Ivan J. Bates

State's Attorney for Baltimore City

As the 26th State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Ivan J. Bates has led a historic transformation in public safety—delivering one of the most significant reductions in violent crime in the City’s history while rebuilding the State’s Attorney’s Office into a model of fairness, accountability, professionalism, and results.

Since taking office in 2023, State’s Attorney Bates has implemented a focused, data-driven strategy targeting violent repeat offenders, particularly those using illegal firearms. Through this approach, Baltimore has experienced a dramatic and sustained decline in homicides and nonfatal shootings, reaching levels not seen in decades. In fact, recent years have marked some of the lowest homicide totals in nearly 50 years, a testament to a coordinated effort between prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners.

Under his leadership, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City has secured thousands of convictions against individuals responsible for the most serious crimes, removing dangerous offenders from Baltimore’s streets and ensuring accountability. His administration has prioritized meaningful sentences for violent offenders, increased prosecution of illegal gun cases, accountability for quality-of-life crimes, and strengthened support for victims and witnesses—helping to restore confidence in the criminal justice system.

Equally important has been the rebuilding of the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City itself. When State’s Attorney Bates took office, the agency faced significant challenges in staffing, morale, and consistency. Through intentional hiring, training, and leadership development, the Office has been restored to its former prominence—once again recognized for excellence in trial advocacy, ethical prosecution, and its commitment to justice. Today, the Office operates with renewed stability, professionalism, and a clear mission: to pursue justice fairly, uphold the rule of law, and protect the people of Baltimore.

State’s Attorney Bates remains committed to a balanced approach to public safety—holding those who commit violent crimes accountable while also recognizing the importance of prevention, reentry, and second chances. His leadership reflects a belief that true justice requires both strength and fairness, and that a safer Baltimore is built through integrity, collaboration, and results.

The State’s Attorney is a strong leader, respected community advocate, and dedicated family man with almost 30 years of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. An army veteran, he has decades of leadership experience and is committed to fighting on the front lines for fairness, truth, and justice. State’s Attorney Bates completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University (Go Bison!) and earned his J.D. from The William & Mary Law School.