Media Advisory:
Judiciary Walk-In Center to Provide Free Legal Help in Baltimore

(BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – September 19, 2017) – The Maryland Judiciary is expanding services for Baltimore residents who have civil legal matters in District Court.  On Friday, September 22, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey will formally open the District Court Self-Help Resource Center at the Baltimore City District Court at 501 E. Fayette Street.  News media are invited to attend.

The ribbon-cutting celebrates the expansion of convenient, free legal advice for people who need help with civil matters in the District Court, including:

• Landlord/tenant
• Small and large claims up to $30,000
• Debt collection
• Return of property
• Peace and protective orders
• Expungement

This is the District Court of Maryland’s fourth walk-in center and is part of the Judiciary’s growing network of services for individuals who come to court without counsel.  Since 2009, more than 57,000 people have received legal assistance at District Court walk-in centers.

• Fifty-five percent of District Court Self-Help Resource Center users are women.
• Seventy-three percent of District Court Self-Help Resource Center users have an annual household income of less than $50,000.
• Eight percent of District Court Self-Help Resource Center users speak a language other than English at home.
• Ninety-six percent of Self-Help Center clients “strongly agree” that the services they received were helpful.

The District Court of Maryland also offers Self-Help Resource Centers in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Wicomico counties.  Self-help legal resources are also available by telephone and live chat.

WHAT:
Baltimore City District Court Self-Help Resource Center Opening

WHO:
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey
Baltimore City District Administrative Judge Barbara B. Waxman
Maryland Legal Aid Executive Director William H. Joseph, Jr.

WHEN
Friday, September 22, 2017
11 a.m.

WHERE:
Baltimore City District Court
501 East Fayette St., First Floor, Courtroom 2
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

The celebration will be held in Courtroom 2 on the first floor of the courthouse, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will take place on the third floor.

MEDIA CONTACT:
The media are invited to attend. Please contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs to respond, for more information, and to discuss the use of cameras and electronic devices.
Phone: 410-260-1488
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mdcourts.gov/selfhelp

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