Patricia Jessamy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Honorable
Patricia C. Jessamy
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| State's Attorney of Baltimore | |
| In office 1995–2011 |
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| Preceded by | Stuart O. Simms |
| Succeeded by | Gregg Bernstein |
| Constituency | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 26, 1948 Hollandale, Mississippi |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Howard Jessamy |
| Alma mater | Jackson State University University of Mississippi School of Law |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Website | http://www.stattorney.org/article01.html |
Patricia Coats Jessamy is an important American lawyer. She served as the State's Attorney of Baltimore, Maryland. This job means she was the chief prosecutor for the city. She was first chosen for this role in 1995. She then won re-election three times, serving for many years.
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Early Life and Education
Patricia Jessamy was born on July 26, 1948. Her hometown was Hollandale, Mississippi. She worked hard in her studies. In 1970, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. This was from Jackson State University. She then continued her education in law. In 1974, she graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law. That same year, she was allowed to practice law in Maryland.
Her Career in Law
Patricia Jessamy made history in Baltimore. She was the first woman to become the State's Attorney for the city. This was a very important achievement. She started her legal career in Maryland in 1985. At that time, she worked as an assistant state's attorney.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1987, the State's Attorney at the time, Stuart Simms, recognized her talent. He appointed her as the deputy state's attorney for administration. In this role, Patricia Jessamy was in charge of many important things. She helped create the Victim Assistance Program. This program helps people who have been affected by crimes. She also managed all the money matters, budgets, and staff for the office.
Becoming State's Attorney
In 1995, Stuart Simms resigned from his position. The Circuit Court then chose Patricia Jessamy to take his place. She became the State's Attorney. She was very popular and successful in this role. She won re-election multiple times. She was re-elected in November 1998, 2002, and 2006. She thought about running for Mayor of Baltimore in 1999. However, she decided not to run for that office.
End of Her Term
Patricia Jessamy continued to serve the people of Baltimore. In 2010, she ran for re-election again. However, she was defeated in the primary election. Gregg Bernstein won the Democratic primary on September 14, 2010. Her term as State's Attorney ended in 2011.
