Civil Rights & Constitutional Law
Commentator and comedian Obeidallah wins $4.1 million+ judgment against white-supremacist Anglin
June 12, 2019
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Congressman Max Miller: thwarted in his abusive discovery "fishing expedition."
CLEVELAND, OH — Today, the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas dealt a major blow to U.S. Representative Max Miller’s defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Emily Moreno over domestic-abuse allegations published in The Daily Mail, denying the Congressman’s self-proclaimed “emergency” motion for expedited discovery. The Court ruled that Miller's sweeping requests fall outside the narrow limits that Ohio's anti-SLAPP statute, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) establishes. “SLAPP” refers to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, which is what Moreno asserts Congressman Miller’s suit against her is—retaliation against someone for perceived speech on a matter of public concern.
A hearing on Emily Moreno’s and attorney Andrew Zashin’s respective motions to throw out Miller’s lawsuit will proceed on July 23, 2026 at 1:30 pm in Judge Joy Kennedy’s courtroom, 17-A, at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.
The court’s ruling: complete stay of Miller’s litigation maintained
The court's ruling completely rejected Miller’s June 15, 2026, “emergency” motion, in which he sought to lift the discovery stay that Ohio’s new UPEPA statute requires when a defendant moves to dismiss a case because it is a strategic lawsuit against public participation in free speech. Miller had demanded several hours of deposition time to interrogate Ms. Moreno, her domestic-relations attorney Andrew Zashin, her parents (including U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH)), and The Daily Mail reporter Phillip Nieto, along with sweeping demands for native files and metadata.
The court ruled that the expansive discovery the Congressman seeks is unwarranted under the law, ordering that all previously scheduled case deadlines remain strictly in place. The decision insulates the defense from premature litigation costs and keeps the case on track for its scheduled June 23 anti-SLAPP dismissal hearing.
Dismantling an unlawful discovery “fishing expedition”
In an opposition brief to Miller’s discovery motion, Moreno’s counsel Subodh Chandra and Emily Bohatch of Chandra Law detailed why the Court should bar Miller's intrusive discovery demands:
Miller’s re-election braggadocio eliminates his legal basis for suit
Moreno had also filed multiple supplements to her motion for dismissal, arguing that the Congressman has made public statements torching his own claims.
In back-to-back June 4–5, 2026 televised interviews, for example, Congressman Miller confidently proclaimed to media outlets that the reported spousal-abuse allegations against him would have zero impact on his re-election campaign, stating, “We are going to win this election—by a lot,” and calling questions about political liability “a little insulting.” These were in addition to other public statements refuting his own claims. Because defamation and false-light claims fundamentally require clear proof of actual injury, professional impairment, and financial damages, Miller’s public-media braggadocio admits that he has suffered no legal damages.
“Judge Kennedy’s ruling is a victory for free speech and enforces the boundaries the General Assembly drew when it adopted Ohio’s UPEPA law,” Subodh Chandra, Emily Moreno’s lead counsel, said. “Congressman Miller speculatively and baselessly sued his ex-wife admittedly without a shred of evidence, and then tried to use a so-called 'emergency' discovery motion to mount an expensive, abusive fishing expedition. He has been thwarted.”
“Now, after the required hearing, Miller’s abusive lawsuit must be thrown out with prejudice, and the Congressman must be ordered to pay the mandatory attorney fees and costs the statute requires."
Ms. Moreno is defended by Subodh Chandra and Emily Bohatch. The case is captioned Miller v. Moreno, et al., Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas General Division Case No. 26-138810, and is before Judge Joy Kennedy.
Ms. Moreno's motion under UPEPA for expedited relief through dismissal may be found here.
The first supplement to that motion from June 3, 2026, based on additional conduct admissions by Rep. Miller may be found here.
A second supplement based on additional conduct by Miller, including what the filing argues are admissions about a hot-water incident with his wife, may be found here. The audio recording is available through here or from the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts.
A third supplement about Miller’s admissions may be found here.
For more information about Ohio’s Uniform Public Expression Protection (UPEPA) Act (anti-SLAPP statute), read this.
About The Chandra Law Firm LLC
The Chandra Law Firm LLC is a boutique civil-rights and constitutional-law firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, known for holding public officials, powerful people, and institutions accountable.
Chandra Law is experienced obtaining justice for victims of First Amendment violations. This includes defending suits using Ohio’s UPEPA statute. We secured the first victory in Cuyahoga County, Ohio under the statute. We also secure other constitutional rights.
And the firm helped pioneer work in holding individuals and companies accountable for civil liability for criminal acts, securing the two leading Supreme Court of Ohio decisions favorable to crime victims on the topic.
If you think that your rights have been violated, you may contact us to discuss your options. But first please study our practice pages to ensure your case is a good fit.
At Chandra Law, your case is our cause®.
The Chandra Law Firm LLC is solely responsible for the content of this website.
©2026 The Chandra Law Firm LLC.
“ Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold.” Expand Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold. Subodh was not just an attorney for me. He was my counselor, my advocate, my supporter, and my friend. I truly appreciate his guidance and his respect for the law. I hired Subodh to represent me in a long, drawn out, and painful discrimination case against my employer. With his intelligence and knowledge of the law the case was settled and the result was very pleasing. I was able to keep my employment along with some compensation for back pay and emotional damages. If anyone ever asked me for an attorney recommendation, I would without hesitation recommend the Chandra Law Firm.” Hide
— Giavonna
“ Subodh and the members of his firm did what all great lawyers should do. They helped me seek and receive justice, and just as importantly never lost sight that aiding a client is more than providing legal advice and counsel. My family and I owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. ”
— Raymond
“ Very friendly and honest. Thanks for the representing [us] with this injustice system for the Rice family.”
— Samaria Rice, mother of the late Tamir Rice, who was killed by Cleveland police in 2014
“ I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm...” Expand I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm in part because of the time Subodh and his partner... spent to understand my case and in interviewing me before they chose to take the case, asking me thoughtful, insightful questions. Once onboard, we hit some difficult points in the matter and at all times, they maintained excellent communication with me, talking through the options we had. I value their communication skills and responsiveness as much as I came to value their intelligence, compassion, and passion for my case. I could not have been more pleased with their representation of me, especially when compared to the representation I had received from the other Cleveland attorney I had had who is clearly part of the Cleveland establishment but who actually did so little to advance my case. When I read the complaint that Subodh... wrote for the case, which brought the parties to mediation (a feat that neither of the other attorneys had succeeded in doing), it was clear that, finally, I had great attorneys who knew how to represent my case. The complaint was outstanding in terms of its clarity of a difficult case that spanned several years. Mine was a case where good lawyers made all of the difference and The Chandra Law Firm made that difference, delivering a successful outcome where other lawyers had not by intelligent, ethical, and plain hard work on my behalf. You will be in very good hands if they represent you.” Hide
— Jeanne
“ Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of...” Expand Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of the players in both Ohio's state and federal criminal-justice system, he began contacting those prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation. Without hesitation or fear, and while displaying the utmost professionalism, he soon discovered that these rumors were nothing more than that—just rumors. He continued to make contacts on my behalf, keeping me informed every step of the way. He was dedicated not only to protecting my interests and well-being, but also to keeping me calm. When the results of this investigation were finally announced and I was not a part of it at all, the sense of relief was overwhelming. But I was confident all along that his skills as a litigator and his traits as family man would have seen me safely through, no matter what the outcome would have been. Attorney Chandra cares for his clients, fights for them and goes out of his way to ensure the best possible outcome. ” Hide
— T.J. (law enforcement)
“ Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests...” Expand Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests at the highest priority. Lawyers get a reputation for being underhandedly calculated and inattentive, but Subodh can never be those things. He speaks with passion and with dedication to the client. His established experience allowed him to be strategic with the twists and turns of my case. He helped me receive a fair and beneficial result. He was generous with his time and offered assistance in other aspects of my case and final settlement through his extended professional network. Subodh, provided me with the best and most professional service I could ask for and I'm glad to have him as a close contact. I recommend Subodh to many of my personal networks for his fervent dedication to the Client and the Law. ” Hide
— A Client
“ Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra...” Expand Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra Law Firm LLC because of Subodh Chandra, Esq.'s mastery of the law and proven record of success, and subsequently no charges were filed. In addition to Mr. Chandra being a brilliant attorney, I was impressed by his compassion, creative strategies, dedication, and relentless pursuit of justice. I am grateful for his representation and highly recommend The Chandra Law Firm LLC.” Hide
— YY
“ I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup...” Expand I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup to the superb quality and knowledge that you guys have! Thank you so much again for everything you did for me!” Hide
— Nick (law enforcement)
“ Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible...” Expand Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible for any questions. I was kept up to date on each development in the case and everyone was very understanding to my concerns and the personal toll the lengthy legal battle had on me. Mr. Chandra is knowledgeable, ethical and an extremely hard worker. He and his firm developed an excellent strategy and fought vigorously resulting in a favorable outcome beyond my original expectations.” Hide
— A wrongful-termination client
“ Excellent and caring service. I was more than pleased that my case was humanized so that it was addressed properly.”
— Nicole R.
“ The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family!...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family! I can't speak highly enough about Subodh and the team he has assembled! ” Hide
— Nicole K
“ Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police...” Expand Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police I couldn't do it. I told the mayor why I could not do that and the mayor's response was "if you don't fire those officers, I will fire you." After that conversation, one of the many things the mayor did was to change the locks to my office on three separate occasions along with prohibiting me from using a police vehicle. I explained this to Subodh who listened to me and then immediately wanted to talk with me and my wife together. He explained to both of us what can happen and what we needed to be prepared for if this case goes forward. After assuring him we were ready to see this to the end, he guaranteed my wife and me that he would do everything in his power to make sure the jury would have all the facts necessary to make the best decision possible. Subodh kept in constant contact with us throughout all proceeding. We never felt left out, confused, or abandoned. During the trial, Subodh was able to convay to the jury why I became a police officer, how difficult the job is, and how I couldn't let the mayor and village smear the name my father gave me. I could go on and on but I'll end by saying if I would ever need Subodh's services in the future, I will not hesitate to call him. I've already recommended several of my friends in the law-enforcement profession to Subodh and they told me, they saw him when they attended my trial to give me their support. The said they liked the way Subodh approached my case and he will be the first person they will call when they need legal counsel and service. That says a lot in my line of work. Oh yeah, Subodh won our case! ” Hide
— LaMont Lockhart
“ The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and second to none in my year-long case. I would highly recommend him and his law firm for anything employment-related. He will guide you the best way to resolve a matter in accordance with the Law.” Hide
— Rebecca C.
“ This law firm communicates extremely well. This law firm is professional. I would recommend this law firm to my family and friends. I appreciate your service. Thank you.”
— Shunnah Tyler
“ Subodh and his team did such an awesome job with everything! They were always there for me and fought for my justice and what i believed in. They not only were my lawyers but a friend to help me cope with everything. I could not have asked for a better group of people! They are truly great people to work with!”
— Tawnie
