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What To Do If a Contractor Damages Your Property
When you hire someone to work on your home, their work should improve your property, not create more work. However, damage can happen during a renovation or repairs. When it does, you should know what steps are available to you under construction law.
You have legal rights, and taking the right steps early can help you protect your home and your finances. If you need support, our North Bethesda, MD construction lawyers can guide you through the legalities and help you build a strong case.
How Do I Know the Contractor Is Responsible for the Damage?
Contractors are responsible for completing work carefully and according to professional standards. Damage may happen through accidents, carelessness, or failure to follow building rules. The first step is to look at when the damage appeared and whether it is connected directly to the contractor’s work.
Can the National Guard Arrest Undocumented Immigrants?
In August 2025, the United States National Guard was deployed to Washington, D.C. under federal direction. Officials said the goal was to address rising crime in the Capital. Around the same time, ICE activity in D.C. neighborhoods became more visible. Officers started making arrests in areas such as Mount Pleasant and Petworth. These events drew national attention and caused concern among immigrant families about how enforcement actions might affect them.
The Guard’s authority is limited under federal law. If you have concerns about your immigration status or deportation, you need to know your rights and what to do if you are approached by law enforcement or military personnel. An Oakton, VA immigration attorney at Salvado Law Offices can help.
Is a Criminal Appeal the Same as a Post-Conviction Petition in Maryland?
It can be easy to confuse a criminal appeal and a post-conviction petition. Both offer a way to challenge your conviction, but the purposes and processes are different. If you have questions about filing either after a criminal conviction, you should speak with an attorney. An experienced Bethesda, MD criminal defense lawyer can help you understand these options and guide you through the process.
What Is a Criminal Appeal in Maryland?
A criminal appeal in Maryland is a formal request to a higher court to review a lower court's decision after a conviction or guilty plea. It is based on the claim that legal errors were made during the original trial. The goal is to find out if something went wrong that made your trial unfair. Appeals are not a chance to show new evidence. Instead, the court reviews what already happened during the trial.
Can I Get a Protective Order During Divorce Proceedings in Virginia?
Virginia law allows protective orders during divorce cases if a judge believes someone needs protection. These orders offer you and your family immediate safety while the court decides on bigger, sometimes heated, issues in your divorce. A protective order can also help set clear boundaries so conflict does not worsen. Our McLean, VA protective order lawyers will guide you through the process of petitioning for a protective order during divorce.
How Do Protective Orders Work in Virginia?
Virginia law provides three types of protective orders, each serving a different purpose and length of time:
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Emergency protective orders last up to 72 hours. They are often issued after an arrest to give immediate safety until the courts are open and able to review the situation.
Are Verbal Contractor Agreements Enforceable in Maryland?
In Maryland, a contract does not have to be written down to carry legal weight. When a construction project is about to start, many property owners and contractors make handshake deals or simple verbal promises. These informal agreements may feel easier than drafting lengthy contracts, but if questions later arise about payment, scope of work, or deadlines, it can cause problems. If you are relying on an verbal contractor agreement in Maryland, speak with an experienced Redland, MD construction law attorney to understand how to protect yourself.
When the Statute of Frauds Requires a Written Contract
Like many states, Maryland follows the Statute of Frauds, which requires certain contracts to be in writing for them to be enforceable. Under § 5-901, contracts for the sale of land, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, and certain financial agreements must be put down in writing.
Can I Sue for a Birth Injury in Virginia?
Mistakes made in a delivery room can cause lifelong injuries to both mother and child. If a medical professional acted negligently during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, you may have the right to file a medical malpractice claim in Virginia.
Recently, Virginia’s Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program faced turmoil when its CFO admitted to embezzling $6.7 million. The program is a no-fault system that provides compensation for certain severe birth injuries without requiring families to file a traditional malpractice lawsuit. However, the CFO's actions have led to delays in benefits for families who rely on the fund.
In light of this breakdown, many parents are now questioning the program’s reliability and seeking justice through traditional legal claims. Even though the program has faced financial and administrative problems, it generally remains the exclusive remedy for qualifying neurological birth injuries when the medical provider participates. A Vienna, VA personal injury attorney can help you understand the laws that apply and the evidence required to protect your child’s future.
Does a Writ of Actual Innocence Lead To an Expungement in Maryland?
A writ of actual innocence can open the door to expungement, but it does not clear your record on its own. When a judge grants the writ, the court may vacate the conviction, order a new trial, or otherwise change the result. For some convictions, expungement may also be possible later, after a waiting period and completion of the sentence.
A writ of actual innocence and expungement are two separate processes. While the writ may vacate a conviction, you must file a separate petition to clear the record through expungement. An experienced Gaithersburg, MD criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options.
What Is a Writ of Actual Innocence Under Maryland Law?
A writ of actual innocence asks the circuit court to undo a conviction based on evidence that was not available in time for the original proceedings. Under Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 8-301, newly discovered evidence must be significant enough that a judge or jury could have reached a different result. The new evidence must also clearly and convincingly show actual innocence.
What Do I Need To Apply for a Marriage Green Card?
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible to live permanently in the United States through a marriage-based green card. The process can be complex, and any mistakes with the application could delay your approval. A Merrifield, VA immigration attorney can guide you through the process, which involves proving both the authenticity of your marriage and your eligibility under federal immigration laws.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage-Based Green Card?
You may apply for a marriage-based green card, known as a spousal visa, if you are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet certain immigration requirements. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1151(b)(2)(A)(i), the spouse of a U.S. citizen is considered an immediate relative. That means these applications are not subject to the same waiting lists or quota restrictions that apply to many other family-based visas. However, spouses of lawful permanent residents fall under the family preference category, which could involve some waiting time.
Can I Sue a Contractor in Maryland?
Hiring a contractor should make home renovations or construction projects easier, not more stressful. But what happens when the work is incomplete, defective, or not done at all? In Maryland, homeowners and property owners have legal options when a contractor fails to meet expectations. If you are dealing with shoddy work, missed deadlines, or a contractor who took your money and disappeared, you may be able to sue. Speaking with a Montgomery Village, MD construction law attorney can help you understand your rights and the next steps.
When Can You Sue a Contractor in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can sue a contractor if they break the terms of your agreement or violate state laws. Common reasons for suing include:
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Poor-quality or unfinished work
How Is Property Divided in a Virginia Divorce?
Going through a divorce is never easy, and dividing property makes it even more challenging. In Virginia, the law follows a system called equitable distribution. This means the court aims to divide marital property fairly. What is fair depends on many factors, including each spouse’s contributions, debts, and needs. Understanding how property is divided can help you set realistic expectations for your divorce. For help protecting your interests, speak with an experienced Lincolnia, VA divorce attorney.
How Does Equitable Distribution Work in Virginia?
The equitable distribution process, outlined in Virginia Code § 20-107.3, starts by identifying which assets are marital and which are separate. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. They can be in either spouse’s name. This can include income, retirement accounts, cars, and real estate purchased during the marriage. Once the classification is made, the court considers several factors to divide marital assets fairly. These factors can include:
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