In the Spotlight

Charles County attorney and longtime public servant Elizabeth D. Theobalds has been appointed as an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland for Charles County. Appointed by Governor Wes Moore, Judge Theobalds officially began her service on August 21, 2026, bringing extensive experience in county government, land-use matters, and public-interest legal work to the bench.

The appointment places Judge Theobalds in Maryland’s District 4, which serves Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties. Her judgeship is specifically designated for Charles County, where she has spent much of her legal career serving local government and the community.

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Before her appointment to the District Court, Judge Theobalds served as Charles County’s Deputy County Attorney from 2011 through 2026. In that role, she advised county government on a range of issues affecting residents, public agencies, growth, development, and land use.

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Her professional background includes substantial work in local government law, planning-related matters, zoning, and child advocacy. She also served in the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she handled criminal matters and supervised the Child Support Division.

That breadth of experience gives Judge Theobalds a strong foundation for the practical realities that often bring people before the District Court: disputes between landlords and tenants, traffic matters, misdemeanor criminal cases, protective-order proceedings, and civil claims.

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Judge Theobalds’ appointment represents an important moment for Charles County. District Court judges are often among the most visible members of Maryland’s judicial system because the court handles matters that directly affect individuals, families, small businesses, property owners, tenants, and community members on a daily basis.

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Her work in Charles County government has provided firsthand exposure to the legal and policy issues shaping the community. From land-use concerns to public-service matters, she has worked in areas where law intersects with the everyday needs of county residents.

The appointment also reflects the value of experienced local attorneys who have built their careers in public service and developed a deep understanding of the communities they serve.

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As an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland, Judge Theobalds will help ensure that Charles County residents receive fair, timely, and thoughtful consideration in matters before the court.

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Her transition from county legal counsel to the judiciary marks the next chapter in a career dedicated to law and public service. Charles County now welcomes Judge Elizabeth D. Theobalds to the bench and recognizes her appointment as a significant addition to the local judicial system.