United States

Wharton v. State - Probation Extension Consent Ruling

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled that an illegal probation extension, even if consented to by the defendant, is void. The court found that while a defendant may consent to probation terms, they cannot consent to illegal conditions, and violations under such an extension are invalid. This ruling impacts how probation extensions with impermissible conditions are handled in Maryland courts.

Kyere v. Durand - Arbitration Agreement

The Court of Special Appeals of Maryland addressed whether a non-signatory agent can enforce an arbitration agreement. The court affirmed that doctors employed by a hospital had standing to compel arbitration under an employment agreement, citing interdependent misconduct and agency.

Forks v. Trans Union LLC - Consumer Credit Case

A new civil case, Forks v. Trans Union LLC, was filed on February 27, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves consumer credit and was removed from state court. Trans Union LLC is the defendant.

Rosales v. Elevate PFS Holdings, Inc. - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Rosales v. Elevate PFS Holdings, Inc., was filed on February 27, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from Alameda County Superior Court and includes initial filings such as a Corporate Disclosure Statement and Certificate of Interested Entities.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Hamilton - Attorney Misconduct

The Maryland Court of Appeals has disbarred attorney Judith Marie Hamilton for multiple violations of professional conduct rules, including incompetence, lack of diligence, communication failures, and misconduct during an investigation. The disciplinary action stems from her representation in a divorce case and her failure to cooperate with Bar Counsel.

Maryland Supreme Court: State v. Stone - Traffic Stop Reasonable Suspicion

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that observing a driver manipulating a mobile phone is insufficient on its own to establish reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. The court clarified that police must identify specific facts, beyond general lawful phone use, to reasonably believe a traffic violation has occurred.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Jones - Reinstatement Order

The Maryland Court of Appeals granted the Attorney Grievance Commission's motion to reinstate Gregory Wayne Jones and dismiss the disciplinary petition. This order restores Mr. Jones to good standing and permits him to practice law in Maryland.

Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Tucker - Attorney Discipline

The Maryland Court of Appeals has suspended Charles T. Tucker, Jr. for six months from the practice of law, effective March 23, 2026. The disciplinary action stems from violations of Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct.

Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Wagner - Attorney Discipline

The Maryland Court of Appeals has reprimanded attorney Brenda C. Wagner. This action follows a public censure in the District of Columbia for violating professional conduct rules. The Court denied Wagner's motion for an extension of time to respond to the disciplinary petition.

Christopher A. Scott v. State of Missouri - Postconviction Relief Appeal

The Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the denial of postconviction relief for Christopher A. Scott. The court found that Scott's amended motion did not challenge the original pro se claim, leading to the affirmation of the lower court's judgment.