What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince George’s County
You’ve been arrested and given a date to appear at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. You haven’t been convicted of anything yet, but the clock is already ticking. At an arraignment, you’ll stand before a judge, hear the charges against you, and enter a plea. How you prepare for those few minutes can shape everything that follows. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly appear in Prince George’s County courts and understand how the local process works. If you need guidance before your court date, you can reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Strategy Options for a Criminal Arraignment
An arraignment doesn’t have to be a passive event. You have choices, and the decisions you make at this early stage affect bail, your record, and even whether the case continues. The most important strategic consideration is whether to have an attorney with you. While you can represent yourself, having counsel present means the lawyer can argue for a favorable bail determination, clarify the charges, and start discussing potential resolutions with the prosecutor. In Prince George’s County, the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies, and an experienced defense attorney can begin evaluating the strength of the state’s case immediately. Another strategic consideration is whether to waive the formal reading of the charges to move the proceeding along or to request a copy of the charging document to review every detail. Each decision carries different risks depending on the nature of the charge and your prior record.
What to Expect During the Arraignment Process
After you arrive at court, the case will be called and the judge will inform you of the offenses with which you are charged. This is your first opportunity to hear exactly what the state is alleging. The judge will then ask you to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or, in limited circumstances, nolo contendere. In most Maryland criminal cases, entering a not-guilty plea at arraignment preserves your right to trial and gives your attorney time to review discovery, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor. The judge will also address bail or conditions of release. A District Court commissioner set initial bail after your arrest, but the judge can reconsider it. Counsel can present reasons for lower bail or release on personal recognizance, highlighting your ties to the community, employment, and absence of flight risk. If the case is a felony, the District Court arraignment is only the first step; the case will later be transferred to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for trial. For misdemeanors, the District Court retains jurisdiction, and the judge may set a trial date at the arraignment itself. Throughout the process, the court keeps its own schedule, so the timeline varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
A criminal conviction in Maryland carries consequences that can follow you long after any sentence is served. For a misdemeanor such as second-degree assault, the maximum penalty is up to ten years of incarceration and a fine. Theft offenses are graded by the value of the property taken, with lower-value thefts carrying up to 90 days in jail and higher-value thefts resulting in felony charges with longer prison terms. First-degree assault is a felony that can result in a sentence of up to 25 years. Even if the charge seems minor, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record unless you later obtain an expungement. Maryland does offer dispositions that can avoid a conviction, such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), where the judge places you on probation without entering a guilty finding; after successfully completing probation and waiting the required period, you can petition to expunge the PBJ. Other possible resolutions include the State’s Attorney entering a nolle prosequi (dropping the charges) or placing the case on the stet docket, which suspends active prosecution. Each outcome depends on the specific facts of your case, your prior record, and the quality of the defense presented.
Attorneys Who Can Help in Prince George’s County
Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., serves as the lead criminal defense attorney for clients in Prince George’s County. Ms. Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland and prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts before joining the firm in 2010. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience helps her anticipate how the state will build its case and find weaknesses in the evidence. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, supports each matter with his own background as a former prosecutor and his two decades of practice. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results since 1997. Results may vary. The firm’s Rockville location is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, and serves clients throughout Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Arraignments
What is a criminal arraignment?
A criminal arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea. In Maryland, for misdemeanors, this takes place at the District Court, and for felonies, the initial appearance may be in District Court before the case moves to Circuit Court. At the arraignment, the judge will also address bail and may set conditions of release. The purpose is not to determine guilt but to formally start the criminal process.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Prince George’s County?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney at arraignment, having one provides important protection. An experienced defense lawyer can argue for your release on personal recognizance, ensure the charges are properly stated, and begin discussions with the prosecutor that could lead to a favorable resolution. Because the judge will ask you to enter a plea, counsel helps you understand the implications of that decision before you speak. Reaching Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 before your court date is strongly advised.
How is bail set in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, a District Court commissioner sets an initial bail amount, which can be reviewed by the judge at arraignment. The commissioner considers factors such as the severity of the alleged offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and ties to the community. At the arraignment, your attorney can present additional information—employment status, family relationships, and lack of prior failures to appear—to seek a lower bail or release without payment. Maryland law allows for a variety of release conditions, including pretrial supervision.
What plea should I enter at arraignment?
In almost every case, a not-guilty plea at arraignment is the appropriate initial response. Entering a not-guilty plea preserves your right to a trial and gives your attorney time to obtain discovery, investigate the evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Pleading guilty at the arraignment ends the case immediately but also results in a conviction on your record and may carry consequences that could have been avoided. Never decide on a plea without first discussing the matter with legal counsel.
What happens after the arraignment if the case continues?
After arraignment, the court sets a date for the next proceeding, which could be a pretrial conference, a motions hearing, or a trial. Your attorney will receive the charging documents and begin reviewing the state’s evidence. In the meantime, you must comply with any conditions of release set by the judge, such as avoiding contact with an alleged victim or reporting to a pretrial services agency. The time between arraignment and trial varies, depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the case.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and can it help me?
Probation Before Judgment, or PBJ, is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation without entering a guilty finding. If you successfully complete the probation period, the case does not result in a conviction. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and certain felonies in Prince George’s County. After a waiting period, a PBJ case may also be expunged from your record. Whether PBJ is an option depends on the specific charge and your prior history, and an attorney can present arguments to the court in support of this outcome.
Can a criminal charge be expunged after the arraignment?
Expungement is possible for many cases that end in a dismissal, nolle prosequi, or not-guilty verdict, and for some convictions under Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act. Expungement removes the record of the arrest and court proceedings from public view. Cases handled in Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, which is often the District Court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro. The eligibility requirements and waiting periods depend on how the case was resolved, and legal guidance is necessary to navigate the process correctly.
What should I bring to my arraignment in Prince George’s County?
Bring a copy of any paperwork you received at the time of your arrest, a valid photo identification, and any documents that support your ties to the community, such as proof of employment or enrollment in school. Your attorney will need the charging documents to begin building your defense, and the judge may wish to see evidence of your community connections when deciding on bail conditions. Leave prohibited items, such as weapons and recording devices, at home or in your vehicle.
Can I speak to the prosecutor before the arraignment?
It is possible for your attorney to speak with the prosecutor before the arraignment begins, and in many cases this informal discussion can be productive. The prosecutor may be willing to discuss the strength of the case, potential plea offers, or the possibility of a reduced charge. However, you should never speak to the prosecutor on your own; anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communication with the state.
How do I find the right attorney for my case?
Look for a defense lawyer who is familiar with the specific court where your case will be heard and who has experience handling the type of charge you are facing. In Prince George’s County, local knowledge matters—attorneys who regularly appear before the District Court judges understand courtroom expectations and can tailor their approach accordingly. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented clients in Prince George’s County courts for years, and the firm can be reached at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What if I miss my arraignment date?
Failing to appear at a scheduled arraignment can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and may lead to additional criminal charges. If you realize you will miss your court date, contact your attorney immediately. In some circumstances, your lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant and reschedule the hearing. Prompt action is critical to avoid compounding the original charge with a failure-to-appear offense.
Does an arraignment mean I will go to jail?
An arraignment does not automatically result in jail time; it is a procedural step to inform you of the charges and address your release status. The judge will decide whether you remain in custody or are released while the case proceeds. Many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under supervision, especially when an attorney presents a strong argument for release. Whether you ultimately face incarceration depends on the outcome of the trial or any plea agreement, not on the arraignment itself.
For a full statutory breakdown of Maryland criminal procedure, see our comprehensive analysis.
To discuss the details of your upcoming arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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