Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Maryland Small Claims Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Environmental, Health Care Law and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Hi can you sue someone a free they knowingly let you in their house with flea infestation
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 5, 2023

Unless they intentionally planned to cause you to be infested with fleas without your realizing it, for some malicious reason or purpose, and you can prove that, then no. Same goes for suing someone because you caught a cold or the flu from them when they knew they were sick but failed to warn... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: I let my friend borrow my thumptack account. She used my name and email to get jobs. One of her clients is suing me!

Since she used my name I am the one getting sued what should I do!

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 5, 2023

Defend the suit, file a third-party complaint against your friend. Since you probably don't know how to do this, you may need to pay a lawyer. If the amount of the suit is under $5,000, meaning it's a Small Claims matter, you may be able to defend yourself by filing a timely Notice of... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: The law implies that it’s only “Highways” that you can’t pick up and drop passengers, so on any other road it’s okay?

If someone were to he picked up on a backroad or any other road other than a highway and then driven through the highway and dropped off on another back road, is that still legal?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 23, 2023

MD Code, Transportation, § 11-127 -- Highway defined:

“Highway” means:

(1) The entire width between the boundary lines of any way or thoroughfare of which any part is used by the public for vehicular travel, whether or not the way or thoroughfare has been dedicated to the...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: My work place threw away my $800 bike without proper notice how do I get what it's worth if they're resisting?

All of the bikes on the rack in our parking garage were thrown away, multiple other employees (including supervisors and some dept managers) were not aware. We found out after the fact that only the condo owners were sent an email to get their bikes if they don't want them thrown out. The bike... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 12, 2023

Claims not exceeding $5,000 in value may be filed in District Court as a Small Claims matter. The District Court complaint form is available as a fillable PDF document on the court's website, or a paper version can be obtained from the clerk's office. The rules of evidence do not apply... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Wedding vendor is withholding funds to photographer even though contract is paid in full on my end.

I paid in full for an all-inclusive wedding where the venue would pay the third-party vendors themselves with the money I paid them. We are now three months post wedding and the photographer is withholding our pictures because they still haven't been paid. The vendor is refusing to respond to... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 8, 2023

So, I imagine you would like the photos asap. You can pay a lawyer to send a letter to the vendor to either pay the money they owe at once, or you will pay and then sue the vendor for breach of contract. This will cost you (1) to pay the lawyer; and (2) pay the photographer what you've... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Hi, my roommate (ex) moved out of our mobile home, which is in my name , without notice and left belongings. How long

How long until I can get rid of them. Only my name is on the house or lease and I live in Maryland. He also left with unpaid rent, electric and water.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 10, 2022

To be safe, send/serve him with written notice that he make reasonable arrangements within 30 days to come pick up his property, or failing that, you will deem the items to be abandoned property and will dispose of them in any manner expedient to you. Take photographs of the items, so as to make a... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: How do I pursue legal action against someone who stole my phone and send money to themselves

I tried to dispute the charges twice with my bank and they denied me saying I didn’t have enough proof but I sent them screenshots of me putting my phone in lost mode, text messages from the person saying they took it

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 10, 2022

You need to go to the police, file criminal charges if you know who the person is, or at least get a criminal report filed and a copy of it that you are the victim of a crime. You give that criminal investigation report to the bank to prove the phone was stolen and your account illegally accessed.... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Sold someone a graphics card on ebay. He contacted me a day later said its broken he now wants a refund.

He came to my house he tested it he said everything was fine he paid with cash. A day later he contacted me saying that after prolonged usage he can see artefacts on the screen something that has never happened to me. He asked for a refund but instead i just told him that I can send it for reper... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 23, 2022

You need to carefully read over the ebay terms of service and obligations between buyers and sellers, as that is a contractual matter as to what terms you bound yourself to in the sale of items over that platform. Under normal circumstances, unless you knowingly misled the buyer with a false... Read more »

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Can I sue a person whose BR case was dismissed w/o prejudice?

I filed a small claim, but my case was put on hold b/c the person filed for BR. However, she did not list me on the creditors matrix. Her case was dismissed w/o prejudice in 2020. Will she be able to refile BR if I reopen my small claim agains her?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jul 6, 2022

The effect of a dismissal of a bankruptcy case is as if it had never been filed in the first place.

Yes, she'd probably be able to file again ("changed circumstances"), but your small claims case will almost certainly not be the reason why if she does.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Trying to buy a Service Vehicle: Car got loaned out while I am waiting to finish the purchase. What do I do??

Trying to buy a Service Vehicle: Car got loaned out while I am waiting to finish the purchase.

I went to buy a service vehicle from Annapolis Hyundai. I liked the car decided to continue with the purchase. I signed a printed paper with the cars VIN, price, and other details. No sentences... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 15, 2022

Express your dissatisfaction to the sales manager; ask for a discount for the extra miles and wear and tear on the car; or cancel the purchase if whatever you signed allows you to cancel (it is unclear whether you signed a binding contract to purchase or not). Maybe ask to purchase a different car... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Bankruptcy for Maryland on
Q: How can I stop a garnishment (auto loan) that is causing me a hardship and the court is 3 hours away from me.

I've requested contact from the court nothing, explained the distance issue and that I brought the vehicle 20min from my home. What can I do?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 27, 2023

File a challenge to the barn. Hire a lawyer in that town to handle for you. File bankruptcy where you are.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Loaned money to a friend , have details in texts, has not paid me back in 8 months, what can I do?
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 7, 2023

You can sue your friend for the money due. It is your only remedy if he will not pay voluntarily. If you sue him, it may end your friendship.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Appeals / Appellate Law and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Is there a specific form to file a motion to vacate judgement in Maryland District Court?

Its a contract related matter and the Prince George's county entered an Affidavit Judgement. I am trying to file a motion to vacate, so is there a form that needs to be filled along with the reason for not being present before the court or just a letter addressed to the clerk/court will... Read more »

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Feb 2, 2023

You would use a general motion form. You should include any information as to why you did not show up in court, as well as any defense that you might have raised in the contract claim (i.e you didn't owe the money, you paid it already, etc.)

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: What are the charges for low value theft
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 16, 2022

You can be charged with theft under $100.00 which is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Can I go to small claims court?

I had planned to go on a beach trip with my ex friend and her family in December. I gave my portion of the payment of $616 to my ex friend on May 4th. She told me at anytime I changed my mind, I could get my money back. I notified her October 13th I would not be able to go as some other things came... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2021

Her emailed response that she would refund you the money will help corroborate your claimed terms of the agreement that the money you paid was refundable at any time, but the "at any time" term is probably not one actually confirmed in the email--just that she would refund you the money.... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: What Happens If The Owner/Owners File A Wrongful Detainer MD Cts & Jud Pro Code § 5-103 (2019)

What Happens If The Owner/Owners File A Wrongful Detainer Against Against MD Cts & Jud Pro Code § 5-103 (2019) Or Can They? (Illegal/legal) (Adverse Possession Cannot Be Interfered With By A Landowner) Involuntary Alienation Voluntary Alienation Are Both The Same One Not Highly One Not... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 24, 2021

They get awarded a judgment of possession and issue a writ of eviction and the person in wrongful possession gets forcibly removed by the sheriff.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: MD Cts & Jud Pro Code § 5-103 (2019) What Happens If The Owner Owners File A Wrongful Detainer.

What Happens Or What Can Happen If The Owner/Owners File A Wrongful Detainer Regarding Adverse Possession ........ Can They? MD Cts & Jud Pro Code § 5-103 (2019). Or What Can Happen To The Owner/Owners As A Result They Do?

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Oct 24, 2021

Well, a wrongful detainer action (WD) is where the owner of the home claims that there is a person living in the property who doesn't have a legal right to be there. If the owner files, it will come before a judge who will need to make a determination as to whether the person alleged to be... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Public Benefits and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Can I sue president of my organization if he goes contrary to our constitution to remove members who do not support him?

We are a membership organization of about 20 members. The president who goes contrary to our constitution removed about 9 members who oppose his leadership style. We have funds that belongs to all of us and we all need to affect the use of this fund even if we exit the organization as he wants. Our... Read more »

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 3, 2021

Take the organization constitution to a lawyer to review, and evaluate your legal options, as well as actions you can take under the constitution, such as calling a special meeting, holding a new election, removal of the president, etc., whatever the provisions allow. Recourse to the courts... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: The loan is in my name only but the registration and tags are in mine and Exs name. Who ownes the car legally?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Aug 15, 2021

By title, you both legally own the car equally. Neither of you could be charged with the crime of theft for taking possession of the car from the other and driving it away. Civilly, however, as part of an alleged contract or agreement pursuant to which one of you made all the payments toward the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: What type of lawyer specializes in home warranty cases? My builder is refusing to cover items in the 1-year warranty.
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Aug 3, 2021

That’s just a litigator who practices in the county where the builder will be sued.

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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.