Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader has appointed Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis as the county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, effective November 20, 2024. Judge Stanalonis has been serving in an acting capacity since the passing of County Administrative Judge Michael J. Stamm on October 2, 2024.
County administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, managing budgets and procurement functions, and handling trial calendars to ensure timely case resolutions.
Chief Justice Fader expressed confidence in Judge Stanalonis's ability to fulfill this role: “I am pleased to appoint Judge Stanalonis to assume this important leadership role. His steadfast commitment to the Judiciary’s mission of providing fair, effective, and efficient justice for all, along with his experience before and during his tenure as a judge, position him well to succeed Judge Stamm and continue to advance the administration of justice.”
Judge Stanalonis was appointed to the Circuit Court by then-Governor Larry Hogan in December 2018 and took office on January 11, 2019. He is currently involved with several judicial committees including serving as presiding judge for the Adult Substance Abuse Recovery Court and chairing the Equal Justice Committee’s Sentencing Subcommittee.
Judge DaNeeka Varner Cotton also voiced her support: “Due to his exemplary legal career as a judge and attorney, I firmly believe that Judge Stanalonis will effectively lead the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court as administrative judge.”
Before joining the bench, Judge Stanalonis worked at the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office from 1996 until 2019 in various leadership roles including deputy state’s attorney. He contributed significantly to initiatives such as creating juvenile drug court programs and child advocacy centers.
Judge Stanalonis acknowledged his new appointment with gratitude: “I am honored and humbled by Chief Justice Fader’s and Judge Cotton’s confidence in me... ensuring that the citizens of St. Mary’s County have a court that provides fair, effective, and efficient justice for all.”