What happens at a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County
At a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County, the court formally advises you of the charges filed against you, and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. The specific court where the arraignment occurs depends on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanor arraignments are typically held at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, located at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Felony arraignments take place in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court after a grand jury returns an indictment or the State’s Attorney files a criminal information. During the arraignment, the judge ensures you understand the charges and your right to counsel. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for representation by the Public Defender. The proceeding also addresses bail or pretrial release conditions, and the court schedules future dates, including a trial or preliminary hearing. If you are facing arraignment in Anne Arundel County, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney beforehand helps you navigate the process and make informed decisions. For a consultation about your specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to expect at each step of the arraignment process
The arraignment in Anne Arundel County follows a structured sequence. First, the clerk reads the charging document aloud, identifying the offense, the date of the alleged act, and the maximum penalty the law allows. You are then asked how you plead. In Maryland, the available pleas are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere. A not‑guilty plea preserves your right to trial and puts the State to its burden of proof. A nolo contendere plea has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea for sentencing but cannot be used against you as an admission in a later civil proceeding. You may also request a continuance to consult with your attorney before entering a plea. The arraignment judge does not hear evidence or decide guilt; that occurs at a later trial date. If you are not represented by counsel, the court will inquire whether you intend to hire an attorney or require appointed counsel.
Beyond the plea, the court addresses the issue of release. For most misdemeanors, a District Court commissioner sets initial bail shortly after arrest, but the arraignment provides an opportunity for the judge to review and modify those conditions. Factors the judge considers include the seriousness of the charge, your ties to the community, your criminal history, and the risk of flight or danger to the community. Release may be on personal recognizance, a set bail amount, or conditions such as home detention or substance‑abuse monitoring. The court also sets the next appearance date, which could be a preliminary hearing for felonies in the District Court or a trial date in either court. Understanding the procedural nuances of an Anne Arundel County arraignment reinforces the importance of having counsel present from the outset.
How the type of court affects the arraignment
Because Anne Arundel County has both a District Court and a Circuit Court, the arraignment procedure differs depending on where your case is heard. Misdemeanor charges—such as second‑degree assault, theft, disorderly conduct, or DUI—are initiated and usually tried in the District Court. In those matters, the arraignment is the first substantive court appearance, and you will enter your plea before a District Court judge. If you plead not guilty, the court schedules a trial date. A defendant has the right to a jury trial only in the Circuit Court; for a District Court trial, the judge alone decides the case. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of a District Court trial, you may appeal that decision to the Circuit Court for a de novo trial.
Felony charges proceed differently. An arrest for a felony first brings you before a District Court commissioner for an initial appearance. A preliminary hearing may be held in the District Court to determine whether probable cause exists. If probable cause is found, or if the grand jury returns an indictment, the case is transferred to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The arraignment in the Circuit Court—often called the “initial appearance” or “formal arraignment”—is where you enter your plea on the felony charges. At this stage, the stakes are considerably higher, and the penalties upon conviction are more severe. Having an experienced criminal defense team that understands both the District and Circuit Court procedures in Anne Arundel County is essential.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County?
At a criminal arraignment in Anne Arundel County, you are formally told what charges have been filed against you and you enter a plea. Depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, the proceeding takes place in the District Court or Circuit Court. The judge reads the charging document, asks for your plea, addresses bail or release conditions, and schedules the next court date. No evidence is presented, and guilt is not determined at this stage. You have the right to be represented by counsel; if you cannot afford an attorney, the court determines eligibility for the Public Defender. Arriving prepared and with legal counsel helps ensure your rights are protected from the very first hearing. To discuss your arraignment, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and certain felonies at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, located at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. After completing probation, PBJ cases may be expunged after a three‑year waiting period. The State’s Attorney must consent, and the judge must find that the disposition serves the interests of justice. This disposition is a powerful tool that can protect future employment, professional licensing, and housing opportunities. For a consultation about whether PBJ may apply in your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Maryland law permits expungement for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, PBJ after three years, and many non‑violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases heard in Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was resolved—usually the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County. The process involves filing a petition for expungement, serving the State’s Attorney, and obtaining a court order. Certain offenses, including many violent crimes, are not eligible. An experienced attorney can evaluate your record and determine what relief is available. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss expungement possibilities in Anne Arundel County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest in Anne Arundel County, you are taken before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, followed by a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained, then an arraignment, and ultimately trial. Misdemeanor trials are held in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County; felony trials occur in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. At each stage, you have the right to legal representation. The commissioner determines initial conditions of release, but a judge may reconsider those conditions at the bail review. Early legal intervention can significantly affect the course of your case, from the initial commissioner appearance through trial. For assistance immediately after an arrest, call (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry substantial penalties, including jail time, so obtaining legal representation from the start is strongly recommended. For example, second‑degree assault carries up to ten years of imprisonment, and theft may result in up to six months in jail. An experienced attorney at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County can negotiate for dismissal, a Probation Before Judgment, or other favorable resolutions that avoid a conviction and a permanent criminal record. Proceeding without counsel exposes you to consequences that can impact employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. To speak with a lawyer who regularly appears in Anne Arundel County courts, call (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I cannot afford an attorney?
If you cannot afford private counsel, the court determines your eligibility for the Office of the Public Defender based on your income and financial resources. The application is reviewed by the Public Defender’s office, and if you qualify, an attorney is assigned to represent you. The Public Defender handles cases in both the District Court and the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County. Even if you do not qualify for a public defender, you still have the right to hire a private attorney or represent yourself. However, representing yourself is rarely advisable given the procedural and evidentiary complexities of criminal law. For a private consultation with an attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., call (888) 437-7747.
What are the possible pleas at arraignment?
In Anne Arundel County, you may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere at your arraignment. A not‑guilty plea means you contest the charges and the case proceeds to trial. A guilty plea is an admission of the offense and results in sentencing. The nolo contendere plea, also called “no contest,” means you do not dispute the charge; the court treats it like a guilty plea for sentencing purposes, but the plea cannot be used against you as an admission in a later civil proceeding. The court will only accept a plea after determining it is made voluntarily and with an understanding of the rights being waived. Having an attorney advise you on which plea serves your best interests is critical.
What is the role of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County?
The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County represents the State of Maryland in prosecuting criminal cases throughout the county. The office handles all phases of prosecution, from the initial charging decision through trial and any post‑conviction proceedings. Assistant State’s Attorneys appear at arraignments, bail reviews, preliminary hearings, and trials in both the District Court and Circuit Court. They also negotiate plea agreements and make sentencing recommendations. Knowing how the local prosecutor’s office operates can benefit a defense strategy, which is why working with a defense team experienced in Anne Arundel County matters.
What is a preliminary hearing and when does it occur?
A preliminary hearing in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County determines whether the State has probable cause to charge a defendant with a felony. The hearing is not a trial; the judge decides whether the evidence is sufficient to move the case forward. If probable cause is found, the case is transferred to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for further proceedings, including arraignment on the felony charges. If probable cause is not established, the charges may be dismissed. A preliminary hearing must be held within a specified period after arrest if the defendant is in custody. Having counsel at this stage ensures an effective challenge to the State’s evidence.
What if I fail to appear for my arraignment?
Failing to appear for your scheduled arraignment in Anne Arundel County can result in the court issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. You may face additional charges for failure to appear, and any bail or bond you posted could be forfeited. The court may also revoke or modify your pretrial release. If you have missed an arraignment, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately to address the warrant and minimize further consequences. The sooner you address a bench warrant, the better your chances of resolving the situation without additional custody. For immediate assistance, call (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established in 1997. He is admitted to practice law in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His prior experience as a prosecutor informs the defense strategies his team develops for clients throughout Anne Arundel County. The firm’s Of Counsel includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney for Maryland, who leads criminal defense representation in Anne Arundel County courts. With deep familiarity with the State’s Attorney’s Office and the judges who preside over the District and Circuit Courts, the team works to achieve favorable outcomes while protecting each client’s rights. To request a consultation about a criminal matter in Anne Arundel County, call (888) 437-7747.
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