What happens at a criminal arraignment in Kent County
A criminal arraignment in Kent County, Maryland, is the formal first court appearance where you are told the charges against you, informed of your rights, and asked to enter a plea. Arraignments typically take place at the District Court of Maryland for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street in Chestertown. For felony charges, after an initial appearance, the case may proceed to the Kent County Circuit Court. The arraignment sets the direction of the case — the plea you enter determines whether the matter resolves or moves toward trial. Having an attorney present at this early stage can protect your rights and help you understand the choices ahead. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments in Kent County. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Direct Answer Expansion
At the arraignment, a judge or commissioner will read the official charging document — usually a statement of charges or an indictment — and confirm that you understand the accusations. You will be advised of your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, and, if you cannot afford one, your right to apply for a public defender. The court will then ask how you plead: guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere (no contest).
If you plead not guilty, a future court date is set for a trial or, in felony matters, a preliminary hearing. In Kent County, misdemeanor trials are heard in the District Court, while felony trials proceed in the Circuit Court after an indictment or a finding of probable cause. Before the arraignment, you may have already appeared before a District Court commissioner for an initial bail determination; at the arraignment, the judge may review or modify bail. Maryland law also permits certain first-time offenders to avoid a conviction through Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which is a deferred disposition that, upon successful completion of probation, results in dismissal without a formal conviction on your record.
The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes criminal cases. Working with a defense attorney familiar with Kent County procedures can help you evaluate the charges, negotiate with the prosecutor, and decide whether to seek a trial, a plea agreement, or a pretrial diversion program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is a court hearing where you are formally notified of the criminal charges against you and asked to enter a plea. It is usually the first time you appear before a judge after an arrest or the issuance of a summons. The judge will inform you of your constitutional rights, including the right to counsel, and may address bail conditions. The purpose is to ensure you understand the charges and to begin the legal process. In Kent County, arraignments in the District Court of Maryland for Kent County are scheduled soon after the initial appearance before a commissioner.
What happens during an arraignment in Kent County?
During an arraignment in Kent County, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, and asks for your plea. The judge will ensure you have a copy of the charging document and may explain the maximum penalties. If you have an attorney, counsel will be present and may address the court on your behalf. The court may also review your bail status and set conditions of release. For misdemeanors, a trial date is often set. For felonies, the judge schedules a preliminary hearing in District Court, where the State must show probable cause to transfer the case to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer at an arraignment in Kent County?
While you may represent yourself, having a lawyer at an arraignment is important because decisions made early in the case can affect the outcome. An attorney can argue for release on personal recognizance instead of a secured bond, begin negotiating with the State’s Attorney, and advise you on which plea to enter. If you plead guilty without counsel, you may waive rights and accept consequences without fully understanding them. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at arraignments throughout Kent County; contact our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
What plea should I enter at an arraignment?
Most defendants plead not guilty at the arraignment to preserve their right to a trial and allow time for the defense to investigate the case. A not guilty plea requires the State to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Some defendants, after consulting with an attorney, may plead guilty or no contest as part of a negotiated agreement. Pleading guilty at arraignment without counsel is discouraged because you may not know all the implications, including immigration consequences, loss of driving privileges, or effects on professional licenses. Your attorney can help you decide the trusted course based on the specific facts.
What if I miss my arraignment in Kent County?
If you fail to appear at your arraignment, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Missing a court date is a serious matter and can result in additional charges, such as failure to appear, which is itself a criminal offense. Bond may be revoked or increased. If you cannot attend due to an emergency, contact your attorney immediately so they can notify the court and request a new date. Prompt action is critical to avoid the warrant and minimize disruption to your case.
How does bail work at an arraignment in Kent County?
At the arraignment, the judge may review the bail set earlier by a District Court commissioner and can increase, decrease, or modify the conditions of release. Maryland allows pretrial release on personal recognizance, where you sign a promise to appear and pay no money, or on secured bond, which requires you or a bail bondsman to post a specific amount. A bondsman typically charges a non-refundable fee of approximately 10% of the bond amount. The judge considers factors such as community ties, flight risk, and the seriousness of the charge. An attorney can argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance.
Can charges be dropped at an arraignment?
Charges are rarely dismissed at the arraignment itself, but the State’s Attorney may drop or amend them later based on the evidence or after a preliminary hearing. The arraignment is primarily a procedural step to inform you of the charges and accept your plea. However, if there is a clear lack of probable cause or a technical defect, your attorney might raise the issue early. More commonly, dismissal occurs later through negotiation, a motion to suppress, or a deferred disposition such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). Early engagement of counsel increases the chances of a favorable resolution.
What is a preliminary hearing in Kent County after arraignment?
In Kent County, a preliminary hearing is a proceeding held in the District Court after arraignment in felony cases, where the prosecutor must present evidence to show probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is transferred to the Kent County Circuit Court for trial. If not, the charges may be dismissed. The defense has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the State’s evidence. This hearing can be an important step to evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case before a potential jury trial.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and how does it relate to an arraignment?
PBJ is a Maryland deferred disposition that allows a defendant to avoid a formal conviction; while it is not decided at the arraignment, the possibility of PBJ often shapes plea negotiations that begin soon after the arraignment. Under PBJ, the judge places the defendant on probation without entering a guilty verdict. If the defendant completes probation successfully, the case is dismissed and can later be expunged. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies in Kent County District and Circuit Courts. Discussing eligibility with an attorney early in the process, including at or shortly after arraignment, helps chart a strategy toward favorable outcomes.
What should I bring to my arraignment in Kent County?
You should bring a copy of the charging document or summons, photo identification, and any documents related to your release or bail. If you have an attorney, come with their contact information. It is also advisable to bring a list of any medications you take in case you are taken into custody. Dress respectfully and arrive early. Your attorney can guide you on what else may be needed. For additional guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings extensive experience in criminal defense across Maryland. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have obtained 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. For a consultation about your arraignment or any criminal matter in Kent County, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
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Primary Sources
Maryland Code – Criminal Law Article ·
Maryland Courts ·
Maryland Expungement Information
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