Legal Problem in Maryland
Information for You
The following information is provided by Matt P. Lavine, a Maryland attorney
since 1985. It is not a substitute for legal advice.
Legal advice is only provided by a licensed attorney with specific knowledge about a client's situation. Visitors to this Web Site
may use the information herein as a resource to help them understand their legal problems.
A legal problem, such as an injury, an arrest, or a contract dispute, is evaluated within the area of the law that addresses the problem.
The following questions can help with your understanding of the areas of the law that may apply to your situation:
- Are you facing criminal charges?
Criminal law is divided into felonies and misdemeanors. Both can result in a permanent criminal record and imprisonment. Your defense can be harmed by activity or inactivity prior to trial.
If you are facing criminal charges do not delay. Do not rely on the hope or promise that things will work out. Obtain a lawyer with the experience and skill to defend you against the prosecution. - Have you been charged with DUI, DWI, or "drunk driving"?
DUI and DWI differ in the severity of the penalty, but both can result in higher insurance rates and the loss of driving privileges. Your response to the breathylyzer test can lead the MVA to seek the suspension of your driver's license. The MVA action is separate from the court proceeding on the traffic tickets.
If you have received a traffic ticket for a violation of Section 21-902 of the Transportation Code, you have important legal rights that can be lost if you fail to take certain actions. Your driver's license and your freedom are at risk. Accepting punishment may not solve the problem. A lawyer with the relevant experience and skill can preserve your license and defend you in court. - Were you injured in a car accident?
If you were injured in a car accident or any vehicular collision, negligence by the driver of the vehicle can make both the driver and the owner of the vehicle liable for your injuries. As an injured victim of the negligence of another, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and reimbursement for your medical expenses and lost time from work.
The insurance company for the negligent paries will try to create a settlement with you. Insurance companies are not in business to help you. The right lawyer will be motivated and trained to get you the best possible award - and have the experience, talent, and determination to go to trial if needed. - Were you injured on the job?
If you were injured while working for your employer, you are entitled to medical treatment and compensation for your salary while you are unable to work. If your injuries permanently diminish your ability to work at your job, you can receive compensation and training for a different career.
To succeed, you must meet important procedural deadlines. Do not delay in contacting a lawyer. If your injuries will prevent you from returning to work, a lawyer experienced in worker's compensation cases can be of great help. - Were you arrested or searched without reasonable basis?
When a government official violates the Constitutional rights of an individual, the law provides remedies that include the award of compensation. Mere mistakes by a police officer typically are not violations. Errors by a government worker are probablt not violations.
Constitutional violations are serious acts that deprive an individual of an important right. These are complicated matters, and an experienced, skilled attorney can fight for you. There are deadlines to meet, so a delay can substantially harm your right to proceed. - Has your employer treated you differently because of your race, religion, or gender?
When a person's ability or opportunity to work is harmed because of the illegal conduct of supervisors or, in certain cases, co-workers, the law provides remedies. A court or agency can order employers to alter their behavior and can award compensation.
There are important deadlines in these kinds of cases. A delay may deprive you of your rights. It is critical that you locate a lawyer with the relevant experience and talent. - Were you fired because you refused to violate the law or because your employer violated the law?
Maryland law recognizes the tort of wrongful termination. If your employer fired you either because you refused to violate the law or because you reported the employer's violation of the law, you may well be entitled to compensation.
Not every termination creates a case. The better course may be to resolve your differences with your employer to prevent a termination. A lawyer with the experience in these matters can provide valuable legal advice. - If you are looking for information and legal advice about business transactions, please take a look at Legal Help for Small Businesses in Maryland.
My practice does not include family matters, such as divorces and custody disputes.
Contact me to arrange a free consulatation.