Heather Price appointed Caroline District Court judge

DENTON — Governor Larry Hogan has appointed Heather Lynne Price of Denton to Caroline County District Court.

Price said she was very excited to be appointed, that it was an honor and privilege to be chosen.

She has aspired to be a judge since she was a child.

“I grew up with my mom on the bench,” Price said. Her mom, Teaette Price, is a retired Baltimore City District Court judge. “She was my role model and mentor.”

The application was a rigorous process, she said, adding she was delighted to have the confidence of her peers.

“I am humbled and honored by the nomination,” Price said.

Price as been county attorney for Caroline County since 2013.

“She has done an excellent job for us as county attorney, and I think she’ll be an excellent judge,” said Caroline County Commission President Larry Porter.

While losing Price as county attorney is bittersweet, Porter said being named judge was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the county is happy for her. “It’s something she wanted.”

Price said, “It’s been an honor to be here with the county,” working with the commissioners. While county attorney, she said she has become familiar with the community’s needs and resources.

She said becoming a judge will be a continuation of her career as a public servant. As judge, she will be serving the people of the county and of the state.

Price will replace Judge Douglas H. Everngam, who retired in August 2020. Everngam was appointed in 2001.

Sen. Addie Eckardt, R-37, said she will be very honored to introduce and recommend Price to the Maryland Senate as the newest judge for Caroline County.

She said Price is “well qualified” for the job and has “left a reputation of quality work, of challenging work with difficult cases in previous roles.”

Eckardt said Price “understands a lot of the fine points of being a judge,” following in her mother’s footsteps.

Price understands vulnerable populations and equity and has worked with a variety of cultures, Eckardt said. “She can vet those situations and be knowledgeable and sensitive.”

As a judge, Price will be “fair and measured,” Eckardt said, adding, “She’s quite an asset to our community.”

Price has worked in several law firms and was the chief legal services officer in the City of Frederick, an assistant county attorney for the Anne Arundel County Office of Law, and an assistant city attorney for the City of Frederick. She speaks fluent Spanish.

Price has two adult children, “Mattie” and “Hank.”

She received a B.A. from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore, and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Price was one of four judges Hogan appointed Jan. 13, the first day of the 442nd Legislative Session. The others included Michael O. Twigg, Allegany County Circuit Court; Stacy Adele Mayer, Baltimore County Circuit Court; and Bryon Bereano, Prince George’s District Court.

The district court judge-designees will be presented to the Senate for confirmation. Once confirmed, they will receive their commissions. District court judges serve 10-year terms and may be reappointed.

“The appointment of qualified individuals to serve across our state’s justice system is paramount to upholding our responsibilities to the people of Maryland and the rule of law,” Hogan said in a news release announcing the appointments. “I have confidence that these respected individuals will continue to be strong advocates for the law and will serve the citizens of the State of Maryland admirably.”

This article originally ran on myeasternshoremd.com.