Can I rely on legal hotlines, legal websites,  judges on TV, or the other side, for information or help?
 

Legal Hotlines

In Maryland there are two types of legal hotlines. There are several publicly funded legal hotlines operated by nonprofit legal services groups. There is also one private, commercial hotline.

All are staffed by attorneys licensed in Maryland or by paralegals supervised by Maryland attorneys.

You can generally rely upon the information/advice that they give. But remember that any advice is limited by what the attorney or paralegal is told about your situation. If you do not tell them everything, the information/advice may not be as accurate.
 

Legal websites

The value of legal websites varies enormously. Many are mostly advertisements for private attorneys. Non-profit legal aid groups also operate some legal websites. The courts and government agencies offer information as well.

The type of information varies as well. Websites may offer legal information, forms, self-help information and practical tips.

You should look for a website that:

• follows the American Bar Association’s Best Practice Guidelines for legal websites. (For example, the Peoples Law Library of Maryland offers a description of how it meets the ABA Guidelines)
• contains legal information from your state;
•  is clearly labeled with the source of the information and the last date the information was updated.

The value of these websites depends upon the purpose for the website.

• Generally the private attorney websites are limited in the amount of information. Keep in mind that the purpose of these websites is to attract clients as well as to educate.
• Court and government agency websites are usually very reliable. They often offer forms or the ability to file complaints on-line. However, these websites are not designed to offer self-help advocacy information.
• Legal services websites are primarily not-for-profit and educational. They often offer self-help advocacy tips and information. When designed to integrate the information form the court and government websites, these websites can be the most reliable.

The best starting point for Marylanders is the Peoples Law Library website. This award-winning website is one of the largest legal information and self-help advocacy websites in the country. It serves as a portal to all of the free legal aid groups in the state. The information is tailored to Maryland residents and contains over 6,000 links to other legal resources that have been carefully reviewed as useful to low and moderate-income persons.
 

Judges on TV

The most important thing to remember is that the judges on TV are providing entertainment. Judge Judy, the Peoples’ Court, Judge Joe Brown and the other shows

For example Judge Joe Brown’s website  invites you to submit your case but notes that it is for informational and entertainment purposes and are not legal advice

The exceptions are the occasional actual trials that are televised. However, these trials do not offer a complete picture either. You will not find these trials very useful in preparing for your case in District Court, especially small claims court. First, you are likely to see only the “highlights” of the actual trial on television, not the entire trial. In addition, you will not see all of the background work to prepare for the trial. Second, the trials are most likely to be criminal, not civil cases. Finally, the trials will be following formula procedural rules that do not apply in small claims court.
 

Should I listen to the plaintiff or the attorney for the other side of your legal dispute?

Not for legal advice or help. The attorney for the party in your legal dispute is not a neutral person. S/he represents only the other side and cannot represent you, give you advice, help you define the legal terms or prepare any of the necessary documents.

In fact, the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys note: “In dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel, a lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is disinterested. When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands that lawyer’s role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding.” Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 4.3 “Dealing with Unrepresented Persons.”

You can listen to the other side in order to discuss a settlement or find common ground. But remember that they are not looking out for your interest.