[4][5][6] In August 2018, he pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and breach of release charges, and was sentenced to 22 days in prison along with one year of probation.
[7] Atkins began his political career as a Republican when he won a three-way race in 2002 to replace retiring Democrat Charles P. West, who had held the 41st district seat since 1977.
[12] On October 29, 2006, Atkins was caught drunk driving and used his representative identification to gain leniency from the Ocean City, Maryland police officers and avoid arrest for the incident.
In 2012, Atkins resigned from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee after attacking a police officer in an angry email.
[16] On June 5, 2014, the Delaware Family Court issued a restraining order for Atkins to stay away from his estranged wife and children due to allegations of violence and abuse.
[9] In July 2018, Atkins was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and assault after an argument with his then girlfriend where he squeezed her neck until she could not breathe.
[5][22] On August 17, 2018, he pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and breach of release charges, and was sentenced to time served, which was 22 days in prison, along with one year of probation.