Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Civil Litigation legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Maryland Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: Is the landlord responsible for water damage repairs and cleanup in MD?

I am renting a unit in a commercial building in Maryland for my business and have experienced significant water damage due to a leaking roof. We have been notifying the property managers through email for several months, but their responses are only about attempts to fix the roof without addressing... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 6, 2025

You need to retain counsel for a lease review. Commercial leases are not controlled by consumer rental laws. The lease is usually binding, but commercial leases are often longer and complex. You need to know what your lease says, and you should have had counsel review before you signed it. That... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: Filing a civil lawsuit against Maryland with paperwork issues.

I'm trying to file a civil lawsuit against the state of Maryland, but the courthouses have given me incorrect and incomplete paperwork. I've been facing issues as they keep rerouting me to places that don't help. I would like a lawyer to either file the paperwork for me with or... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Banking and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: Missing interest payments from Chime Bank, seeking lawsuit advice.

I have been banking with Chime Bank and have both a checking and a savings account. I was supposed to receive a daily interest rate of 7 or 8 percent since 2022, but I have not received any interest payments. I reached out to Chime Bank, and they stated that the interest should have been paid. I... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: How can I join the lawsuit Melito et al. v. Optima Tax Relief LLC for unresolved tax issues and poor service?

I have been experiencing significant issues with Optima Tax Relief after first contacting them and paying on 7/22/2022 and signing a contract on 8/23/2022. Despite over two years of working with them, there has been a loss of money, lack of communication, and none of our tax issues have been... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: Can my attorney compel filing of an agreement with the Orphans' Court?

My partner, who lived with me and helped run my business, left everything to his ex-wife in his will, including the business and the home, as he believed I would pass away first. After his death, his ex-wife, the bookkeeper, tried to claim the business and home. We reached a settlement agreement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: I am being sued because my dog bit someone else's after getting out and need to know my options

I had a cousin staying with me temporarily while getting back on his feet after moving back to our home state he was very informed about the fact they my dog is reactive and has dog on dog aggression I keep signs posted I keep two out of three of my property gates permanently sealed to have the... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 7, 2025

If you have homeowner's insurance, you should report the claim to your carrier and they should cover the claim. They would hire an attorney to defend you and pay any judgment that is rendered.

If not, your cousin may jointly and severally liable and you could sue him for...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: I don't know what kind of lawyer I need to get a suicide note unsealed in Mt. Airy Maryland? Please help

Person hanged himself on January 6th and it was determined be a suicide by the coroner. Law enforcement said they seal suicide notes after investigation and that I would need a lawyer to get it unsealed?!

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 16, 2025

Suicide is deemed a criminal offense; therefore, the suicide note is direct evidence in a criminal investgation. Items of evidence in police criminal files are not public records and cannot ordinarily be released, but when they can be released following the closure of the criminal proceedings or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: What are the penalties for not occupying a primary residence?

I already rented out my home and now the mortgage company only approved me to not occupy for 6 months but I signed a 12 month lease with a tenant.

The mortgage company wants a copy of my lease but I am afraid that they will accelerate the loan if I show them it’s a 12 month lease.... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Dec 27, 2024

I can't speak to the mortgage company issue, as I don't handle that area of law. As to whether you can make the Tenant move out early: the simple answer is no.

You can negotiate with the Tenant, but as long as the Tenant is keeping to the terms and conditions of the lease, they...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: my ex is threating to sue me for around $250

She has a text message saying that I would reimburse her but its not clear for what exactly. She wrote a message today stating that I only owe her half but now she is wanting the full amount. What can I do to prepare myself as I no longer have access to the messages since I wiped my phone? She... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 21, 2024

A Maryland attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. If you're on speaking terms, it could be worth considering the option of finding out what the claim is for, and seeing if resolution is possible. Neither of you probably want to take time off from work and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: I'm looking to find out who the resident agent is for Sysco corp. How do I find that out?
Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Sep 28, 2024

So I'm going to jump and make an assumption that you need the resident agent information because you are pursuing a lawsuit and need to serve Sysco Corp's Resident Agent. A few things - This is a huge company so be sure you are suing the correct entity is it Sysco Corp. or is it Sysco... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: My ex girlfriend won't return my car that I let her borrow. Can I use my spare key to get it back?

My ex girlfriend had moved in with me a few months ago and I've let her use my car while she was with me so she could save money. After our relationship was broken up recently she moved to a new place and disappeared with my car. I've contacted her a couple times trying to her to bring my... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 7, 2024

If your name is on the title, it’s your car, and you can take it any time you choose. Unless she paid you an agreed price to buy it from you, she has no “equitable” legal claim to try and keep it. The MVA and the courts will only recognize the owner whose name appears on the title. If both... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for Maryland on
Q: Is it possible that I can appeal Bar Counsel's decision to a circuit court or Appellate Court?

An atty filed a frivolous lawsuit against me. I fought back and the atty quickly withdrew the complaint. Yet the case still costed me a significant amount of atty fees and expenses. Subsequently, I filed a complaint with Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission against the atty for misconduct. The... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 22, 2024

Unfortunately, bar counsel has the sole discretion whether to pursue a grievance against an attorney. You cannot appeal their decision.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: Is a commercial vehicle (semi) at fault if he hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

If a commercial vehicle (semi) hits a pedestrian (fatal) in a crosswalk after coming to a complete stop, with expired tags (3yrs expired) while turning on a residential road that has posted no trucks over 3/4 ton, automatically responsible if the pedestrian followed all the rules and laws for... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 11, 2024

An attorney could offer more in-depth insight with the police report and additional details. I'm very sorry for the loss of life of the pedestrian. A likely citation could be "Failure to Yield" to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. But that's without knowing details, such as whether... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: I was suing in small claims court but missed the court date and it was dismissed. Can I sue again?
Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Aug 6, 2024

More than likely, yes. When you, the Plaintiff, fail to appear, the court typically dismiss the case because they have determined that you are not prosecuting the case and therefore do not need relief from whatever injury or loss you are claiming. There are typically two different types of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Domestic Violence and Libel & Slander for Maryland on
Q: If someone filed a peace order with false statements/allegations, what should the other party do to respond?

I got served with a peace order in the evening hours of Friday July 12th. On the peace order there was already a hearing for this morning Monday July 15th at 9am at the Silver Spring, MD court house. I live in Gaithersburg and since I had got served late Friday I did not have time to talk or reach... View More

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Aug 6, 2024

Go to court and represent your defense. Gather your information and organize your reasoning for the false statements. However, it is important to keep in mind that the court will be weighing the evidence in the light most favorable to the person requesting the peace order. This means that your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: parked car hit and run by a cab. Driver not identified only cab company. How do I get cab company to pay for damages

Cab company won’t/can’t identify the driver. I feel the cab company should cover my damages as driver worked under their company name. I am getting nowhere. How can I get cab company to pay for my damages?

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jun 10, 2024

Usually, the driver of a cab is an independent contractor and the cab company will not be liable for the driver's negligence. The easiest and quickest way to fix your car is to make a collision claim with your own insurance company. You will have to pay a deductible, but will get it back if... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: How do I proceed with a loan to an ex-partner who is not communicating with me anymore?

In November 2023, a loan of $7000 was extended to a former business partner, with both parties entering into a written agreement stipulating the loan's repayment by the end of January 2024. In January of the same year, the loan was extended through a text message, but without specifying a new... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on May 2, 2024

You could file suit in the District Court for the money due. If you obtain a judgment, you could put a lien on their property and attempt to garnish their wages or bank account.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: Is falsifying police reports legal? What remedies exist for accountability?

My dui case was dropped but I still lost my license. The officer lied about EVERYTHING (video proof), e.g., said I was going 110 mph but I was doing 74 mph; lied saying I was disoriented, slurring my speech, & falling; lied about the blood profusely spilling out of my ear; & SO much more.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

Falsifying police reports is illegal, and officers who do so can face disciplinary actions and legal consequences. If an officer's dishonesty in a report leads to someone's harm or the mishandling of a case, this could be grounds for both civil and criminal penalties against the officer.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: Would the legal concept, equitable tolling, be applicable to my case against police misconduct?

I was falsely arrested for a dui while having a medical emergency. The criminal case was dropped but my court date was 7 months after the arrest. Every lawyer I spoke to said in order to pursue this the case 1st needed to be dismissed/dropped/not guilty. Details: My ear was profusely bleeding &... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 10, 2024

In your case, the concept of equitable tolling may be applicable. Equitable tolling is a legal principle that allows a court to extend the statute of limitations (the time limit for filing a lawsuit) in situations where extraordinary circumstances prevented a plaintiff from filing a claim within... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: sample motion to postpone a civil court date (i am defendent/sued for loan) to obtain counsel and gather more evidence
Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Mar 25, 2024

https://www.mdcourts.gov/court-forms/forms/motion-continuance-postponement

If you are in the Circuit Court (As opposed to the district court), you may use this form here and fill in the information based on your case. Simply make arguments directed to the court as to why the date should be...
View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.