What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince George’s County
A criminal arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest, where the judge reads the charges, advises the defendant of their constitutional rights, and addresses release conditions. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, the arraignment process depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanors are arraigned at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. For felony charges, the initial appearance also occurs at the District Court, but the case is later transferred to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for arraignment and further proceedings. Having experienced criminal defense counsel present before and during the arraignment can make a significant difference in the court’s release decision and the direction of the case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments and throughout the criminal process in Prince George’s County. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Defense Means in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a diverse jurisdiction bordering Washington, D.C. Its criminal courts handle a broad range of offenses — from misdemeanor assault and theft to serious felony drug distribution and violent crimes. The District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro, decides all misdemeanor trials and conducts initial appearances in felony matters. Felony trials are heard by the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes criminal cases. One important Maryland disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which allows a judge to place a defendant on probation without entering a conviction. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and certain felonies. After successful completion of probation, the PBJ can be expunged. The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility to include many non-violent convictions after a waiting period. Nolle prosequi — where the prosecutor drops the charges — and Stet — placing the case on an inactive docket — are also common outcomes that can lead to record-clearing opportunities. Expungement petitions are filed in the court where the case was heard.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has an active criminal defense practice in Prince George’s County. Our Rockville location serves clients in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, Suitland, and surrounding communities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the team has documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases
After an arrest in Prince George’s County, the defendant is taken before a District Court commissioner who makes the initial bail determination. A bail review hearing may be held within 24 hours for those who are detained. The arraignment follows, where the charges are formally presented, the defendant enters a plea, and the court sets further dates. For misdemeanors, the District Court typically schedules a trial within 30 to 90 days of the arraignment. Felony cases proceed through the Circuit Court, where a preliminary hearing may be held within 30 days if the defendant is detained without indictment.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with clients from the earliest stage. Pre-arraignment preparation may include securing private bail review, gathering character letters and employment records to advocate for release on personal recognizance or the lowest possible bail, and beginning the factual investigation. Our Of Counsel team includes a former Maryland prosecutor who understands how the State’s Attorney’s office builds its case and knows the court practices in both the District and Circuit Courts. Defense strategies are tailored to the specific charge and the client’s goals — whether that is seeking a PBJ, negotiating a reduced plea, or preparing for trial. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling; the firm works toward a resolution that protects the client’s record and future.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He maintains a limited caseload to stay directly involved in complex matters and works alongside an experienced Of Counsel team.
The criminal defense Of Counsel group includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in District and Circuit Courts — a perspective that informs every stage of representation. The team also includes a former Virginia State Trooper, offering insight into law enforcement procedures and investigative techniques. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal matters in Prince George’s County. Results may vary.
Second-degree assault in Maryland is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $2,500 fine.
Source: Maryland General Assembly
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince George’s County?
At the arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your right to an attorney, and sets bail or release conditions; the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. In Prince George’s County, misdemeanor arraignments are held at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County on Main Street in Upper Marlboro. Felony arraignments occur in the Circuit Court after the case is transferred from District Court. Having an attorney present when you enter a plea and when the court sets bail is important. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments and can advocate for release on personal recognizance or the lowest possible bail. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged following a 3-year waiting period. Our firm actively practices here — firm-wide, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. An experienced attorney can assess whether your charge qualifies and guide you through the petition process. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After an arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, followed by a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained. The next step is the arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court; felonies go to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes the case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can represent you at every stage. For guidance on your specific situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft: up to 6 months. An attorney at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Our firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Prince George’s County. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Related criminal defense pages: Montgomery County | Howard County | Anne Arundel County | Frederick County | Baltimore County
Primary legal resources: Maryland Criminal Law Article | District Court for Prince George’s County | Maryland Judiciary
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
