(a) An employer may dispute a lien for unpaid wages by filing a complaint in the circuit court for the county where property of an employer is located. (b) A complaint filed under this section shall: (1) be filed within 30 days after notice is served on the employer; and (2) include: (i) the name of the employer that owes the employee the wages and the name of the employee to whom the wages are owed; (ii) a copy of the notice to establish a lien for unpaid wages served on the employer under § 3–1102 of this subtitle; (iii) a statement of any defense to the lien for unpaid wages; and (iv) an affidavit containing a statement of facts that support any defenses raised. (c) The employer or employee may request an evidentiary hearing. (d) If an employer files a complaint, the circuit court shall determine whether to issue an order establishing a lien for unpaid wages: (1) within 45 days after the date on which the complaint was filed; and (2) based on a preponderance of the evidence in which the employee has the burden of proof to establish the lien for unpaid wages. (e) (1) If a circuit court issues an order to establish a lien for unpaid wages, the employee is entitled to court costs h the employee has the burden of proof to establish the lien for unpaid wages. (e) (1) If a circuit court issues an order to establish a lien for unpaid wages, the employee is entitled to court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. (2) If a circuit court determines the effort to establish a lien for unpaid wages to have been frivolous or made in bad faith, the court may award court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to an employer.
Maryland Legal Code