What happens at a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County
You were arrested and now you have a court date for an arraignment in Anne Arundel County. You are not sure what the process involves or what you need to do. An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after an arrest where the charges against you are officially presented and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere. At the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, located at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, the arraignment also gives the judge an opportunity to address bail status and to schedule further proceedings. Having an experienced attorney who understands local procedures can make a significant difference in how your case begins. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation before your court date. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to expect at an arraignment in Anne Arundel County
In Maryland, the arraignment is distinct from the initial appearance before a District Court commissioner that happens shortly after arrest. That initial appearance—often within hours of booking—deals solely with bail and whether you will be released pending trial. The arraignment, by contrast, is the hearing where the State’s Attorney formally files the charging document and the court advises you of the charges, ensures you understand your right to counsel, and asks how you plead. In Anne Arundel County, arraignments for misdemeanors take place in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County. Felony arraignments typically occur in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County after a preliminary hearing or indictment.
At the arraignment, the judge will read the charges aloud or confirm that you and your attorney have received a copy of the charging document. You will be asked to enter a plea. A not-guilty plea generally leads to a trial date being set, while a guilty plea may result in immediate sentencing or a presentence investigation before sentencing. The judge may also revisit the question of pretrial release—your attorney can ask the court to modify bail conditions if circumstances have changed. Because the arraignment sets the procedural track for the entire case, being represented by counsel who understands the local court’s practices is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Anne Arundel County courts and can help navigate this first important hearing.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly happens at a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County?
At an arraignment, the judge formally presents the charges, asks you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere, and may address conditions of release. In Anne Arundel County, if you have an attorney, the attorney can enter the plea on your behalf in many misdemeanor cases. The court will also schedule future dates—such as a pretrial conference or trial—based on the plea entered and the complexity of the case. If you do not have counsel, the judge will inform you of your right to hire an attorney or apply for representation through the public defender if you qualify financially. The entire hearing is typically brief, but its impact on the case is substantial.
What is the difference between the initial appearance and the arraignment?
The initial appearance before a District Court commissioner happens within hours of arrest and focuses on bail, while the arraignment is a later court hearing where charges are formally presented and a plea is entered. After arrest, you are taken before a commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release. If you are detained, you have a right to a bail review hearing before a judge within 24 hours. The arraignment occurs days or weeks later, depending on whether you are in custody and the court’s calendar. Understanding this distinction helps you know what to expect at each stage. Your attorney can explain the timing in your specific case.
Can I plead guilty at the arraignment?
Yes, you may plead guilty at the arraignment, but doing so without first consulting an attorney and fully understanding the consequences is rarely advisable. If you plead guilty, the judge may move directly to sentencing, which could involve jail time, fines, probation, or other penalties. Some defendants may qualify for a deferred disposition such as Probation Before Judgment, but that is typically negotiated with the State’s Attorney before the hearing—not decided solely at arraignment. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify potential defenses, and discuss whether a plea agreement or trial strategy better serves your long-term interests.
Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment in Anne Arundel County?
You have the right to represent yourself, but having an attorney significantly improves your ability to protect your interests from the very first hearing. Many Maryland criminal charges carry substantial penalties—second-degree assault can result in up to ten years of incarceration, and theft charges over $1,500 can be felonies. At the arraignment, your attorney can argue for reduced bail, preserve your right to a speedy trial, and begin mapping out a defense strategy. Without counsel, you risk making decisions that can limit your options later. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles criminal defense matters throughout Anne Arundel County.
What happens if I fail to appear at my arraignment?
Failing to appear for a scheduled arraignment can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. The judge may also revoke any pretrial release and order you held without bail once you are brought before the court. If you realize you will miss your court date, contact your attorney immediately to see if a motion to quash the warrant and reset the hearing can be filed. A willful failure to appear can also lead to an additional criminal charge of failure to appear, which carries its own penalties. Do not ignore a missed court date; prompt action can help mitigate the consequences.
Can I get bail modified at the arraignment?
Yes, your attorney can ask the judge to reconsider bail conditions at the arraignment if there has been a change in circumstances. Maryland courts consider factors such as community ties, employment, prior record, and the nature of the charges when setting bail. If you have secured stable housing, obtained employment, or if the initial bail was set without full information, the judge may reduce the amount or allow release on personal recognizance. The State’s Attorney may oppose the request. Presenting a well-prepared argument at the arraignment is more effective than waiting for a separate bail review motion.
What is Probation Before Judgment and does it apply at arraignment?
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a Maryland sentencing option that avoids a formal conviction, but it is not granted at the arraignment—it comes later, usually as part of a plea agreement or after trial. Under a PBJ disposition, the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you complete probation successfully, the case is eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Many defendants in Anne Arundel County seek PBJ as a way to protect their record. Your attorney can determine whether the State’s Attorney is willing to offer PBJ in your case and negotiate that outcome before or at trial.
How long after arrest does the arraignment happen?
Arraignment timing varies based on whether you are in custody and the court’s schedule, but it generally occurs within a few weeks of arrest for misdemeanors and longer for felony cases. If you are detained, the court prioritizes your case to ensure a timely hearing. For felony charges that require indictment or a preliminary hearing, the arraignment may take place weeks or months later in Circuit Court. Maryland’s speedy-trial rule, known as the Hicks date, requires that a felony jury trial begin within 180 days of the first appearance. Your attorney can explain the timeline in your specific situation.
Are arraignments open to the public?
Yes, criminal arraignments in Maryland are generally open to the public. Family members, friends, and the press may attend unless the judge closes the courtroom for a specific reason, which is rare. Having a supportive person in the courtroom can help, but they should remain quiet and follow courtroom rules. If you are concerned about media attention or sensitive information being disclosed, your attorney can advise you on whether any portion of the proceeding can be shielded. The court’s primary concern is ensuring the fairness of the process while maintaining open access.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring a copy of your charging documents if you have them, your attorney’s contact information, and any paperwork related to bail or release conditions. Dress respectfully—business attire is recommended—and arrive early to allow time for security screening at the courthouse entrance. If you have not yet hired an attorney, be prepared to inform the judge of your intentions regarding representation. Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or items prohibited by courthouse security. Your attorney can provide a list of what to bring and what to expect at the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis.
About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s attorneys appear in Anne Arundel County courts and handle matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Reach the firm’s Rockville location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your upcoming arraignment.
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