What happens at a criminal arraignment in Washington County

An arraignment in Washington County, Maryland, is the first formal court appearance after an arrest or summons. During this hearing, the judge advises you of the charges filed against you, verifies your identity, and asks you to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere (no contest). Bail or conditions of release may also be set or reviewed at this stage. Misdemeanor arraignments are held in the District Court of Maryland for Washington County, while felony cases begin in the District Court for an initial appearance before being transferred to the Washington County Circuit Court for trial. Because what you say or do at arraignment can affect the rest of your case, having an experienced attorney at your side is critical. If you have an upcoming arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation with a defense lawyer familiar with the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding the arraignment process in Washington County

In Maryland, the arraignment serves several distinct purposes. First, the judge or commissioner formally states the charges against you, ensuring you understand the allegations. Next, the court confirms your identity and addresses any right-to-counsel issues—if you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for representation by the Office of the Public Defender. The core of the hearing is the plea: a not-guilty plea moves the case toward trial or plea negotiations; a guilty plea may lead to immediate sentencing for minor offenses; a nolo contendere plea has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea but cannot be used against you in a related civil lawsuit. The judge will also address bail, which in Maryland can range from release on personal recognizance to a secured bond, based on factors such as the severity of the charge, your ties to the community, and any prior failure-to-appear history. Misdemeanors stay in the District Court of Maryland for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740), while felonies proceed through a preliminary hearing in the District Court before eventual trial in the Washington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts and can guide you through each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at an arraignment in Washington County?

At an arraignment, the judge informs you of the charges, asks for your plea, and addresses bail or release conditions. In Washington County, misdemeanor arraignments take place at the District Court of Maryland for Washington County. The judge first reads the charges; you then enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. If you plead not guilty, the court schedules a trial date. Bail is set or reviewed—Maryland law permits release on personal recognizance, unsecured bond, or secured bond. If you do not have a lawyer, the judge may advise you of your right to counsel. What happens at this hearing can shape the entire case, so it is wise to be represented.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer at arraignment, but proceeding without one can put your defense at a disadvantage. Even at this early stage, the judge may ask questions that could affect bail or future proceedings. An experienced defense attorney can argue for release on recognizance or reduced bail, enter the correct plea, and begin gathering evidence immediately. In Washington County, court-appointed counsel is available if you qualify financially. To discuss your options before the hearing, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a three-year waiting period. PBJ is a powerful option that an attorney can negotiate on your behalf.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington County, Maryland?

Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, and PBJ dispositions, as well as many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard—typically the District Court of Maryland for Washington County. The waiting period varies by disposition. An attorney can help determine your eligibility and file the petition.

What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County?

After arrest, you are taken before a District Court commissioner for an initial appearance, where bail is set; within 24 hours if detained, a bail review hearing is held; then an arraignment is scheduled. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court; felonies are transferred to the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes the case. An attorney can be involved at any stage—the earlier, the better.

Do I have to appear in person for my arraignment?

For most criminal charges, the defendant must personally appear at the arraignment. In limited circumstances, an attorney may be permitted to appear on your behalf if you have signed a written waiver and the judge approves. However, failing to appear without prior court permission can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. If you are concerned about the logistics or have a conflict, discuss the matter with your attorney well before the hearing date.

Can bail be set or changed at the arraignment?

Yes, the judge at arraignment can set initial bail, modify the commissioner’s bail decision, or release you on personal recognizance. Maryland law favors release on recognizance unless the court finds that conditions are necessary to ensure your appearance or protect the community. Your attorney can present arguments for lower bail, such as employment, family ties, and lack of prior record. If you are already out on bail, the arraignment may also be the time to seek modification of any release conditions.

What should I bring to my arraignment?

Bring a copy of your charging document or citation, photo identification, and any paperwork related to your case. If you have hired an attorney, that attorney will typically handle the paperwork and advise you on what else may be needed. Do not bring weapons, electronic devices that are prohibited by the court’s security policy, or anyone whose presence might be disruptive. Arrive early to allow time for parking, screening, and finding the correct courtroom.

What if I miss my arraignment?

Missing an arraignment without a valid reason can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest. If you realize you will miss the hearing, contact your attorney immediately. Depending on the circumstances, the attorney may be able to request a continuance or reschedule. If a warrant issues, you will need to address it promptly to avoid additional charges or detention. The court takes failure to appear seriously, so do not ignore a scheduled date.

How long after arraignment will my case go to trial?

The time between arraignment and trial depends on the charge and the court’s calendar. For misdemeanors in the District Court, trials are typically scheduled within a few months. Felony cases in the Circuit Court may take longer because they involve a preliminary hearing, grand jury indictment, and pretrial motions. Maryland’s speedy trial rules set outer limits; an experienced attorney can explain the timeline for your specific case.

What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court arraignment?

All criminal cases in Washington County begin in the District Court, where the initial appearance and arraignment for misdemeanors occur; felony cases have only an initial appearance in the District Court before transfer to the Circuit Court, where a second arraignment may take place. The Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and has broader authority. Understanding which court will hear your case is important because procedures and plea options can vary. An attorney familiar with both courts can navigate the transition.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?

Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second-degree assault can bring up to 10 years, and theft of property can result in six months of incarceration. An attorney at the District Court of Maryland for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or a dismissal. Even for seemingly minor offenses, a criminal record can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on criminal defense among other areas. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive criminal-law experience. Together, they appear regularly in Washington County courts and work to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). To speak with us about your criminal matter, call (888) 437-7747.

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