This section applies only in Washington County. The State’s Attorney’s salary is 90% of the salary of a judge of the District Court of Maryland. The State’s Attorney shall appoint: at least one but not more than two deputy State’s Attorneys; and as many assistant State’s Attorneys that are approved by the county commissioners and provided for in the county budget. The county commissioners shall set the salaries of the deputy and assistant State’s Attorneys. The deputy and assistant State’s Attorneys shall serve at the pleasure of the State’s Attorney. Under the direction of the State’s Attorney or in the State’s Attorney’s absence, the deputy and assistant State’s Attorneys shall have the same legal powers as the State’s Attorney to: perform acts and duties in relation to all criminal proceedings; and represent the State in all proceedings in relation to the grand jury, circuit court, District Court of Maryland, and units of the State or a political subdivision of the State. The State’s Attorney may not engage in the private practice of law.