RaquinMercer Law Offices
“The Defense Never Rests.”
Photo of Professionals at RaquinMercer LLC

Defense Attorneys With Federal Experience

At RaquinMercer LLC, we handle federal cases in Maryland for the Northern and Southern Division – in Baltimore and Greenbelt – and the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Attorney Steve Mercer also represents clients in the federal District Court in the District of Columbia. Attorneys Isabelle Raquin and Steve Mercer can provide you with the knowledgeable advice and skilled representation you need. Our team has a passion for federal defense work, and we do everything we can to protect the rights of the accused.

Our federal experience extends to a wide range of cases, including:

  • Child pornography
  • Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Act (VICAR)
  • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
  • Drug possession, distribution or importation
  • Trafficking of guns and firearms

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

To determine your sentence, the judge will use federal sentencing guidelines. The guidelines can be complex, and the potential mandatory minimum sentences are very severe. Our firm knows how to work the guidelines and sentencing factors in order to mitigate the range of calculated points and give you the best possible outcome.

Protecting Your Rights At Every Stage Of The Process

Our firm assists clients throughout the criminal justice process, including if you have been contacted by the police as a suspect, target, person of interest, or as a witness, if you received a summons, or if you have been subpoenaed to testify at trial or before a grand jury. You should retain a lawyer to advise you of your rights. Our attorneys will:

  • Make sure you don’t incriminate yourself
  • Prepare you for the charges to come
  • Start investigating the case early and collect evidence
  • Negotiate the conditions of your release if an arrest is made
  • Protect you from harassment by the police, Child Protection Services, the state or government, or the media

If you have been charged or have reason to believe you are under investigation, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.

Photo of Judge Gary E. Bair (Ret.)

Are you eligible to seek post-conviction relief?

A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of the legal process. In some cases, individuals may have the opportunity to challenge their conviction or sentence even after appeals have been exhausted. This process is known as post-conviction relief and may...

Examples of new evidence that can lead to a criminal appeal

In most criminal cases, an appeal cannot be based on simply disagreeing with the verdict. Appeals usually require new evidence. This typically is something that was not available or known during the original trial. The courts expect the new information to be strong...

What is the appeals process?

If you're involved in a legal case in Maryland and disagree with a decision, you might wonder about the appeals process. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. It's a way to challenge the outcome of a case that you believe...

How can professionals accused of embezzlement fight their charges?

There are a variety of different circumstances that could lead to allegations of embezzlement. Some people face accusations because there appear to be intercepted payments or funds missing from a corporate bank account. Other times, inappropriate use of company...