What happens at a criminal arraignment in Maryland

An arraignment is the first court appearance after a criminal arrest in Maryland. At this hearing, a judge or a District Court commissioner formally notifies you of the charges, advises you of your right to an attorney, and asks how you plead. For many people, the arraignment is also when conditions of pretrial release are addressed. If you were held without bail at the initial appearance, a judge may review bail at the arraignment. Understanding what to expect and having an experienced defense attorney with you can help you make informed decisions at this early stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments across Maryland. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation before your court date. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What an arraignment means in a Maryland criminal case

In Maryland, the arraignment serves as the formal start of the criminal court process. After an arrest, you first appear before a District Court commissioner, who sets an initial bail and schedules your arraignment. The arraignment itself takes place in either the District Court for misdemeanors or the Circuit Court for felonies. At this hearing, the judge reads the charges and ensures you receive a copy of the charging document. You are informed of your right to hire a lawyer or, if you cannot afford one, to have the public defender appointed.

The court then asks for your plea – guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, a plea of nolo contendere. A not guilty plea sets the case on a path toward trial, while a guilty plea leads directly to sentencing or a sentencing date. In many Maryland jurisdictions, the arraignment is also when the judge addresses any pending bail issues, such as a request to lower the amount or to release you on personal recognizance. The State’s Attorney may also announce whether the State intends to proceed with the charges or offer a resolution. Having counsel at this stage is important because the decisions made at arraignment can affect the entire course of the case.

Frequently asked questions about criminal arraignments in Maryland

What is a criminal arraignment in Maryland?

An arraignment is the formal hearing where a judge tells you the charges and you enter a plea. It is a required step in every criminal case. The purpose is to make sure you understand the accusations against you and your constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney. The judge will ask how you plead. If you plead not guilty, the case continues to the pretrial stage and eventually trial. If you plead guilty, the court may sentence you at that hearing or set a later date for sentencing. In Maryland, some courts combine the arraignment with a bail review hearing if you were not released earlier.

When does the arraignment happen after an arrest in Maryland?

The arraignment is typically scheduled within days to a few weeks after the initial appearance before a commissioner, depending on the court’s calendar. After an arrest, you are taken before a District Court commissioner, who makes the initial bail decision and sets the arraignment date. For misdemeanors, the arraignment occurs in the District Court. For felonies, the initial appearance happens in District Court, and the arraignment later takes place in Circuit Court after an indictment or a preliminary hearing. The court sends a notice with the date and time. It is critical not to miss the arraignment; failing to appear can lead to a bench warrant. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment?

Yes, having a lawyer at your arraignment is strongly advised because what happens at this hearing can affect your case for months to come. Although you have the right to represent yourself, an experienced criminal defense attorney understands how to evaluate the charges, argue for reasonable bail conditions, and advise you on the plea that serves your best interests. The lawyer can also speak with the prosecutor about potential resolutions, such as a stet docket or a plea agreement. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may ask the court to appoint the public defender. However, you must qualify based on financial guidelines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments throughout Maryland and can appear with you to protect your rights.

What happens if I plead guilty at the arraignment?

If you plead guilty, the judge will make sure you understand the consequences and then either impose a sentence immediately or schedule a sentencing hearing. In Maryland, the judge must ensure your plea is voluntary and that you understand the rights you are giving up, including the right to a trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the right against self-incrimination. If the judge accepts your plea, the case proceeds to sentencing. For some offenses, sentencing may happen the same day; for others, the court orders a presentence investigation and sets a later date. The judge is not bound by any agreement between the prosecutor and the defense, but the judge typically follows a negotiated recommendation if it is fair.

What happens if I plead not guilty?

A not guilty plea means the case moves forward to the pretrial phase, where your lawyer and the prosecutor exchange evidence and discuss possible resolutions. The court will schedule a trial date. In District Court, trials are held before a judge; in Circuit Court, you have the right to a jury trial. Between arraignment and trial, your defense attorney can file motions, such as motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss charges. Discovery is exchanged, and negotiations often continue. Many cases are resolved through a plea agreement before trial. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can the judge address bail or release conditions at the arraignment?

Yes, the judge can review your bail status at the arraignment and may modify the conditions of release. In Maryland, a District Court commissioner initially sets bail shortly after arrest. If you are still in custody at the time of arraignment, your attorney can request a bail review. The judge considers factors such as the nature of the charges, your ties to the community, your criminal history, and the risk of flight. The judge may release you on personal recognizance, set a secured or unsecured bond, or impose conditions such as electronic monitoring. A well-prepared argument can sometimes result in a lower bail or release without bond.

What is a plea in abeyance or a stet docket in Maryland?

At or after arraignment, the State’s Attorney may agree to place the case on the stet docket, which means the case becomes inactive for a period of time. A stet is not a dismissal; the charges can be reactivated within one year for a misdemeanor or three years for a felony if certain conditions are not met. A plea in abeyance is similar: the defendant enters a plea, but the court defers acceptance and places the defendant on probation. If the defendant successfully completes probation, the court may strike the plea and dismiss the charge. These dispositions are often used for first-time offenders. Your attorney can explain whether your case qualifies.

How is a felony arraignment different from a misdemeanor arraignment?

Felony arraignments occur in Circuit Court, while misdemeanor arraignments are processed in District Court. In a felony case, the initial appearance before a District Court commissioner is followed by a preliminary hearing in District Court unless the State obtains an indictment first. Once the case reaches Circuit Court, the defendant is arraigned there. During a Circuit Court arraignment, the judge advises the defendant of the right to a jury trial and takes the plea. The timeline to trial after a felony arraignment is generally longer than for a misdemeanor because of the complexity of the case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What if I fail to appear at my arraignment?

If you miss your arraignment, the court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Law enforcement may take you into custody, and you could be held without bond until you appear before the judge. Additionally, a failure to appear can lead to a separate criminal charge under Maryland law. If you realize you cannot attend, contact your attorney immediately. In some circumstances, your lawyer can appear on your behalf or ask the court to recall the warrant. Never ignore a scheduled court date; doing so can worsen your legal situation significantly.

Can I change my plea after the arraignment?

Yes, you can change your plea from not guilty to guilty, or from guilty to not guilty, under certain circumstances. Changing a not guilty plea to guilty is common when a plea agreement is reached after the arraignment. Changing a guilty plea to not guilty is more difficult and usually requires the court’s permission. The court must find a fair and just reason to allow the withdrawal, and the request should be made before sentencing. After sentencing, the bar for withdrawing a plea is even higher. Your attorney can advise you on the trusted strategy for your plea at each stage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I bring to my arraignment?

Bring your notice of the hearing, any bail paperwork, and contact information for your attorney. If you have been released on bond, keep the bond documents with you. Dress appropriately and arrive early to find parking and the courtroom. While you may be nervous, remember that the arraignment is a procedural step; your lawyer will handle most of the speaking. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. If you have not yet retained an attorney, the court can inform you about the public defender’s office, but it is far better to have representation arranged before the hearing.

About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They represent individuals facing criminal charges throughout Maryland, appearing in District and Circuit Courts across the state. The firm’s Maryland location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 is available by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Last reviewed: June 2026

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