Civil Justice and the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition invite you to a screening of the powerful documentary "Stealing Trust" on December 3rd, 5pm-7pm at the AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring.  "Stealing Trust" is a film that shows Marylanders speaking out on frauds, scams and financial abuses.  Through the voices of victims of financial abuse, this film, produced by MCRC, depicts the devastating human toll of predatory practices on individuals and families.  It makes clear the necessity to protect working families in these tough economic times, with 14 million Americans jobless and more than 10 million families having lost their homes to foreclosure.  Following the film, there will be a discussion regarding moving forward, and what actions will better protect consumers.

Tickets for the event are $10 per person.  Click here for a flyer on the screening.  For additional information and how to purchase tickets, please call Erica Evans at 410-706-0174 or email eevans@civiljusticenetwork.org. 

Civil Justice and Allegany Law Foundation are presenting a CLE course entitled Maryland Foreclosure Mediation and Mortgage Fraud Prevention Act on Thursday, December 1, 1p.m. to 4p.m. at the Allegany College Continuing Education Building in Cumberland.    The training will cover the Maryland Foreclosure Mediation law and regulations, and share real life mediation experiences from the perspective of secured parties, homeowners and other interested parties. This portion of the class will be presented by Jeff Nadel, Esq., and Phillip Robinson, Esq.  The second portion of the training will cover litigating mortgage servicing claims under the Maryland Mortgage Fraud Prevention Act.  Sample pleadings, Discovery, Motions, and Attorneys Fees will be reviewed.  This portion of the class will be presented by Phillip Robinson, Esq.

This training is free with a pro bono commitment of two case referrals from Allegany Law including representation in foreclosure mediation, foreclosure defense, or participation in a Foreclosure Solutions Workshop.  To register for the class, please contact Allegany Law Foundation at (301) 722-3390.

Civil Justice's latest CLE offering, Defending Criminal Felony Cases in Federal v. State Court, will be held December 7, 2011 at 9:50 a.m. at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.  This seminar will examine the fundamental difference between felony trial practice in federal and state court. The course will take a look at the differences in the courthouse culture as well as pre-trial and post trial procedural steps and processes unique to each jurisdiction. Participants will review discovery, motions practices and the plea negotiation process. This class is a must for attorneys to efficiently advocate for their clients as they go through the different possible proceedings.

PROGRAM AGENDA
9:50 am - 10:00 am: Introductions
10:00 am - 10:20 am: The culture of Federal v. State Court. What to expect from your federal client and what they expect from you.
10:20 am - 10:40 am: Pre-trial differences-discovery arguments, motions, timing, research, Electronic case filing, motions to seal.
10:40 am - 11:00 am: Issues with cooperators-as clients and as adverse witnesses.
11:00 am - 11:45 am: A comparison of sentencing guidelines and how the climate has changed- A brief history of past federal mandatory guidelines and federal advisory guidelines today, the application of 18USC §3553(a), sentencing issues unique to federal court.
11:45 am - 12:00 pm.: Break
12:00 pm- 12:30pm: Trial Practice including: 404(b) evidence issues, audio visual aids, federal jury panels.
12:30 pm- 1:00 pm: Questions and Answers.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jonathon Van Hoven has over 23 years experience as a criminal defense attorney.  His practice concentrates on all levels of criminal law including capital cases and other major felony trials.  Mr. Van Hoven  is a part time instructor for the Legal Internship Program at University of MD Baltimore County.

To register, please click here to download a registration form.  Completed forms can be emailed to eevans@civiljusticenetwork.org or can be faxed to 410-706-3196, attention Erica.  For additional information, please call Erica Evans at 410-706-0174.