California Justices Weigh Malicious Prosecution Filing Deadline

California Supreme Court justices on Tuesday said state law is ambiguous about the statute of limitations for cases brought against attorneys that bring meritless and malicious litigation.

But they were sympathetic to an argument from fugitive recovery agent Daniel Escamilla, who is representing himself, that the shorter timeline applying to claims of attorney malpractice shouldn’t be used for a tort claim like malicious prosecution.

At least three justices pointed to the unfairness of a one-year window for malicious prosecution claims against attorneys, while the client that brings the malicious suit could face claims for two years.

“Presumably, attorneys should know ...