For Immediate Release

Media Advisory
Walk-In Center Offers Free Legal Help at Prince George’s County District Court

(UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – June 9, 2015) The Maryland Judiciary is celebrating the opening of a second free walk-in legal clinic for people who need help with civil cases in District Court. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at the District Court Self-Help Resource Center in Prince George’s County, 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro. The media is invited to attend the opening, tour the center, talk to staff, and learn how the service works.

The District Court Self-Help Resource Center helps people with civil matters, including:

• landlord/tenant
• small and large claims up to $30,000
• debt collection
• return of property
• peace and protective orders

The walk-in center in the Prince George’s County District Court has been operating since the beginning of April. Its scheduled February opening was delayed by water damage in the courthouse. “We are open for business and going strong, but this ribbon-cutting is important because it celebrates a much-needed community resource,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey.

The first such center, the District Court Self-Help Resource Center in Glen Burnie, opened in December 2009. Services quickly expanded to include online and telephone support. In 2014, the District Court Self-Help Resource Center attorneys assisted 23,632 people with civil legal matters. Prince George’s County residents account for more than a quarter of the requests for phone or online help.

The new center in Upper Marlboro is centrally located to focus on the needs of people in Prince George’s and neighboring counties. Functioning as a walk-in center, it is staffed by three attorneys from Maryland Legal Aid.

“Since opening at the end of April, the Self-Help Resource Center has helped over 700 citizens from Prince George’s County and surrounding communities,” said Judge Tiffany H. Anderson, Administrative Judge for District 5 (Prince George’s County). “We expect this center to benefit many of our citizens.”

Located on the ground floor of Bourne Wing of the Prince George’s County Courthouse, the three-room District Court Self-Help Resource Center has a kiosk where walk-in litigants sign in when they arrive. The center is open during regular courthouse hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHAT:
Celebration of the District Court Self-Help Resource Center in Prince George’s County -- remarks and ribbon-cutting

WHO:
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey will lead the opening. Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera will make brief remarks.

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
11 a.m.

WHERE:
District Court Self-Help Resource Center
Prince George’s County District Court
Bourne Wing, Room 069B (ground floor)
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(The opening will be held in the conference room near the walk-in center.)

MEDIA CONTACT:
The media is 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/or electronic devices.
Phone: 410-260-1488
Email: Terri Charles or Lou Gieszl

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