Rebecca Vent, an attorney with 30 years of legal experience, announces her candidacy for Judge of Howard County Circuit Court.  Her extensive background in family law, civil law, and criminal law sets her apart from the other candidates.   Guided by faith, wisdom, and integrity, Vent brings a wealth of experience required of a Judge in Circuit Court.

There is only one Circuit Court in Howard County, and it is different than the other four Superior Courts and the Magistrate Court in that it has what is known as “exclusive jurisdiction” for most cases involving children.  For example, all cases involving the abuse or neglect of children – also known as CHINS cases – must be filed in Howard County Circuit Court.  All cases involving the establishment of paternity for children born outside of marriage must be filed in Howard County Circuit Court.  Every case involving juvenile delinquency must be filed in Howard County Circuit Court.  Kinsey Youth Center, which is the juvenile detention center for Howard County youth, is overseen and managed by the Judge of Howard Circuit Court.  Finally, every single adoption filed in Howard County must be filed in Howard Circuit Court.  Vent arguably has more experience handling CHINS cases, paternity cases and adoption cases than any other attorney in Howard County.

Vent is one of the most sought-after Guardian Ad Litems not just in Howard County, but the surrounding counties as well.  She is frequently chosen by attorneys and judges alike to represent the bests interests of children who are in the crossfire of their parents’ divorce or custody battle.

Having come from a family of divorce herself, Vent understands complex family dynamics.  As the middle child of five, and fourth generation Howard County resident, she understands that the definition of “family” takes many unique forms.  She and her husband  Tony have a beautifully blended family involving biological, “bonus,” and adopted children.

Vent has 25 years of combined experience serving in the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office and the Howard County Public Defender’s Office.  Vent cut her teeth as a young lawyer handling high-level felonies committed specifically against women and children, including all sex crimes and domestic violence cases.  She now serves in Juvenile Court.

Vent has also represented numerous clients who have sustained personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, such as in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.  She represented Howard County’s largest school corporation for nearly 15 years before her appointment to the bench in 2024.  She sharpened her legal skills in various areas of the law by representing local businesses and financial institutions.

Volunteerism and community involvement have been part of Vent’s mainstay from the inception of her career.  She has served several years on the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  She has also served on the Board of Directors for Community Howard Regional Hospital and its Foundation Board for close to two decades.  Most recently, Vent joined the Board of the Gap Program, and will be joining the Board for the United Way in the near future.  Vent has also volunteered thousands of hours of her time representing clients without charge.

If there was ever a court created and tailor made for Rebecca’s experience and passion, Howard Circuit Court is it.  Her experience is experience that matters.