Verdict . News

•Judith Marie Hamilton violated eight Maryland professional conduct rules during divorce case representation

Maryland Supreme Court Disbarrs Attorney for Multiple Ethics Violations

The Supreme Court of Maryland has disbarred attorney Judith Marie Hamilton following violations of eight professional conduct rules during her representation of a divorce client. Hamilton's misconduct included failures in competence, communication, and fee handling, along with uncooperative behavior during the disciplinary investigation.

•Violations included incompetence, poor communication, improper fee handling, and failure to safeguard client property

•Court applied Terry v. Ohio standard requiring specific facts beyond general observations

Maryland Supreme Court Restricts Police Traffic Stops for Cell Phone Use

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled in *State v. Stone* that police officers cannot justify traffic stops based solely on observing a driver touching or manipulating a cell phone screen. The court held that officers must identify specific facts that reasonably establish a traffic violation has occurred, as merely touching a phone is consistent with both legal and illegal use.

•Simply touching or manipulating a phone screen insufficient for reasonable suspicion

•Maryland Supreme Court ruled that post-conviction DNA testing statute cannot be used to relitigate evidentiary issues not preserved on direct appeal

Maryland Supreme Court Narrows Post-Conviction DNA Testing Relief

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that the state's post-conviction DNA testing statute cannot be used to relitigate evidentiary issues that were not preserved during direct appeal. The decision in *Tarpley v. State* clarifies the limited scope of Maryland's DNA testing law for criminal defendants seeking relief.

•The statute provides only two specific avenues: requesting DNA testing of evidence or challenging previously tested DNA evidence reliability

3w ago•2 min read

•Writ of certiorari dismissed by majority decision of Maryland's highest court

Maryland Supreme Court Dismisses Certiorari Petition in Attorney Fee Dispute

The Supreme Court of Maryland dismissed a writ of certiorari on January 23, 2026, in the case of Joseph Basso v. Jose Rodriguez, et al., by majority decision. The dismissal was procedural, resulting from the petitioner's failure to timely file briefs in a case involving attorney's fees under Maryland Rule 1-341 and contingency fee agreements.

•Case involved attorney's fees dispute under Maryland Rule 1-341 and contingency fee agreements

3w ago•2 min read

•Supreme Court of Maryland granted certiorari and vacated circuit court's money judgment

Maryland Supreme Court Grants Cert, Vacates Circuit Court Money Judgment in HOA Case

The Supreme Court of Maryland granted certiorari in Ghazzaoui v. Russett Community Association, Inc., and vacated the circuit court's money judgment, finding the court erred when it entered a new judgment after dismissing the homeowner's appeal. The case was remanded with the original district court judgment remaining in effect.

•Court found circuit court erred in entering new judgment after dismissing appeal

•Maryland Supreme Court granted Brendan O'Brien's petition for bar reinstatement on Jan. 23, 2026

Maryland Supreme Court Reinstates Attorney Brendan O'Brien to State Bar

The Maryland Supreme Court has reinstated attorney Brendan Michael O'Brien to the state bar, granting his petition for reinstatement on Jan. 23, 2026. The court's order allows O'Brien to resume practicing law in Maryland after a period of suspension or disbarment.

•Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader signed the order allowing O'Brien to resume practicing law

•Robert Paul Pratz successfully petitioned the Maryland Supreme Court for reinstatement to the state bar

Maryland Supreme Court Reinstates Attorney Robert Paul Pratz to State Bar

The Maryland Supreme Court granted attorney Robert Paul Pratz's petition for reinstatement to the Maryland Bar on Jan. 23, 2026. The order, signed by Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, restores Pratz's ability to practice law in the state following a period of suspension or disbarment.

•The court granted the petition on Jan. 23, 2026, with Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader signing the order

Dec 23, 2025•4 min read

•Maryland Supreme Court held that municipal design decisions about vehicular-pedestrian barriers are governmental functions protected by immunity

Maryland Supreme Court Reinforces Municipal Immunity in Design Cases

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that Baltimore enjoys governmental immunity for discretionary infrastructure design decisions. The court held that municipal choices about barriers between vehicular roads and pedestrian areas constitute protected governmental functions.

•Ruling reinforces distinction between governmental and proprietary functions in determining municipal liability

Dec 19, 2025•2 min read

•Maryland Supreme Court granted petition for writ of certiorari in Bowler v. State Farm case on December 19, 2025

Maryland Supreme Court Grants Certiorari in State Farm Auto Case, Vacates Judgment

The Maryland Supreme Court granted a petition for writ of certiorari on December 19, 2025, in *Bowler v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company*, vacating the lower court judgment and remanding the case with reference to its recent Bowens decision, marking a significant development in the auto insurance dispute from Prince George's County Circuit Court.

•Court vacated the lower court judgment and remanded case to Prince George's County Circuit Court