Life in Prince George’s County 

​Karen Piper Mitchell has called Prince George’s County home for over 50 years. A proud product of the county’s public schools, she graduated as valedictorian of Largo High School in 1990 before earning her bachelor’s degree in Spanish, political science, and economics from Duke University and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

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A Career in Public Service

​For more than 25 years, Karen has dedicated her career to public service as a prosecutor. After clerking for Judge Sherrie L. Krauser in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, she began her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Charles County in 1999. She has tried nearly every type of case—ranging from homicide and violent crime to juvenile matters—always with a focus on justice, fairness, and community safety.

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Leadership and Legal Impact

​In 2011, Karen made history as the first woman to serve as Deputy State’s Attorney for  Charles County. In this role, she runs the day-to-day operations such as managing more than 60 attorneys and staff, leading major prosecutions, and ensuring modern, effective systems for case and evidence management. She also works closely with law enforcement, courts, and state leaders to keep our communities safe. Karen is a respected voice in Maryland’s legal community, serving on the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association Legislative Committee, where she testifies before the General Assembly and helps shape statewide criminal justice policy.

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Beyond the Courtroom

​Beyond the courtroom, Karen has always invested in her community. For over 20 years, she has been an active member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, where she serves as Assistant Director of the Tutoring Ministry and mentors teens in youth bible study. She also dedicated five years to coaching youth football in Prince George’s County, teaching young athletes teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and the importance of academics.

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Karen lives in Prince George’s County with her husband and their dog, Wally. She brings to public service the same values she has lived by her entire life—integrity, accountability, and a commitment to building safer, stronger communities for all.