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Your Trusted Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
As an experienced criminal defense attorney in Maryland, I have dedicated my career to protecting the rights, freedoms, and futures of individuals facing serious legal challenges. My practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, traffic offenses, peace orders, and protective orders, ensuring clients receive specialized, results-driven representation. I prioritize early intervention, offering flat fees that include trial preparation at no additional cost, so clients understand costs upfront. With a background in both law and scientific disciplines, I leverage extensive knowledge of case law, digital evidence, and trial strategies to aggressively defend clients.My commitment to personalized attention means every case is thoroughly prepared for trial, even if negotiations lead to favorable plea agreements. Over the years, I have successfully defended hundreds of clients in Maryland courts, advocating for reduced charges, dismissed cases, and preserved driving privileges. Whether addressing DUI allegations, assault charges, or immigration-related consequences, my approach combines legal expertise with strategic problem-solving. I am available evenings and weekends for emergencies, ensuring timely support when clients need it most.
Services
DUI Defense
Assault Charges
Drug Possession
Peace Orders
Expungement
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of experience defending Maryland criminal cases
- Flat fees include trial preparation at no additional cost
- Specializes exclusively in criminal defense, DUI, and related matters
- Graduated from University of Virginia School of Law
- Combines legal expertise with technical knowledge of evidence analysis
Services
DUI Defense
Defending Maryland DUI/DWI charges requires specialized legal knowledge to protect driving privileges and avoid jail time. Our firm handles breath test challenges, MVA administrative hearings, and trial representation for alcohol and drug-related driving offenses. With experience in ignition interlock program violations and sentencing mitigation, we develop comprehensive strategies tailored to each case. Early intervention is critical to prevent license suspension and secure favorable outcomes for first-time or repeat offenders.
Assault Charges
We defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony assault allegations in Maryland courts. This includes second-degree assault, first-degree assault, and domestic violence cases involving protective orders. Our approach examines witness credibility, challenges evidence, and negotiates for charge dismissals or reduced penalties. We represent clients during pretrial release hearings and at trial to protect their freedom and employment prospects.
Drug Possession
Addressing possession charges for marijuana, prescription medications, and illegal drugs requires understanding Maryland's complex sentencing guidelines. We challenge unlawful searches, negotiate pretrial diversion programs, and seek dismissal of charges related to both small amounts and larger quantities. Our defense considers medical necessity claims and prior conviction implications to minimize incarceration risks.
Peace Orders
Defending against peace and protective orders involves challenging the legal basis for allegations of harassment, stalking, or assault. We represent clients in hearings to prevent permanent orders that could impact employment and housing. This includes addressing false accusations and negotiating modifications to overly broad restrictions that might lead to accidental violations.
Expungement
Our firm helps clients pursue expungement of criminal charges, arrests, and certain convictions from their records. We evaluate eligibility for automatic expungements, governor's pardons, and court petitions to remove barriers to employment and housing. This process requires demonstrating rehabilitation and understanding evolving Maryland eligibility requirements.
People
Raymond F. Anthracite
Attorney
Raymond F. Anthracite is a Maryland attorney specializing in criminal defense with over 15 years of experience. Graduated from University of Virginia School of Law (2006) and University of Maryland (2003) with physics degree. Combines legal expertise with technical knowledge to defend DUI, assault, and drug charges.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Maryland?
Contact our office immediately to preserve critical evidence. We'll help request MVA hearings within 10-day deadlines and develop trial strategies to challenge field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results.
Can assault charges be dismissed in Maryland?
Yes, through witness credibility challenges, self-defense arguments, and demonstrating insufficient evidence. Early intervention increases chances of pretrial dismissal or negotiated plea agreements.
How does a peace order affect my rights?
Peace orders can restrict your movements and interactions. Violations carry criminal penalties. We challenge these orders by examining petitioner qualifications and alleged incidents' credibility.
What are alternatives to jail for drug possession?
Pretrial diversion programs, probation before judgment, and medical necessity defenses offer alternatives to incarceration. Our experience helps clients avoid convictions that impact employment and immigration status.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Maryland?
Expungement eligibility depends on case outcomes. We evaluate automatic expungements for dismissed charges and petition courts for eligible convictions, including navigating governor's pardon processes.
What makes your firm different from other criminal defense attorneys?
Specialized focus on Maryland criminal law, technical expertise analyzing evidence, and flat fee structures with trial inclusion provide unique advantages over general practice attorneys.
Reviews (1)
Kris Estrada
Mar 08, 2026
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Raymond Anthracite is truly a gem of an attorney! I contacted Ray on a Friday evening regarding a traffic citation. He responded immediately and was kind and respectful, both over the phone and when I met him in his law office. Throughout the course of his representation, I could tell that Ray was extremely knowledgeable and experienced in handling my matter. Even his website is already super helpful!
Right from the outset, Ray made sure he thoroughly informed me about my options and what he could do to help me, which is always greatly appreciated. During my court hearing, Ray went above and beyond, not only as my attorney, but also as a great comfortsomeone who understood what I was going through. Ray remained honest and transparent with me, and he kept me calm and collected throughout the entire process, especially with his lighthearted humor.
Ray handled the courtroom like a boss!
I was genuinely impressed at how prepared he was with documentation and knowing how to communicate with the judge and the other party. I came out of the courtroom fully satisfied. I highly recommend Ray Anthracite for any and all legal matters throughout the State of Maryland! Thanks so much, Ray!
Right from the outset, Ray made sure he thoroughly informed me about my options and what he could do to help me, which is always greatly appreciated. During my court hearing, Ray went above and beyond, not only as my attorney, but also as a great comfortsomeone who understood what I was going through. Ray remained honest and transparent with me, and he kept me calm and collected throughout the entire process, especially with his lighthearted humor.
Ray handled the courtroom like a boss!
I was genuinely impressed at how prepared he was with documentation and knowing how to communicate with the judge and the other party. I came out of the courtroom fully satisfied. I highly recommend Ray Anthracite for any and all legal matters throughout the State of Maryland! Thanks so much, Ray!
