Maryland judge tosses hundreds of debt collection cases

Hundreds of debt collection cases in the state of Maryland were thrown out this week, providing a degree of relief for indebted residents. However, because the suits may eventually be re-filed, the reprieve may be short-lived. District Court Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn dismissed 314 cases on the grounds that the debt collection agency, Sunshine Financial Group, did not have a licence to collect debts in the state of Maryland. However, the debt collection may be resumed upon Sunshine's acquisition of a license. Clyburn also settled hundreds of other cases, including the cessation of dues to attorneys in 323 cases already heard. On 19 cases, the judge ordered attorney fees be "indicated satisfied" on both pre- and post-judgment interest, according to the Baltimore Sun. "Last year, the judge dismissed more than 27,000 debt collection cases against Maryland residents after the Mann Bracken LLP law firm dissolved," reports Lorraine Mirabella for the source. "The District Court will notify defendants affected by Wednesday's decision and will update court records and the Judiciary Case Search website to reflect the dismissals."