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Maryland Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: What are the laws for parking my live in cargo van at my family’s, single family rental home?

My mom has a money hungry landlord that I’m pretty sure has been reporting us for parking in front of my family’s home even though we have her permission and her rent is up to date. My mom has health problems so I need to be around as her oldest to help out but there’s no room to actually... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 22, 2023

Parking rules and regulations are typically covered in your (or your parent's) lease agreement. Additionally, if the rental property is subject to a homeowner's association, they may have additional parking rules and regulations. Further, if your vehicle is parked on a public street there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: My brother and I are the victims of electronic harassment. What are my options in the ways of gathering evidence?

I understand the gravity of this claim. I can’t let fear lie in the way of asking for help. I have no proof other than a list of license plates that are stored in my photos, voice memos, etc that I haven’t compiled because I am constantly exhausted from the harassment. Other than keeping a list... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2023

If you believe that you and your brother are victims of electronic harassment, it is important to take steps to protect yourselves and gather evidence to support your claims. Here are some options to consider:

1. Document incidents: Keep a detailed log of any incidents of electronic...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Maryland on
Q: How do I remove an unrelated persons name from my indictment?

I’m in Silver spring, Maryland. I’m attempting to expunge a felony marijuana case from over 17 years ago. In the process of filing the paperwork, I discovered my date of birth on the internets case search was incorrect. I decided to purchase a copy of the indictment. In the indictment docket I... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 5, 2023

It depends on whether the mistakes were made by the clerk when updating the online Judiciary Case Search system, or whether these were errors made in-court by the judge at the time of sentencing or earlier in the charging documents by the police or prosecutors at the start of the cases. If the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: I was on interview at sheriffs office and made me take alcohol test. Interview said I smelled like alcohol

Can I sue for being accused of smelling like alcohol. I had to take an alcohol test which i passed.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

Sorry that you were treated this way by the Police. The Police have an obligation to act when they have a reasonable suspicion, they don't have to be 100%. If you feel that the request was motivated by some improper reason, your civil rights may have been violated and you should consult with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a police officer take a photo of my feet with his cell phone, while I'm being detained awaiting processing?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on May 7, 2023

Seems a bit odd. Is there an evidence based reason for doing so? Did a witness or security camera footage identify the offender in part by their footwear or feet? Was this a DUI where you failed to perform field sobriety tests and there’s a potential issue that the type of footwear interfered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Maryland on
Q: Is it lawful to record a phone conversation between two parties if the parties are located in different states?

The recording party is located in Virginia and consents to the recording. The 2nd party is located in Vermont. The topic involves a business matter (employment discrimination) for a business located in Maryland.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Apr 8, 2023

You would need to consult with attorneys in Virginia and Vermont to see if it is illegal to record without the consent of both parties. It would be illegal in Maryland.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for Maryland on
Q: What can done to stop someone from using a police scanner and sharing crime, accident and out of context info on f book?

Someone created a Facebook page and he listens to a police scanner and posts their audio, follows police to crime scenes and accidents. Etc. He reposts out of context info. Reposts deaths before family’s are notified. He claims it’s to keep the community safe but he tarnishes individual and... View More

Ronald V. Miller Jr.
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answered on Apr 4, 2023

It can be frustrating and concerning when someone shares sensitive information on social media platforms, particularly when it involves crime, accidents, and personal details. But these are the perils of having the 1st Amendment. I don't think you have any reasonable path to stop what he is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: What should I do if a company gave me a fake bill and neither the police nor the company offered any assistance?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 23, 2023

If someone gives you a "fake bill" ... don't pay it. It's fake. Unless you're not telling all the facts. Impossible to know what is going on. Let the company sue you if you dispute the alleged charge, and then a judge can decide whether the bill is fake or not and whether you owe any money.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Appeals / Appellate Law, Domestic Violence and Libel & Slander for Maryland on
Q: I had someone who FALSELY filed a Peace order on me back in 2019. Can I still get a transcript and legal action.

In 2019 she filed a peace order on me lying what happen. Right after court I got messages on xbox of her telling me she lied and she only did it to keep me away bc she was had a bf and but she was the one trying to see me. I have multiple forms of proof and got told I cant remove it off my record... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 12, 2023

That's 4 years ago now. Statute of limitations for filing a claim for civil abuse of process is 3 years from the date the claim arose, which is the date she filed the false petition or the date it was finally adjudicated in your favor, as is any other civil claim you might come up with to sue... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: How should we proceed with the search that looks like was unlawful and a violation of rights.

My son which is a black 21 year old male was recently arrested in Ocean City MD over the weekend 12/31/22 for what we can only see as him being profiled but we live in Virginia. He was told by the police officer that pulled him over that his license plates didn't match his car and that he... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 3, 2023

Your son needs a criminal defense lawyer. Either he/you can afford private counsel, or he needs to apply for the Public Defender in the county where the charges are pending. The lawyer will obtain all of the discovery and evidence from the State (including officer dash video and body camera video... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I'm a renter in an apartment complex in Havre de Grace Maryland I do not have a working shower or a working kitchen sink

Maintenance Request form was submitted over a week ago via multiple avenues (on-line form, hard copy as well as several follow up calls and no response whatsoever). Please help. I'd like to b showered for the holiday.

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 21, 2022

It’s best to consult legal counsel, because landlord and tenant practice tends to be local, but Maryland law allows tenants to withhold rent and use that rent to repair health issues such as water, heat, and sewage service. You’ve notified. Hire the best licensed plumber in town for emergency... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maryland on
Q: What actions to make when judge and attorney makes a decision without defendants permission to a speedy trial?

Not letting the defendant know that his right to a speedy trial was waived also not violating any rights he may have? He’s been incarcerated for a year and 3months. 6 months in a federal facility without a single court date. Just found out that his right to a speedy trial was signed off on... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Oct 11, 2022

The judge decides all issues related to a speedy trial including whether your constitutional right to a speedy trial has been violated. The judge does not need your permission. The judge also decides whether a case will be postponed. You may be able to appeal the decision, but the judge has a lot... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: When pulled over in Maryland, do I legally have to hand the police my ID or can I simply show it through the window?
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Sep 27, 2022

Md. Ann. Code, Trans. Art., Section 16-112 states that each driver of a motor vehicle shall display the license to any uniformed police officer who demands it. It goes on to state that this is satisfied only if the officer is able to access the verification system. I read this to mean that you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: I need to find a lawyer for my boyfriend who is being held unlawfully in jail and his 8th Amendment is being violated
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 24, 2022

Anyone in jail can probably use a lawyer. 8th Amendment refers to the Constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. That Amendment is rarely found to apply to most circumstances. You will need to be very specific about what is cruel and unusual in order to evaluate whether there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: I wanted to know how do I file a lawsuit against a jail that is holding someone unlawfully

My boyfriend has been in jail since March and his 8th amendment is being violated

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Sep 23, 2022

Your boyfriend should hire counsel or contact the Public Defender to see if anything can be done to procure his release such as filing for a writ of habeas corpus. You cannot file a lawsuit on his behalf. Only an attorney can file on behalf of another individual.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: Good evening is this case still open or is closed do I have to reopen it
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 11, 2022

You do not provide any information or a case number. I suggest that you reach out to an attorney privately to learn the status of the case and whether it can be reopened.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: I want to be an attorney that represents individuals who are wrongfully convicted, who are on death and children given

Children given crazy sentences. In my head I always thought that was criminal defense law, public interest because I want to help the poor. However afte researching things it seems like. This sometimes fall under civil rights attorney so I am confused under which one it falls under?

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Apr 21, 2022

There are two components at play here. First, you have the criminal case. A criminal defense attorney would fight to overturn the criminal conviction. If that is successful, a civil rights attorney may seek compensation for damages caused by the wrongful conviction.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: Can a Prosector use false evidence against a defendant in a criminal felony case?

The 1st degree rape case was dismissed due to the evidence provided by the officer, a Spanish misinterpreter, added false narratives of force on a Tinder date. The alleged victim admitted on cop cam that she planned to sleep with him and no crime was committed. The officer ignored her reason for... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 30, 2022

Hire a crimial defense lawyer. This is not somethng you post on a public forum, which is open to law enforcement, and accessible by the very same prosecutor you are accusing of suborning perjury. Your factual details almost certainly identify who you are to those who are familiar with the case.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Maryland on
Q: If discovery states aerial photos, doesn’t the prosecutor have to provide these to defendant?

Discovery has a box checked “aerial photos“ being the basis of evidence for a search warrant of a home, wouldn’t the prosecution have to provide those aerial photos to the defense? My attorney frankly says there are no aerial photos and that the police lied to get the search warrant (to... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 20, 2022

You should not be posting these facts on a public forum, and you need to have these private conversations with your lawyer. The state's discovery obligations are clear, and your lawyer is in the best position to evaluate the situation and take any action that is appropriate or advisable.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: can homeowner association board of directors restrict individual homeowners from talking with the press/journalists

my homeowner's association (hoa) president and the board of directors (bod) act as if ALL issues - specifically, talking with journalists for a possible light-hearted article that's essentially, an expanded real-estate/house-for-sale feature focusing on our community's positive... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 15, 2022

No, the HOA has no legal authority to control or prohibit a homeowner from speaking to the press or anyone else.

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