As some of you know, I represent some CP offenders who have been sued by their alleged victims (two minor children from Maryland whose mother is suing on their behalf) in federal court (U.S. District Court of Maryland, Baltimore Division). The plaintiffs are invoking the "mandatory minimum" damages provision in 18 USC 2255, which allows them to recover a minimum of $150,000 from every defendant. (To be sure, this is separate and apart from any of the defendants' federal criminal convictions and sentences, which may or may not have included orders of restitution.) The plaintiffs originally sued nearly two hundred defendants late last year, but the Court dismissed the action WITHOUT PREJUDICE and allowed them to refile against the defendants provided they made some procedural changes. They did, and refiled against nearly 100. I am happy to report that I have been able to get my clients dismissed WITH PREJUDICE (meaning the plaintiffs can never refile against those particular clients) by demonstrating they had no assets. The Court (Judge Marvin Garbis) recently appointed me amicus curiae (friend of the court) to brief other procedural issues and argue the same before the Court on June 20. If any of you know of anyone who has been served with a complaint in this matter (it will be a federal civil suit from the U.S. District Court of Maryland), please have them contact me as soon as possible. I am hoping to get as many defendants out on June 20th as possible. Unfortunately, I have become aware of other plaintiffs firms across the country that are beginning to bring similar actions, which may result in CP offenders being sued multiple times. If I can get them dismissed with prejudice on the merits in this case, it will be a very powerful tool for them (and their families) to get dismissed from any future actions. I see many of these coming in the next few years.....