January 2015 - In This Issue:
Do you need help with your Disability Claim?

There are several sources of disability benefits for which people may qualify. Most people will quality for one of the federal programs: Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Other workers may qualify for programs through their work, such as through group disability plans or state and federal worker plans, etc.

The Disability Benefits Law Firm of Elkind & Shea only represents claimants seeking disability benefits.
 

For more information or a free consultation,call 301-495-6665 Also, feel free to visit their website at: www.disabilitybenefitslawfirm.com

 to learn more about the Firm and disability benefits in general. 








R. Manny Montero, Attorney
Mobile: (240) 475-4848

Jude Wikramanayake, Attorney
Mobile: (301) 335-5300

D. Scott Messersmith, Attorney
Mobile: (301) 395-0187

Michael A. Ostroff, Attorney
Mobile: (443) 542-8361

Victoria Dinkin, Attorney
Mobile: (240) 643-5538

Lawrence F. Regan, Attorney
Mobile: (301) 704-8979

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

12 Years and Counting

Since our founding, MLG clients have benefited from the vast criminal law experience of our various seasoned practitioners. 

 

Recent accomplishments include:

Not Guilty verdict in an Assault case: The victim identified MLG's client as the perpetrator and a computer generated sketch suggested similarities between the alleged attacker and MLG's client. By raising questions at trial concerning lighting conditions, bias, and the quick timing of the incident, reasonable doubt was found and the Court entered a not guilty verdict.

Not Guilty verdict in a Sex Assault case: The victim testified that an MLG client inappropriately touched her at various times during work. By pointing out motive and inconsistencies in prior statements, the Court found reasonable doubt and MLG's client was found not guilty.

Two MLG clients, accused of disorderly conduct and assault on a law enforcement officer, received Dismissals following the completion of community service

Not Guilty verdict in a DWI Case where the client was in the driver's seat in a single car accident, transported to the hospital, and submitted to a blood test for alcohol alleging a BAC over the legal limit.

In the District of Columbia, Mr. Wikramanayake secured a not guilty verdict in a drug possession case where drugs were found in the console of a vehicle in which the client was the sole occupant/driver. Utilizing applicable case law and other factors, Mr. Wikramanayake convinced a judge that there was insufficient evidence for a finding of guilt.  

Please do not delay in seeking legal representation if you are charged with a crime.  Call 301-588-8100 to schedule you free consultation.

*Past performance is not a guarantee of future success.  
 

IMMIGRATION NEWS 

New Benefits under the President's Executive Order

On November 20, 2014, the President announced a series of immigration benefits that would protect certain parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from deportation and would provide for an employment authorization document ("work permit"). The President also announced an expansion of the current Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (known as "DACA"), available to youths who came to the U.S. as children.

 

Under Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (known as "DAPA") certain parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify for protection from deportation and a work permit for a period of 3 years if they meet the following requirements:

 

  1. You must be the parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident child that was born on or before November 20, 2013

  2. You must have continuously lived in the U.S. since Jan.1, 2010

  3. You must have been present in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2013

  4. You must not have serious criminal convictions* (includes Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)) 

 

Under the extended DACA program, certain individuals who came to the U.S. and children may qualify for protection from deportation and a work permit for a period of 3 years if they meet the following requirements:

 

  1. You must have entered the U.S. before turning 16

  2. You must have continuously lived in the U.S. since Jan.1, 2010

  3. You must have been present in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2013

  4. You must be in school, have graduated from high school, or have obtained a GED certificate

  5. You must not have serious criminal convictions*

 

If you believe that you qualify for these benefits, please contact us for a free consultation to further discuss your eligibility.

 

* If you have been convicted of any incarcerable traffic or criminal offense, you must consult with an attorney prior to submitting your application for any immigration benefit. Failure to do so may result in deportation.

 

Please do not delay in seeking legal representation if you are not a U.S. citizen and need assistance with your immigration matter  Call 301-588-8100 for a free consultation. 
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Improving your Home Improvement Contracts

For over 12 years, Montero Law Group has been advising homeowners, home improvement contractors, sub-contractors and other real estate professionals concerning the murky area of home improvement law.

Real estate professionals, contractors, and homeowners should be aware of the rules and regulations governing home improvement contracts.

As our economy is showing signs of improvement and individuals are getting ready for spring home renovations, parties considering home improvement projects should speak with counsel prior to entering into contracts.

Indeed, we have seen many professionals use contracts that run afoul of compliance and can lead to litigation or administrative action by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

The best approach would be to have the MLG review your contract(s) to make sure you are in compliance with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission's regulations and Maryland law. If you are a homeowner or real estate agent, make sure you are protected by ensuring your contractor is in compliance with Maryland law and regulations. If your contractor is already running afoul of the rules or law, you may want to reconsider but must move quickly to protect your rights.

Some provisions that are required to be on every home improvement contract include:

  1. A notice that gives the telephone number and Web site of the Commission and states that:  each contractor and each subcontractor must be licensed by the Commission; and that anyone may ask the Commission about a contractor or subcontractor. (Some Professionals merely put their license number on the contract, but fail to provide the other required information).

  2. Approximate dates when work will begin and substantial performance completed. NOTE: Many professionals only provide a start date, but do not provide a substantial performance date) 

  3. Description of the home improvement AND materials to be used. NOTE: many professionals only describe the work but fail to identify and specify the materials) 

  4. A notice set by the Commission by regulation that:

a. specifies the protections available to consumers through the Commission; and

b. advises the consumer of the right to purchase a performance bond for additional protection against loss.

 

The above four points are only a few of the many requirements needed for a proper home improvement contract. Further, professionals may need to comply with other Maryland statutes including the Maryland Door-to-Door Sales Act and other consumer protection laws. Failure to do so could be considered a consumer protection violation which could impact the validity and enforceability of the contract.

R. Manny Montero and Jude Wikramanayake have been advising small businesses and individual homeowners with their contract needs for over 12 years. Contact us if you need to have contracts examined for compliance or have any home improvement contract issues.

We look forward to helping you call 301-588-8100 for a free consultation. 
"Providing High Quality Representation to a Diverse Community" 
  


Executive Court
1738 Elton Road, Suite 105
Silver Spring, MD 20903
Tel: 301-588-8100

 

Parole Professional Center
132 Holiday Court, 

Annapolis, MD 21401

Tel: 410-267-0012


 

Fax: 301-588-8101 

 

www.monterolawgroup.com