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Silverman Thompson Obtains "Not Guilty" Verdict, Challenging the State’s Case on Handgun Possession

Posted on February 09, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Last month, Silverman Thompson criminal defense attorney Kurt Nachtman had a significant "Not Guilty" verdict for a client facing serious charges involving the possession of a firearm with a missing serial number. This victory serves as a vital reminder of the importance of your defense attorney’s ability to scrutinize the underlying law and associated case law in which you’ve been charged.

The Background — Firearm Possession in Maryland

In Maryland, the statutes governing firearm possession are dense and highly technical. Our client was facing a period of incarceration based on a specific provision regarding the identification marks on a handgun — or lack thereof.

This case wasn’t just about whether there was an obliterated or missing serial number; it was about the principle of legality and verbiage of laws.

Attorney Kurt Nachtman broke the statute down into its component parts and examined precisely what the State was required to prove. Many lawyers fail to take this simple step in pretrial preparation.

Maryland’s Appellate Court Reinforces Requirement to Make Demands in Shareholder Derivative Actions

Posted on January 12, 2026 in Business Counseling, Litigation & Transactions

In Howard Nathanson, et al. v. Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC, the Appellate Court of Maryland (the "Court") reinforced Maryland’s commitment to requiring shareholders to make demands upon boards of directors prior to filing a derivative suit. The Court upheld Maryland’s "very limited exception" to not making such a demand prescribed in Werbowsky v. Collomb, 362 Md. 581 (2001).

Nathanson also encouraged plaintiffs to file state-law claims in federal court when the court has supplemental jurisdiction to maximize judicial efficiency. This decision underscores how important it is for members/shareholders/directors, etc. to consult with an attorney about a plan of action if they think something untoward has occurred with the Company, as by the time litigation arises, it may be too late.

This case involved two closed-end investment companies (the "Funds") with five members serving as Directors (the "Board"). The investment companies were managed by an investment advisory firm, Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. ("Tortoise"). During 2020, the Funds suffered substantial losses, but the Board reviewed Tortoise’s handling of the Funds and deemed it appropriate. The Board renewed the Funds’ contracts with Tortoise in November 2020, but at the end of 2020, the Funds’ reported losses of more than $1 billion.

When a Business Battle Turns Personal: Countering Manufactured Legal Attacks

Posted on December 30, 2025 in Business Counseling, Litigation & Transactions

It’s a story we see often: a business starts with the best intentions, often between people who trust each other implicitly. Sometimes, that trust is built on a personal, romantic relationship. But when that relationship ends, the business becomes collateral damage, and the stakes can quickly become catastrophic.

I represented a client who was the rightful owner of a flourishing business, managed by a former romantic partner. When the relationship dissolved, the ex-partner decided they wanted more than just a clean break. They wanted the entire company.

The Weaponization of the Law

Initially, my client tried the civilized route: negotiating a fair buyout. However, the ex-partner rejected every reasonable offer. Instead of engaging in good faith business negotiations, they chose a darker path: leveraging the legal system through manufactured protective orders and criminal charges.

The ex knew one crucial fact: my client, as the owner, had to continue visiting the physical location to manage essential operations. This necessity became the weapon. By fabricating claims of abuse and harassment, the ex-partner manufactured a situation where the owner risked legal trouble simply by doing his job. Our client found himself facing the threat of criminal charges and a protective order, all designed to intimidate him into walking away from his livelihood for nothing. The business attorney who referred me the matter, knew that he needed to call in someone with specific criminal experience.

$2.4 Million Settlement for Woman Struck by Car

Posted on December 23, 2025 in Personal Injury

Silverman Thompson’s personal injury team has secured a $2,400,000 settlement on behalf of a young woman who was run over by a vehicle driven by a driver who later was charged with DUI. The victim suffered spinal injuries that required surgery, and significant burns from contact with the vehicle’s exhaust.

Silverman Thompson’s personal injury group is nationally respected for representing victims and families affected by car accidents and have had favorable outcomes for pedestrians struck by vehicles. The team brings decades of trial experience, aggressive case strategy, and a deep commitment to helping clients move forward after major injuries.

To learn more about how Silverman Thompson can help after a serious injury, visit the personal injury practice page or reach out for a confidential consultation.

Review Our Co-Parenting Holiday and Vacation Checklist

Posted on October 20, 2025 in Family Law

Whether you’re planning for the holiday season, looking ahead to summer vacation, or checking in with your co-parent, Silverman Thompson’s co-parenting vacation checklist is the perfect place to start.

If your agreement or court order does not specify your holiday or summer access and/or you continue to have difficulty arranging vacation time, please contact Monica Scherer and Silverman Thompson to find out how we can assist.

Review Legal Agreements

Review your parenting plan, marital settlement agreement, or other agreement for vacation provisions

Review any orders and/or judgment of absolute divorce for vacation guidelines