Expert: Michael Troy - 8/13/2008

Question
I complained about a lawyer and his firm to the proper officials.  I did not lie.  I also posted a comment on a web site. I did not lie.   This lawyer has been filing lawsuits against me ever since.  Fortunately, I have an umbrella policy but I still may be hit with a large bill  This lawyer has said he plans on having my lawyer in court every Friday for various motions hearings.  I did nothing to warrant this and all will, more than likely, be dismissed.  This has taken a toll on me and even sent me to the hospital and into counseling where I was diagnosed with extreme fear.  I have been on medication for this.  I live in Virginia and there isn't an anti-slap law.  It is difficult and expensive to find a lawyer to proceed under malicious prosecution.  I want to take action against him and his firm for I feel very violated and am appalled that my rights have been so abused.  Any ideas where I can get help.  Would be great if this case were precedence setting and would help others in this type of abusive situation. A few of the cases against me are gone, completely -- even though he tried to appeal to the VA supreme court -- this ticked him off for I handled these pro se.

Answer
Hello,

I cannot provide specific legal advice in this forum.  However, you may want to consider filing a complaint with the State bar association.  Abusing the legal process could lead to him being sanctioned.  In many cases, you can also make a request for sanctions to recover legal fees for frivolous motions.  I have not practiced in Virginia, but all states have some protection for this.

Good Luck!

- Mike