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A Message From Raymond F. Anthracite

I have protected the livelihood, reputation, and freedom of hundreds of people just like you.

I know how important it is that your lawyer be there for you. Everyone that I represent receives my personal attention. I offer flat fees that include a trial at no additional charge in almost every case, so that you can know from very early on what something is going to cost.

My practice is strictly limited to areas of the law that matter to defendants, so that you know that you have a lawyer experienced in the specific areas that matter to you. I practice criminal and traffic defense, and I also handle peace order and protective order cases because the issue in restraining order cases is almost always whether someone committed one of a list of criminal offenses.

A conviction for any crime can endanger your job, your security clearance, or your driver’s license. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, I know the best ways to protect your rights, your future income potential, and your good name.

Do not wait. You should get my help as early as possible, no matter what you are charged with. While I can effectively use whatever time is available, many strategies work better if the groundwork for them has been laid months in advance, well before a trial date has even been set.

While it is important to seek help quickly in any case, certain cases have specific reasons for urgency all their own. It is especially important to act quickly if you are charged with DUI or DWI, assault, drug possession, drug distribution, or any felony. Certain legal actions can only be taken within the first ten days after you’ve been charged with a crime, but no matter how long it has been, there are still steps that I can take to help you.

I will create and execute an original defense strategy for your case covering every eventuality. I fully prepare each case for a trial in front of a judge or jury even on short notice, maximizing your chances of an acquittal. My comprehensive legal strategy also maximizes my leverage in negotiations with the government, which can lead to the government dropping the case against you or another favorable outcome.

I offer evening, and even weekend hours for emergencies, and flat fees that include a trial at no additional charge so that you know the total cost of my services in advance. Please contact me today at (301) 556‑8709.

Call (301) 556-8709 now. Let my expertise fix your problem. You will often be able to speak with a lawyer on the phone immediately. Mr. Anthracite responds to calls on weekends, and all phone messages will be returned within 24 hours.

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Maryland Criminal Defense Topics

Advice For Parents

You may have a son or daughter who is in trouble with the police or needs advice from a lawyer, but may not appreciate the danger of being charged with a crime. Someone may have filed a peace order or protective order against your child, but they may not be sure what to do. Whether it's because . . . .

Probation Before Judgment

Maryland probation before judgment, often abbreviated PBJ, is a disposition that is usually much better than a finding of guilt, but worse than a stet, nol pros, dismissal, acquittal, or not guilty verdict. It is not a finding of guilt, nor is it one of not guilty. It is a way that a judge can . . . .

What to Do After a Maryland Arrest

It isn't over just because an officer arrested you in Maryland. You have not been convicted of a crime, and may still escape without any permanent consequence other than the severe inconvenience of the arrest and a brief stay in jail. Don't give up! I can help. If you let your guard down even for a . . . .

How to Handle a Police Stop

A large part of a police officer's job is to develop evidence that will lead to a conviction. At every stage of your encounter with the officer, you must assume that they are seeking evidence from you or your surroundings that could land you in jail. If you believe that you may be stopped by the . . . .

Immigration Consequences

Even minor criminal and traffic charges can have immigration consequences much more severe than the penalty imposed for the crime itself. A minor conviction or plea that is punished by a fine only could result in you being deported, or denied entry to this country in the future. You can even be . . . .

Criminal Immigration Consequences - Inadmissible vs. Deportable

There are generally two classes of problem that you need to be worried about as a non-citizen facing criminal charges. The first is which outcomes will make you deportable, and the second is which outcomes will make you inadmissible. Some criminal acts will make you deportable if you are already in . . . .

Maryland Criminal Practice Areas

Resisting Arrest or Interfering with an Arrest

Resisting arrest is a misdemeanor in Maryland punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a fine of $5000. In order to resist arrest in Maryland, the officer must be making a lawful arrest, and you must refuse to submit to the arrest by force. Resisting arrest may show up on your Maryland charging . . . .

Local Offenses

Some crimes and civil offenses are not necessarily prohibited by Maryland law at the state level, but are prohibited by counties and cities within Maryland. Some of these offenses are prohibited by local laws in every county in Maryland in some form or another, though often with varying penalties . . . .

Urinating or Defecating in Public

Urinating or defecating in public in Maryland is unlawful, prohibited under a patchwork of civil and criminal county laws with different definitions and widely varying penalties that can include jail. While urinating and defecating in public is almost universally prohibited, there is no Maryland . . . .

Trespass

There are multiple forms of Maryland criminal trespass charges, but all forms of criminal trespass in Maryland are jailable. The two most frequently charged forms of criminal trespass in Maryland are trespass on posted property, and wanton trespass on private property. They both have the same . . . .

Visual Surveillance

Visual Surveillance in Maryland is only a crime in fairly limited circumstances, but the charges are often misunderstood due to the fact that the name covers a lot more than the law does. Police often mistakenly believe that people have broken the law against visual surveillance, and sometimes . . . .

Reckless Endangerment

Reckless endangerment is the crime of recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or injury to another person. It's punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of $5000. I have experience successfully defending others from these serious charges, and I can defend you too. Maximum Penalty . . . .

Extradition and Fugitive Warrants

When you are charged with a crime in a state and an arrest warrant is issued, it is possible that you might be arrested in another state. At that point you are called a fugitive, because you were arrested in a state other than the one in which the warrant was issued. This is frequently an unfair . . . .

Stalking

Stalking accusations are often thrown around irresponsibly in order to tarnish someone's reputation, get them fired from their job, or to have them put in jail. In common usage, virtually anything can be described as stalking, including totally innocent behavior. The crime of stalking is a . . . .

Harassment

Harassment is a crime in Maryland, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 dollar fine for a first offense, or up to 180 days and a $1000 dollar fine for a second or subsequent offense. It is also one of the offenses that can be the ground for the issuance of a Peace Order in Maryland. It's . . . .

Burglary

Maryland burglary charges usually involve breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. In Maryland, first degree burglary, second degree burglary, and third degree burglary are felonies. Fourth degree burglary is a misdemeanor. Because burglary offenses are often serious . . . .

Arrest Warrants

There are two major types of warrant in Maryland, either of which may result in your arrest. There are arrest warrants, which are secret, and bench warrants, which are not. I have years of experience dealing with both types of warrant, and I can often get them withdrawn, so that you are never . . . .

Contempt of Court

You may be held in contempt of court if you disrupt the operation of a court, or if you fail to obey a court order. Contempt of court in the presence of the judge is sometimes punished immediately, but contempt is usually handled in a separate hearing, where I can present an effective defense on . . . .

Expungement

When your Maryland criminal or traffic case is over, you may not want a future employer or other prying eyes to see the charges on your record. Let me expunge your record for you. Even if you are not eligible for expungement, I may be able to reverse your conviction, help you procure a pardon, or . . . .

Bail Hearings

After you or a loved one is arrested in Maryland, the court commissioner and/or judge may require you or your family to pay bail before you can be released pending your trial date. Without proper representation, they may set the bail at a level that you and your family are unable to afford. I can . . . .

Assault

With my effective legal assistance, Maryland assault charges can often be resolved in a way that preserves your freedom and your good name. There are many defenses available, and alternatives to conviction can frequently be negotiated, including getting the charges dropped entirely. I also can . . . .

First Degree Assault

First Degree Assault in Maryland involves an actual, attempted, or threatened unlawful touching involving a firearm, or intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person. First degree assault in Maryland is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in jail. For a case not involving a . . . .

Second Degree Assault

Second Degree Assault in Maryland is charged in various situations involving offensive physical contact with another person, or a threat or attempt to offensively physically contact another person. Most second degree assaults are misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a . . . .

Violation of Probation (VOP)

A violation of probation is a serious matter, one that could easily result in jail time without effective legal representation. If you are found to have committed a violation of probation (VOP), you may be imprisoned for part or all of the portion of your sentence that was suspended when you were . . . .

Appeals

If you have entered a guilty plea or have been found guilty of a crime, you may be able to overturn your conviction or change your sentence with an appeal. Maryland appeals must be filed within short time limits after your case is over, and the help of a lawyer is essential. Even if you are not . . . .

Peace Order and Protective Order

A petition for a Maryland peace order or protective order must allege specific criminal acts as the basis for the order. I can effectively defend you against the issuance of a Maryland peace order or protective order, and against any related criminal charges, including harassment, assault, . . . .

Temporary Peace Order or Protective Order Hearing

You may have received a temporary peace order or a temporary protective order from the local police. This means that someone filed for a restraining order against you, and a temporary peace order or temporary protective order was issued without hearing your side of the case. This can cause great . . . .

Drug Crimes - Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia, etc.

I have helped many people beat their drug charges outright, and I can help you too. It's always stressful to be charged with possession or distribution of illegal drugs or paraphernalia, but it's a lot less stressful when you have someone on your side with experience winning these cases. While drug . . . .

Possession or Distribution of OxyContin or Percocet

Oxycodone (as contained in OxyContin or Percocet) is a Schedule II drug that is illegal to possess in Maryland without a prescription. The police pursue these crimes aggressively, and they sometimes charge perfectly law-abiding individuals simply because they do not take the time to investigate . . . .

Possession or Distribution of Heroin

Getting charged with possession or distribution of heroin or another narcotic can be one of the most scary and intimidating things that can happen to a person. I've kept hundreds of regular people in Maryland just like you out of jail. You need to preserve your life, your job, your relationships, . . . .

Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution, or Manufacturing a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

Maryland drug distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and manufacturing charges are particularly serious.  Prison sentences can be lengthy, and significant mandatory minimums are in place for more serious offenses. All of these crimes are felonies. There are likely to be details . . . .

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

Maryland has a variety of levels of drug offense for possession of illegal drugs, which vary depending on the amount and type of the substance. In Maryland, illegal drugs are called CDS, short for "Controlled Dangerous Substance." Except for marijuana possession under 10 grams, all Maryland drug . . . .

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Paraphernalia, or Equipment to Produce a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

Maryland drug paraphernalia crimes often involve items with a lawful use, and generally require more than mere possession of the item. There must be some indication that the item is intended for use with an illegal drug, which in Maryland is referred to as a controlled dangerous substance, or CDS. . . . .

Fraud - Bad Checks, Credit Cards, Forgery, etc.

Maryland fraud crimes can result in serious penalties, even for relatively small dollar values. A bad check or credit card fraud of only $501 could result in a sentence of up to fifteen years, and being permanently branded as a felon. Forgery of a check for even $1 is a felony with a sentence of up . . . .

Making a False Report to Police or a False Statement

Maryland has a variety of criminal false statement and false reporting laws, covering multiple varieties of making a false report or statement to police officers, and other officials. The best way to avoid running afoul of these laws is to simply not speak, and to assert your fifth amendment right . . . .

Forgery of Private Documents

Forgery of private documents is a serious crime in Maryland. It is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $1000. It is a serious charge that requires a lawyer. I can handle these serious charges for you, protecting your freedom and employment. Call me at . . . .

Bad Checks

A bad check offense can destroy your reputation and result in serious penalties, even if the check has a very low dollar value. Any conviction for a bad check offense can make it very difficult to find housing or employment, as it is an offense that indicates to people that you cannot be trusted. . . . .

Credit Card Fraud

If you are accused of committing any form of credit card fraud in Maryland, you may also be charged with any number of crimes that cover the same behavior. Many credit card crimes are also charged as theft or identity theft. Under Maryland's identity theft statute, a credit card number qualifies . . . .

Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, and Disturbing the Peace

Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Obey a Reasonable and Lawful Order, Disturbing the Peace, and Obstructing or Hindering Passage are types of disorderly conduct in Maryland, all punishable under the same statute. These Maryland charges are misdemeanors, with a maximum sentence is 60 days of . . . .

Theft Crimes - Shoplifting, Stolen Property, etc.

Maryland has a variety of theft crimes, which share the same penalty structure. The maximum sentence varies with the value of the property involved, but can also depend on the number of prior convictions for theft crimes. Many different offenses are charged as theft in Maryland, including . . . .

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

When a car is stolen or taken or used without authorization in Maryland, it is often charged as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor with a minimum sentence of 6 months and $50, and not more than 4 years and $100. The minimum sentence only applies for a conviction, and does not . . . .

Robbery

Robbery in Maryland is the crime of theft by force, violence, or placing in fear of violence. Robbery is much more serious than a plain theft. It is a crime of violence, and has much higher maximum penalties. In order to be guilty of robbery in Maryland, there must be a theft, by force or . . . .

Rogue and Vagabond

In Maryland, the crime of breaking and entering a motor vehicle and/or stealing its contents is referred to as "rogue and vagabond" or CR § 6-206.  Rogue and vagabond is a misdemeanor in Maryland punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.  I can defend you against these serious charges. There are . . . .

Traffic and License Offenses

The articles below discuss various Maryland traffic charges and driver's license issues of interest to motorists residing in Maryland, or passing through the state.  Whether you are trying to avoid points that would drive up your insurance costs, keep your license, or avoid incarceration, a good . . . .

Failure to Stop and Remain at the Scene of an Accident

Drivers in Maryland involved in an accident are required to return to and remain at the scene until they exchange information, even if there is only property damage.  If someone is injured, Maryland requires the driver to stop and render aid, and, if it appears to be necessary, arrange for the . . . .

Federal Traffic Tickets and Citations Under 18 U.S.C. § 13

In places under Federal jurisdiction, the United States government may charge you with either Federal crimes, or a violation of Maryland state laws. Military bases and other similar government installations are generally under Federal jurisdiction, putting traffic tickets and other violations . . . .

Why is My Maryland Driver's License Suspended?

You may have been pulled over by a police officer only to find out that your driver's license is suspended, or received a notice from the Maryland MVA notifying you of a suspension, leaving you to ask, "Why is my Maryland driver's license suspended?" There are many reasons that your driver's . . . .

Speeding Ticket

Maryland speeding tickets under TA 21-801 and TA 21-801.1 have a highly variable point structure. A speeding ticket under TA 21-801.1 can be either 5, 2, or 1 points. Maryland speeding violations under 21-801 that carry either 1 or 3 points. There are also a few other types of speed related . . . .

Driving with a Learner's Permit Without Required Supervision

A Maryland learner's permit is a type of driver's license that allows the holder to drive, but only with proper supervision. Maryland learner's permit holders caught driving without required supervision are often driving alone, but even if you are not by yourself, there are still requirements . . . .

Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance is a crime punishable by as much as one year of jail and a fine of $1000 for a first offense and as much as two years of jail and a $1000 fine for a second offense.  A conviction can also add five points to your Maryland license.  Five points are enough to markedly . . . .

Points for Maryland Traffic Tickets and Traffic Violations

Points will be assessed against you if you are convicted in court for the violation listed on your traffic ticket, or if you admit the violation by paying the preset amount shown on the ticket. Maryland points stay current for two years. Points can raise your car insurance rates by far more . . . .

Provisional License Suspension and Revocation

As a provisional driver's license holder in Maryland, you are at risk of having your license suspended or worse, even if you have only ever had two minor traffic tickets. Provisional license holders also face stiff insurance rates, based on their provisional status, age, and inexperience. The . . . .

Driving with a Suspended, Canceled, Refused, or Revoked License

Driving with a suspended, canceled, refused, or revoked license in Maryland can have serious consequences, but I can help you avoid them. Just because your license was suspended doesn't mean that you are guilty. I have helped hundreds of other people just like you with charges in Maryland courts, . . . .

Driving an Uninsured Vehicle

In Maryland, driving an uninsured vehicle or allowing one to be driven is a jailable offense. It carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 for a first offense. A second offense of driving an uninsured vehicle is punishable by up to two years in jail and $2,000. It also has . . . .

Driving Without a License

Driving without a license in Maryland could subject you to harsh penalties, particularly if you are a repeat offender, or if you do not have a license because you have been convicted of another crime. For a first offense, you could be jailed for up to 60 days and fined up to $500. For a second . . . .

DUI and DWI

In Maryland, all drunk driving charges are serious. DUI and DWI are both jailable offenses, and they can both lead to your license being suspended or revoked, even for a first offense. I have helped many people successfully navigate these charges without going to jail or losing their license, and I . . . .

Estimate Your BAC for a Maryland DUI or DWI

Estimate BAC for a pound MaleFemale Add Drinks and Time of Drinking Add the number and type of drinks, and time ingested in hours relative to the drinking start time below, and the chart below will automatically update. Drinking start time: . . . .

Driving While Impaired by Drugs or a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

It is unlawful to drive in Maryland if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol to the point that you cannot drive a vehicle safely. While the law is different depending on whether the drug is an illegal drug (also called a "controlled dangerous substance" or "CDS"), or a legal drug, it is unlawful to . . . .

Public Intoxication and Open Container Laws

Maryland prohibits public intoxication and public consumption of alcohol outside of designated places, even if you are not operating a vehicle. While there are many laws prohibiting drunk driving, Maryland also has a number of alcohol laws that apply more generally. Public Intoxication Public . . . .

Ignition Interlock Program Requirements for DUI and DWI

Depending on what happens with your Maryland DUI or DWI case, you might be required to have an ignition interlock in your car, particularly after the changes in Maryland law that took effect on October 1, 2016. I can help you avoid ignition interlock requirements and suspensions that might . . . .

Ignition Interlock Program Violation Hearing
If you elect to participate in the Maryland ignition interlock program, you might receive a violation notice in the mail. I can challenge and overturn these violations. Each violation extends the duration of the interlock restriction on your license and the program by one month. If you get . . . .

Drunk Driving Under 21 Years Old

Drunk driving in Maryland when you are under the drinking age of 21 has a special set of consequences different from those for an older driver. Courts and administrative law judges often see age as a factor that makes the offense more severe, and there are penalties written into the law for DUI and . . . .

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se (DUI Per Se)

A Maryland Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se charge means that you are accused of driving or exercising actual physical control over a vehicle and testing as .08 or above in a test of breath or blood afterward.  It is one of Maryland's three major drunk driving offenses, . . . .

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)

Maryland driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) charges are punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine for a first offense.  Along with a possible jail term, it can also affect your license status, leading to a suspension or even a revocation of your license if it is not dealt . . . .

Driving While Impaired by Alcohol (DWI)

Maryland driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) charges are punishable by up to two months in jail and a $500 fine for a first offense.  Even though driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) is the lesser offense of the typical Maryland drunk driving charges, it carries a possible jail term and can . . . .

Call (301) 556-8709 now. Let my expertise fix your problem. You will often be able to speak with a lawyer on the phone immediately. Mr. Anthracite responds to calls on weekends, and all phone messages will be returned within 24 hours.