in Rockville.  Rosalyn served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Eric M. Johnson from 2007 to 2008.    Most recently, she has been serving as Law Clerk to the Honorable S. Michael Pincus. 

Danielle Sartwell, 240-777-7420, will begin working as a Special Assistant State's Attorney on March 5,2007. Danielle graduated from Frostburg State University in 2003 with a degree in Political Science and Justice Studies. She received her law degree in 2006 from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In the summer of 2005, Danielle worked as an Intern with our office in the Domestic Violence Division. She was a Rule 16 Student for the Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Division, in Baltimore, during the fall of 2005. In 2003 and 2004, Danielle interned for the Honorable Lynn Battaglia and Senator Patrick Hogan. Most recently, she worked as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Michael Algeo. 

Bereket Tesfu 240-777-7457, graduated from Texas A&M University-College Station with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Political Science in 2004 following his service as a Navy Corpsman in the United States Navy from 1995 to 2000. In 2007, he graduated with a law degree from the College of William and Mary School of Law. While in law school, he worked as an extern for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office in its Computer Crime Unit and as an intern and extern for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for the City of Hampton, Virginia. In the fall of 2007, he joined the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office as an intern for the Down County Felony Division before going on to join the District Court Team as an Assistant State's Attorney on December 13, 2007.

Vlatka Tomazic, 240-777-7386, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on August 14, 2006. Vlatka graduated from Lehigh University in 1999. In 2005, she received her law degree from the University of Maryland Law School. She worked as an Intern in the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office in 2003 and 2004. Prior to joining our staff, she served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable S. Michael Pincus in the Circuit Court. She is fluent in Spanish and Croatian.

Douglas Wink, 240-777-7328, began working as an Assistant State's Attorney on January 7th, 2008. Doug graduated from the University of Maryland in 2002 with a degree in Economics. In 2006, he received his law degree from the University of Baltmore School of Law. Doug internedn with the Federal Administrative Court for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  in 2005. He worked as a Human Rights Research Associate for the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in South Asia during the summer of 2005. In 2005 and 2006, he was a rule 16 Sutdent Attorney for the Civil Advocacy Clinic in Baltimore. Most recently Doug served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable DeLawrence Beard.   

Curtis Zeager, 240-777-7421, began working as an Assistant State’s Attorney on February 4, 2008.  Curtis graduated from Elizabethtown College in 2002 with a degree in English.  He received his law degree from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, in 2005, where he delivered the commencement address to the graduating class.  In 1997, Curtis taught English for one year as part of a Volunteer Exchange Program in Taiwan.  He worked as a Law Clerk during the summer of 2004 with the USDA, Office of Administrative Law Judges.  In 2005, he was a Trade Policy Intern with The Delegation of the European Commission in Washington, DC.  Between 2006 and 2007, Curtis was a Contract Attorney for Arnold and Porter LLP.  From 2007 to 2008, Curtis served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Mary Beth McCormick.  He is assigned to the District Court Team and Gang Unit.