State Years

Dist. of Columbia - DC 3 years

Maryland - MD 17 years
Licensed for 3 years

State DC

Acquired 2020

Status
Good Standing No misconduct found
Licensed for 17 years

State MD

Acquired 2006

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Michael Wilson McGraw

Criminal defense Attorney at Annapolis, MD

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

One Of A Kind

Mike is hands down one of best hands on attorney my husband and I have ever dealt with. I contacted Mike last week and he was very responsive in answering my calls and questions. Mike reached out to me on a Sunday (a non-business day) to let me know what he had planned to help my husband and again on Monday when it was a holiday. I've worked with many attorneys in my day and none of them have/had gone this far as Mike does/did. If you have a legal issues I recommend you contacting Mike McGraw.

Saved My Career

I am a law enforcement officer, going through a nasty custody battle and false allegations with fabricated evidence from my former partner to discredit me and get me fired from my job. Custody of my daughter and my career were on the line because of these allegations. Mr McGraw and his team proved in court that she was not being truthful and caused serious doubt as to if her allegations occurred. He put pressure where it needed to be applied in a tactful manner, and pointed out inconsistencies in her allegations. Had he not done such an amazing job in a professional and precise manner, my career and more importantly, custody of my daughter would be in serious jeopardy. I can firmly say that as someone who has been cross examined in court, I would not want to go toe to toe with him if he was on the other side. Mr McGraw is sharp and very good at his profession. I cannot recommend him high enough.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

30%

Handle cases for clients charged with everything from drug possession to homicide. Former felony prosecutor in both Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties.

16 years, 3,500 cases
DUI and DWI

30%

Handle all types of Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Impaired cases including automobile manslaughter and serious injury cases. Former automobile manslaughter prosecutor with 340hrs. of training in collision reconstruction/sobriety testing.
... Read more
16 years, 1,000 cases
Personal injury

30%

Handle auto accidents, slip/trip and falls, and matters involving traumatic injury and death. Former insurance defense attorney who is not afraid to take on big insurance companies.

16 years, 500 cases
Administrative law

10%

Handle numerous types of matters before the Office of Administrative hearings involving allegations of wrong doing by State and local agencies outside of just the MVA.

16 years, 150 cases

I WILL USE MY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER FELONY PROSECUTOR IN TWO JURISDICTIONS TO FIGHT FOR YOU. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR CASE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CASE.

Cochran & Chhabra attorney Mike McGraw is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted major felony cases in both Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County. Mr. McGraw has over 16 years of experience trying civil and criminal cases throughout the State of Maryland. He has tried over 150 criminal and civil jury trials to verdict. Additionally, Mr. McGraw frequently appears before the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings representing professional licensees, foster parents, and caretakers accused of wrongdoing by state and local agencies.

Prior to joining Cochran & Chhabra, Mr. McGraw worked in the insurance defense industry where he represented Fortune 500 companies, insurance carriers, and private individuals. His insurance defense practice focused on auto torts, premises liability, intentional torts, insurance coverage, and the investigation of fraudulent insurance claims. Mr. McGraw continues to apply his knowledge of the insurance industry to helping people injured by the negligence of others.

Mr. McGraw is often called upon to handle unique cases involving government officials and witnesses. He has also served as lead counsel in cases being heard in smaller jurisdictions due to his trial experience. For example, he recently obtained an outright acquittal for a veteran facing four (4) life sentences in a conservative jurisdiction with a very high conviction rate.

Mr. McGraw is the father of an autistic child and is adept at serving clients with special needs as well as addiction and emotional issues.

Additional Contact Information:
Angela Rainey, Paralegal

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Criminal Law

Homicide
Vehicular Manslaughter/Hit & Run
Sex Crimes
Violent Crimes
Weapons Offenses
Drug Crimes
Property Crimes
White Collar Crimes
Nuisance Crimes
DUI/DWI
Traffic Offenses

Collateral & Post-Sentencing

Peace & Protective Orders
Probation Violations
Sentencing Reconsiderations
Post-Convictions
Coram Nobis
Habeas Corpus
8-505/8-507 Commitments
Witness Representation

Personal Injury & Litigation

Car Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian Strikes
Premises Liability
Replevin/Detinue

Administrative Law

Maryland State Department of Transportation (MVA)
Maryland Department of Social Services
Maryland Board of Physicians
Maryland Board of Nursing
Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Maryland State Police
Maryland Department of Human Services
Suspension and Expulsion Hearings – High School & College
Public Safety Matters – Federal, State & Local

Awards

Client's Choice

2023 2022 2021

Photos and videos

Contact Michael

Cochran & Chhabra, LLC

(443) 294-8985 Office

(410) 268-2139 Fax

(443) 294-8985 Mobile

116 B Cathedral Street

Courthouse

Annapolis, MD, 21401

ccc-law.com/attorneys/michael-w-mcgraw/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

71 customer reviews

5 Star

99%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2021

One Of A Kind

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Posted by LC | August 22, 2023

Saved My Career

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Posted by anonymous | August 9, 2023

What just happened?

For the first time in two years, I no longer have pending court cases. Two DUIs and a multitude of various surrounding charges later, I have served 0 jail time, paid maybe $100 in court fees, and a mountain of anxiety obliterated. Safe to say, I trust Mike McGraw with my life.

Posted by Jeffrey | July 20, 2023

Perfect Outcome

Mike was able to have my two (serious) traffic related charges and two fines dismissed. He put me at ease as he walked me through what to expect in the courtroom. I know he did a lot of work in the background that I never saw. What I did see was the best outcome possible. Thanks Mike!

Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2023

Satisfied Customer

My attorney, Michael McGraw is an excellent lawyer. He did an impeccable job during my trial in Anne Arundel County and got the results I was looking for… Not Guilty!! I am very pleased with his knowledge and services.

Posted by Cherie | April 10, 2023

If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney then go to Mr. Michael McGraw!!

I reached out to Mr. McGraw on Easter Sunday and to my surprise he responded and gave me an appointment for the next day. Qualities that I really enjoyed about Mr. McGraw was his responsiveness, speaking skills, analytical skills and he was a very attentive, sympathetic listener. And he was able to put my mind at ease!!

Posted by Brian | March 27, 2023

Couldn’t ask for more

Intelligent. Prepared. Well-spoken. Personable. Efficient. Easy to get in contact with and quick response time. If you want the job done right, Mike is your guy.

Posted by Rick | March 23, 2023

Excellent lawyer

Who do you run to when you are in trouble? Mr Michael McGraw. Best attorney in the area.

Posted by Michelle | February 24, 2023

Great job totally satisfied mad love

He did everything a lawyer could do. Very satisfied and would definitely recommend Mike and this Firm to all Defendants that the judiciary system wanna F****!! .. Yeah..‘and the MVA is even worse!

Posted by Bob | February 24, 2023

No worries with Mike

As to be expected I was very nervous for the outcome of my DWI hearing, but Mike was calm, thorough and reassuring. Mike did a terrific job and was very professional. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal help.

Posted by David | February 18, 2023

Great lawyer who fights for his clients

Mike McGraw represented me in a case where I was charged with assault while working as a security officer. The charge ended up costing me my job in a 20+ year career in the security field. The case was politically motivated, the charges filed during an election cycle and the judge who handled it on the District Court side was extremely biased and didn't even listen to most of the testimony of the witnesses or allow alot of evidence that would have cleared me. I was found guilty, and Mike immediately filed an appeal the same day before leaving the court house and we took this case to Circuit Court and a jury trial. Mike did a great job picking a jury and had a great opening statement for the jury. He did an excellent job questioning the witnesses the state brought forward and showed that there was alot of reasonable doubt in my case. Mike did such a great job on this case that when the state rested their case the jury was excused for a break, and he petitioned for an immediate acquittal and it was granted as there "wasn't enough evidence to proceed with wasting the jury's time an further" in the words of the judge overseeing the case. My initial guilty finding was vacated, and I have a clean record again because of the great job Mike did with my case. Unfortunately, I'm no longer working in the security field but if I ever need a lawyer to represent me in the future, Mike McGraw will be my first call. He fights hard for his clients, especially when he knows they aren't guilty, and he stands by them and helps them through the process. He could have easily walked away after the District Court case but he didn’t and fought hard to clear my name.

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Posted by Corinne | February 7, 2023

Best lawyer to use

Mike Mcgraw is the best most thorough lawyer I have ever used. He got my felony charges dismissed in court and I would HIGHLY recommend him

Posted by Mehnaz | February 6, 2023

Best criminal attorney

I was blessed and fortunate to have Mr. McGraw representing me for my criminal charges. He was very attentive, he was responsive and he was also a great listener. He is one of the best criminal attorney. All of my charges have been dropped. I will definitely recommend Mr.McGraw to anyone looking for an amazing attorney who will properly prepare for court appearance and help you get the best outcome for your case. Thank you so much Mike McGraw.

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Posted by Mark | January 27, 2023

Excellent defense attorney

I retained the services of attorney Mike McGraw several months ago. Mr.McGraw was very detailed in his information gathering and communications with me and in developing a skillful defense. Pretrial he assembled the right team and gathered the appropriate resources. During the trial he utilized his significant legal skills to run circles around the opposing legal team. The entire time Mr. McGraw mad we feel like part of the firms family and had a great sense of humor while providing a realistic assessment of my case resulting in a huge victory during the trial. Money well spent.

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Posted by Andrew | January 9, 2023

Traffic Case

Mr. Mike McGraw was very timely and professional. Handling the case with care and diligence. His reputation amongst the AAC and MD court system shows his worth and respect amongst the judicial system. I was very happy overall with Mike and the outcome of the charges being dropped and the case dismissed.

Posted by Chaunté | November 20, 2022

Sublime Legal Counsel, Definitely Recommend

I highly recommend Attorney McGraw. I was charged with DUI and of course was scared out of my mind being that I hold a security clearance. Attorney McGraw and the rest of the team eased my mind about the whole process. They also recommended needed steps to take leading up to trial. Definitely great customer service and professionalism. I am also very happy with the charges being dismissed. If I ever, (which I hope I don’t) get into any other trouble, Attorney McGraw is the one I will call on. Thank you so much for everything!

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Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2022

Outstanding Service

I’ve had the privilege of being represented by Mike Mcgraw for a DUI. He and his staff are helpful, accommodating and most important of all; experienced. Mike and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, reliable, provide professional help with your individual case and have an innate sensitivity to assist with your concerns. Mike and his staff are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Mike Mcgraw for his assistance with your case.

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Posted by anonymous | November 7, 2022

12 points on my license

Mr. McGraw was a great lawyer to have on your side. He is quick to respond to any questions and is knowledgeable. He cares about helping his clients and was a very good price.

Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2022

Domestic Conundrum

Mr. McGraw is without a doubt not only an amazing attorney, but an amazing person. His knowledge of law, zeal to ensure the person whom he has been tasked to represent is done in a manner that yields the best outcome, and commitment to justice were more than evident upon my initial conversation with him. Notwithstanding the aforementioned to the contrary, Mr. McGraw’s moral compass is evident in his delivery both in court and during confidential conversations with his client. Additionally, at no time we’re the possible outcomes of my case overinflated for the purpose of gaining my trust nor in an attempt to persuade me to retain him. Mr. McGraw was honest, kind, communicative, and provided reassurance throughout the duration of the case. Given his experience and accolades, I was not dubious as to his wherewithal to render efficacious representation. He assured me that I’d be okay, and at the conclusion of the case the felony was nolle prosequi and an acquittal rendered as to the misdemeanor. Given that I’d never been charged of any criminal offense prior to this case I was undoubtedly devastated as such was based upon a fallacy. However, with Mr. McGraw’s representation, I was able to have the charges expunged subsequently maintaining a criminal history free of any offenses. I am unequivocally thankful for his diligence, commitment, and knowledge.

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Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2022

Excellent service

Mr. McGraw is a very professional lawyer. He handled my case effectively. I would recommend him to other clients.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Cochran & Chhabra, LLC
2021 - Present

Associate
DeCaro Doran Siciliano Gallagher & DeBlasis LLP
2018 - 2020

Assistant State's Attorney
Office of the State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County
2015 - 2018

Senior Associate
Brennan, McKenna, Manzi, Shay, Chartered
2012 - 2015

Assistant State's Attorney
Office Of The State's Attorney For Prince George's County
2011 - 2012

Associate
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA
2010 - 2011

Assistant Public Defender
State Of Maryland Office Of The Public Defender
2006 - 2010

View all work experience

Education

University of Baltimore School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005

Salisbury University
BS - Bachelor of Science
2001

Legal Cases

State v. Blake
Dismissed

State v. Dailey
Dismissed

State v. Duckworth
Dismissed

View all legal cases

Associations

Administrative Law Council, Maryland State Bar Association
Council Member
2023 - Present

Maryland Association for Justice
Member
2021 - Present

Judicial Interview Committee - Maryland Association for Justice
Member
2021 - Present

Counsel of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
Attorney Member
2020 - Present

Court of Appeals of Maryland for the 4th Appellate Circuit - Character Committee
Investigator
2014 - Present

Anne Arundel County Bar Association
Member
2012 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association
Member
2012 - Present

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association
Member
2012 - Present

Prince George's County Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense
SuperLawyers
2024

Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense
SuperLawyers
2023

Top 100 Criminal Defense
National Trial Lawyers
2022

Top 100 Civil Plaintiff
National Trial Lawyers
2022

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2022

Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2016

Citation (Distinguished Service)
Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County
2012

Maryland State Flag (Honorary)
Secretary of State (Maryland)
2012

Official Citation (Dedicated & Exemplary Service)
Maryland General Assembly
2012

Outstanding and Dedicated Service (2006 - 2010)
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
2010

View all awards

Publications

Michael W. McGraw
Office of the State's Attorney Parole and Probation Training Manual
2016

Michael W. McGraw
Search and Seizure (and Statements Too!)
2012

Speaking Engagements

Office of the State's Attorney Parole and Probation Training
Handling Violation of Probation Hearings
2016

Mock Trial: Prosecuting Cases in the District Court
Prosecuting Cases in the District Court
2016

Training: Litigating Motions to Suppress Statements, Searches & Seizures
Litigating Motions to Suppress Statements, Searches & Seizures
2012

Training: Winning Disorderly Conduct Cases
Winning Disorderly Conduct Cases
2010

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)

Given (19)

Endorse Michael

Lawrence Greenberg

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike has experience doing both sides of criminal law and this makes him an excellent advocate for his clients. He know how the prosecutor views the case and can represent his client’s interest far better because of this knowledge."

Maria Patterson

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I met Mike while working as an attorney for the Prince George's County Attorney's Office, beginning in 2009. He was with a large reputable firm who routinely handled criminal cases, civil rights violations cases and personal injury cases. He is extremely well versed in all 3 areas of law. He has tried criminal and civil cases in the broadest ranges possible. He has in-depth knowledge in these arenas because of his special focus and experience with forensics such as accident reconstruction, police use of force and evidence collection, and blood and DNA technology. Last, but not least, he is a really nice and friendly man who is very pleasant to interact and work with."

Debora Fajer-Smith

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Mike is a tremendous attorney in all aspects, from skills in his field to skills in handling himself professionally and very caring to his clients. I endorse him highly."

Robert Bonsib

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Mike McGraw for many years and I have watched him from the time he first started to practice law. He has a broad range of experience in criminal law and litigation. His personal qualities are at the top of scale and this translates into his being not only a very good trial lawyer - but also permits him to wear the label "counselor" - as he cares about his clients as people as well as being concerned about their legal issues,"

Cary Hansel

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a great lawyer and a great person. He is dedicated to his clients, works incredibly hard on their behalf and has the common sense, grit and real-world smarts missing from too many lawyers. I highly recommend his services and I'd trust him with my life. Hire this guy."

Daniel Renart

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike McGraw and I have worked together on a few cases and I know him to be an excellent attorney who gets great results."

George Patterson

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I routinely sought Mike's guidance on the technical aspects of accident reconstructions. His training and knowledge in this field that he acquired as a prosecutor is at a level rarely seen in the legal community. Mike was opposing counsel in a case and quickly identified the important factual and legal issues."

Jennifer Alexander

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a great lawyer and is well respected in the legal community. He and I have been on opposite sides of cases, and he has always been professional and a pleasure to work with."

Christine Murphy

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I tried cases both against and with Mike- he is an excellent litigator. I highly endorse Mike."

Andrea Montini

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike’s experience as a felony prosecutor in multiple jurisdictions makes him well equipped to handle serious criminal cases. He fights hard for his clients, whether they’re charged with a DUI or a serious felony offense. Mike’s experience and jurisdictional knowledge are hard to come by, and I fully endorse him and his firm for all criminal matters."

Debra Saltz

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a great lawyer. He is knowledgeable and has years of experience on both sides of the courtroom. He will fight for you. I highly endorse Mike."

Jason Greaves

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Co-worker

"During his time at DDSG&D, Michael McGraw was one of our most experienced and trusted criminal defense attorneys. We will miss Mike and his expertise, and I heartily endorse him for anyone seeking representation in Maryland."

Suzanne Houle

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Co-worker

"I first met Mike when he was a State's Attorney at the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. As an opponent, I was always struck by Mike's extensive knowledge of criminal law and ability to captivate the courtroom. I now have the pleasure of working with Mike on the defense side at Cochran & Chhabra. Mike's legal knowledge and litigation experience is unmatched. He is an incredible zealous attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients."

April Skrenczuk

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"There are not many attorneys out there who are as dedicated and hardworking as Mike McGraw. Having worked with Mike for several years when he was a prosecutor at the AA County State's Attorney's Office and even prior to that, I can honestly say that there has never been a time that he has not gone above and beyond in each and every case that he takes on. Mike is well respected in the legal community, knowledgeable of the law and dedicated to getting his clients the best result possible."

Judith Myers

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Co-worker

"Mike and I worked together at the Office of the State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County and are working together again at Cochran & Chhabra, LLC. I am very excited to have Mike join the firm! He brings a wealth of knowledge that he is always willing to share with his clients and co-workers. Mike is a fantastic advocate for his clients, and is not afraid to fight hard for them!"

Mandeep Chhabra

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike and I were on opposing sides for years. Once he left the prosecutor’s office and became an insurance defense attorney I would reach out to him from time to time on advice in one of his areas of his expertise, automobile accidents resulting in serious injury or death. He has always been someone I turned to for solid information and legal knowledge. When Mike decided he wanted to do criminal defense work I asked him to join my firm. I am proud to have him as a member of my team at Cochran & Chhabra. He is extremely knowledgeable and super comfortable in a courtroom."

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