Preparing Your Case and Yourself for District Court

Once you have explored the alternatives to court, it may still be necessary to go to court. When you file in District Court (including small claims court and landlord-tenant court), the following will

help you to represent yourself successfully, or
help you decide if you need attorney help, and
if you hire an attorney, it will help you to better understand the process and how you might assist your attorney.

	The Basics of Starting Your Case What Every Plaintiff and Defendant Needs to Know about District Court Cases Have you taken Quiz # 1 “Is my case right for District Court?“ It will help you to find out the following: Do I have “ standing to sue”? Does the District Court have “jurisdiction”? Am I filing in the right court location (venue)? Is my case timely? (statute of limitations) Deciding who to sue (It is more complicated than you think, especially if you are suing a business! What is the difference between small and large claims in District Court? “How to File a Small Claim" ($5,000 or under) - Essential information from the District Court How to find Maryland court records. Finding and understanding the law Do you need an attorney? - Take this quick quiz to see if your case is right for self-representation. Are you ready to handle your case?- Find out which skills and traits help you to succeed.
	Filing Your Court Papers Finding District Court forms on-line Locating your local court
	*Getting Your Case* Ready for Court Finding legal help if you need it** How your local public library can help How your local court clerk can help Can I rely on legal help-lines, websites, or judges on T.V.? Developing Your Case Basic procedure in the Court – Rules of evidence and what they mean for your case Proving damages. Calculating Damages Tips on proving case types. Plaintiff Defendant Organizing your evidence and presenting your evidence What to do if the other side contacts you Common mistakes you can avoid and Tips on contacting the courts and preparing the day before court. How to present your case.
	*Getting Yourself* Ready for Court** How to prepare your testimony Tips on contacting the courts and preparing the day before If you need an interpreter – types of interpreters and your right to an interpreter
	The Day You Go to Court Finding the court What to expect the day you go to court Tips on how to behave while waiting or testifying in court Common mistakes you can avoid