RaquinMercer Law Offices
“The Defense Never Rests.”
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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 for a consultation.

Photo of Judge Gary E. Bair (Ret.)

4-3 Reversal Over Violation of Right to Counsel, both under the Sixth Amendment and Articles 21 and 24

Clark v. State (No. 25. September Term 2022, opinion by Honorable Shirley M. Watts), decided on the last day of the term, is unusual and remarkable. This 132-page, 4-3 opinion is really a 4-4-3-3 decision which includes a majority opinion by Justice Watts, joined by...

Should I invest in costly DNA evidence to prove my innocence?

DNA evidence has transformed the justice system, accurately determining guilt or innocence. It can exonerate the wrongfully convicted, but it is expensive. For those seeking justice after wrongful convictions, the decision to invest in costly DNA evidence can be a...

What should you do if you believe you are under investigation?

Criminal investigations can bring potentially life-altering consequences. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome, as well as the invasive nature of the investigation, can be emotionally overwhelming. During these challenging times, there are steps you can take that...

Judge Bair… Juvenile Justice – Supreme Court Of MD Testimony Quoted

In testimony before the House Judiciary Committee concerning the cross-filed House Bill, a retired circuit court judge noted that the federal Constitution requires that juvenile offenders have “a meaningful opportunity to obtain release based on demonstrated maturity...