Joe you got me curious as to MD law. However some states are different, most are not based on the adoption the Federal rules on Civil procedure. I conducted research and found that in MD you are allowed to file both civil and criminal actions at the same time. Check the ruling I found for a case. Bobbett Grey, et al. V. Allstate Insurance Company, et al. and here is the link, make sure to read the entire document as it is long. http://www.courts.state.md.us/opinions/coa/2001/81a00.pdf
This is CABL.com posting #342764. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mbBkC