The Maryland Judiciary is set to open a second free walk-in legal clinic at the Prince George’s County District Court. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. at the District Court Self-Help Resource Center located at 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro. Media representatives are invited to attend the event, tour the facility, and engage with staff to understand how the service operates.
The walk-in center in Prince George’s County has been operational since April after a delay due to water damage in the courthouse initially postponed its February opening. “We are open for business and going strong, but this ribbon-cutting is important because it celebrates a much-needed community resource,” stated District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey.
This new center follows the establishment of the first District Court Self-Help Resource Center in Glen Burnie in December 2009. Since then, services have expanded to include online and telephone support. In 2014 alone, attorneys from these centers assisted 23,632 individuals with civil legal matters, with over a quarter of these requests coming from residents of Prince George’s County.
Strategically located in Upper Marlboro, this new center aims to serve people from Prince George’s and neighboring counties. It operates as a walk-in facility staffed by three attorneys from Maryland Legal Aid. Judge Tiffany H. Anderson noted that “since opening at the end of April, the Self-Help Resource Center has helped over 700 citizens from Prince George’s County and surrounding communities.”
Situated on the ground floor of Bourne Wing within the Prince George’s County Courthouse, visitors can sign in via a kiosk upon arrival. The center maintains regular courthouse hours from Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey will lead the opening ceremony alongside brief remarks by Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera.
For further details or media inquiries regarding attendance or use of electronic devices during coverage, contact should be made with Terri Charles or Lou Gieszl through phone or email provided by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs.