US Courts

In re Holder - Collateral Estoppel in Insurance Regulatory Scheme

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled that administrative hearings under the Insurance Article can have collateral estoppel effects on later proceedings, clarifying the application of collateral estoppel to regulatory schemes. The court also addressed the good faith requirement for claim denials and the separation of civil claims from judicial review petitions.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Missouri Supreme Court - Planned Parenthood Abortion Statutes Case

The Missouri Supreme Court transferred a case involving Planned Parenthood's challenge to state abortion statutes to the court of appeals. The court found it lacked exclusive appellate jurisdiction over the preliminary injunction ruling, which partially enjoined certain abortion-related laws following a constitutional amendment.