What happens at a criminal arraignment in St. Mary’s County
You were arrested in St. Mary’s County—perhaps on Route 5 near Leonardtown, or in a residential area of Lexington Park. After being processed, you were given a date to appear in court. That first court appearance is called an arraignment, and it sets the course of your entire case. At the arraignment, the judge formally tells you the charges against you, and you enter a plea. You are not expected to argue your case or present evidence at this hearing, but what happens at arraignment can have lasting consequences. Having an experienced defense lawyer with you at the arraignment can help protect your rights from the very beginning. If you or a family member is facing an arraignment in St. Mary’s County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the Arraignment Process in St. Mary’s County
The criminal arraignment in St. Mary’s County is a hearing held before a judge of the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County, located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650. For most misdemeanor cases, the arraignment occurs in the District Court, while felony cases may involve an initial appearance in the District Court before the case is transferred to the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County for trial. During the arraignment, the judge reads the formal charges, advises you of your right to an attorney, and asks how you plead. The three typical pleas are guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere. If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial date. If you plead guilty, the judge will determine whether to accept the plea and, if accepted, proceed to sentencing or schedule a sentencing hearing.
Bail is often determined before the arraignment by a District Court commissioner, but the judge can review and modify bail at the arraignment. Maryland law allows for release on personal recognizance, unsecured bond, or secured bond. The court may also impose conditions of release, such as supervision by pretrial services or a requirement to stay away from an alleged victim. Understanding these conditions early is important, because a violation can lead to revocation of bail and additional charges. Every case is different, and the arraignment is an opportunity to begin building a defense strategy with guidance from a knowledgeable attorney.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the State’s Attorney builds a case and can identify potential weaknesses early in the process—often as early as the arraignment. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he appears in St. Mary’s County courts through the firm’s Rockville location. Together with his Of Counsel, the team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience, and the firm has achieved over 4,739 documented results in criminal defense matters. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s criminal defense team includes attorneys who are former prosecutors and who have firsthand experience in Maryland District and Circuit Courts. The firm serves clients from communities across St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest where the defendant is informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. In St. Mary’s County, the arraignment takes place in the District Court, even for felony cases that will later move to Circuit Court. The judge reads the charging document aloud, advises you of your right to have an attorney, and sets bail if it has not already been determined. This hearing is not a trial; no evidence is presented and no witnesses testify. The primary purpose is to make sure you understand what you are charged with and how you intend to respond. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
When does an arraignment happen after an arrest in St. Mary’s County?
An arraignment is typically scheduled soon after the initial appearance before a District Court commissioner, often within days or weeks of the arrest. Maryland law requires that a person arrested and charged be taken before a commissioner without unnecessary delay. The commissioner sets bail and informs the person of the charges. The arraignment follows, with the specific date determined by the court’s calendar. For detained individuals, a bail review hearing is held in District Court within 24 hours. The timing can vary based on the nature of the charges and whether the defendant is held in custody. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer at the arraignment?
You have the right to a lawyer at your arraignment, and having an attorney present can significantly affect the outcome of the hearing. At the arraignment, the judge will ask if you have counsel; if you cannot afford one, you may be eligible for representation by the Office of the Public Defender. However, the arraignment is a critical stage of the case. Your lawyer can argue for release or a reduction in bail, negotiate with the State’s Attorney about the charges, and advise you on your plea. Without a lawyer, you may inadvertently waive important rights. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I plead not guilty at arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date, and the case will move toward pretrial proceedings. In St. Mary’s County, misdemeanor trials are held in the District Court, while felony trials take place in the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing or indictment. After a not guilty plea, the State’s Attorney must provide discovery materials, which your lawyer will review to build a defense. The court may also set dates for motions or a pretrial conference. A not guilty plea preserves your right to challenge the evidence and requires the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
What if I plead guilty at arraignment?
Pleading guilty means you admit to the charges, and the judge will determine whether to accept the plea and proceed to sentencing. Before accepting a guilty plea, the judge must ensure that your plea is knowing and voluntary, and that you understand the rights you are giving up—including the right to a trial. In some Maryland cases, a guilty plea may lead to immediate sentencing, while in others the court may order a presentence investigation and schedule a separate sentencing hearing. A guilty plea results in a conviction, which can have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and immigration status. It is wise to consult a lawyer before entering any plea. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can bail be set or changed at the arraignment?
Yes, the judge can set bail or modify an existing bail decision at the arraignment. Typically, a District Court commissioner sets bail immediately after arrest. If you are still in custody by the arraignment, your attorney can request a reduction in bail or a change to unsecured bond or personal recognizance. The judge considers factors such as the severity of the charge, your ties to the community, prior record, and whether you pose a flight risk or a danger to others. A well-prepared bail argument can make a significant difference in whether you are released while your case is pending.
What is the difference between a District Court and Circuit Court arraignment in St. Mary’s County?
Misdemeanor arraignments occur in the District Court, while felony cases may begin in District Court with an initial appearance before being transferred to Circuit Court for trial and a more formal arraignment. The District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. If the case is a felony, after the initial appearance and a preliminary hearing, the case is bound over to the Circuit Court, where a separate arraignment may take place. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over jury trials and more serious offenses, and its procedures are governed by different rules. The location of the arraignment affects the timing and strategy of the defense.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring a valid photo ID, any paperwork related to your case, and contact information for your attorney. You should arrive early and dress in a manner that shows respect for the court. Do not bring weapons, food, or electronic devices unless permitted. If you have retained a lawyer, make sure you have your attorney’s business card or phone number. If you are applying for the services of the Public Defender, bring proof of income. The clerk’s office at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive can provide information about courtroom rules. For any additional questions, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I miss my arraignment?
If you miss your arraignment, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Failing to appear for a scheduled court date is taken seriously in Maryland. The warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. You could face additional charges for failure to appear, and any bail you posted may be forfeited. If you have a legitimate reason for missing court, your attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant and explain the circumstances. It is important to contact your lawyer immediately if you cannot attend a scheduled hearing.
Can I get a continuance at the arraignment?
Yes, the court may postpone the arraignment for good cause, such as the need to hire an attorney or review charging documents. A continuance is not automatically granted; you or your lawyer must request it. The judge will consider whether the delay is reasonable and whether it will prejudice the prosecution. If you have just been arrested and need time to secure representation, the court is generally willing to postpone the arraignment for a short period. However, your release conditions may remain in effect during that time. Your attorney can argue for the trusted terms while your case is continued.
Is the arraignment open to the public?
Criminal arraignments in Maryland are generally open to the public, but the judge may close the courtroom under limited circumstances. The public and press have a qualified right to attend court proceedings. Family members and friends can typically observe the arraignment, though they must follow courtroom rules. In some sensitive cases, such as those involving sexual offenses or juvenile defendants, the courtroom may be closed to protect the privacy of witnesses or victims. If you have concerns about public access to your arraignment, your attorney can discuss your options with the court.
How is an arraignment different from a preliminary hearing?
An arraignment focuses on informing the defendant of charges and taking a plea, while a preliminary hearing is a proceeding in which the judge determines whether there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed and the defendant committed it. In St. Mary’s County, a preliminary hearing is held only for felony cases if the defendant has not been indicted and demands it. At the preliminary hearing, the State presents some evidence to establish probable cause. The arraignment is typically held before the preliminary hearing or, in misdemeanor cases, is the only initial hearing. The two serve different purposes, and your attorney will prepare for each accordingly. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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