What happens at a criminal arraignment in St. Mary’s County
A criminal arraignment in St. Mary’s County is the formal court hearing where you are informed of the charges filed against you and enter a plea. Before the arraignment, an arrested person is brought before a District Court commissioner who explains the charges, advises you of your right to remain silent and to have an attorney, and sets bail or conditions of release. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if you remain detained. The arraignment itself takes place in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650) for misdemeanors, or in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for felony matters. At the hearing, the judge reads the charging document and asks how you plead. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere. A not‑guilty plea sets a trial date; misdemeanors are typically set for trial within 30‑90 days, while felony cases in the Circuit Court follow a timeline that can range from three to twelve months, subject to Maryland’s Hicks rule for a speedy trial. Consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer before the arraignment helps you understand your options and protect your rights from the earliest stage. For guidance specific to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The Criminal Arraignment Process in St. Mary’s County
The arraignment is part of a larger sequence that begins with an arrest and initial appearance. After an arrest, the defendant is taken before a District Court commissioner. The commissioner sets bail or orders pretrial release, which may be on personal recognizance, unsecured bond, or secured bond depending on the offense and the individual’s ties to the community. If bail is set, a bail review hearing is held in the District Court within 24 hours. The formal arraignment follows, at which the court ensures the defendant understands the charges and the right to counsel. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for the Public Defender.
For misdemeanors, the entire process—from arraignment to trial—usually takes 30 to 90 days in the St. Mary’s County District Court. Felony cases proceed differently: a preliminary hearing may be held within 30 days if the defendant is detained without indictment; after indictment, the case moves to Circuit Court for arraignment and trial scheduling. Maryland’s Hicks rule requires that a felony defendant be tried within 180 days from the first appearance of counsel, though the court may grant continuances. Understanding these procedural stages is essential because early decisions can affect plea negotiations, pretrial motions, and the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Criminal Defense Representation in St. Mary’s County
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal matters in St. Mary’s County. Their approach begins with a thorough review of the arrest report, charging documents, and the facts of the case. They examine whether constitutional rights were respected, whether evidence was properly obtained, and whether procedural defenses exist. Early involvement allows the defense team to engage with the State’s Attorney’s office before arraignment, exploring avenues such as dismissal, diversion, or entry into a pretrial program.
At arraignment, having knowledgeable counsel matters. The plea you enter can limit or expand your options later. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case and advise on entering a not‑guilty plea to preserve all defenses while preparing for trial or negotiating a resolution. In St. Mary’s County, dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)—which avoids a formal conviction—or Nolle Prosequi (dropping charges) are often available, but they require a skilled presentation of your circumstances. The firm works to achieve the most favorable outcome possible, whether through litigation or negotiation. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings an insider’s understanding of how the prosecution builds a case. The Of Counsel team includes an attorney who previously served as a prosecutor in Maryland, adding valuable perspective on local court practices and the approach of the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s office. The team’s extensive combined legal experience allows them to handle the full range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Mr. Sris’s commitment to the law extends beyond the courtroom. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and they concentrate a substantial portion of their practice on criminal defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a criminal arraignment in St. Mary’s County?
At the arraignment, you appear before a judge, the charges are read aloud, and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, in limited circumstances, nolo contendere. The judge also confirms that you understand your right to an attorney. If you plead not guilty, a trial date is set. The arraignment often follows an initial appearance before a commissioner and, if bail is set, a bail review hearing within 24 hours. Misdemeanor arraignments occur in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County; felonies are arraigned in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Having an attorney at this stage helps you evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and make informed decisions about your plea.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County?
Probation Before Judgment is a Maryland disposition that allows a judge to place a defendant on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a conviction on the record. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies. After successfully completing probation, the case can be expunged after a three‑year waiting period. The decision to offer PBJ rests with the court, and the State’s Attorney’s position carries substantial weight. An experienced defense attorney can present mitigating factors to support a PBJ request. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s County?
Yes, Maryland law permits expungement of certain criminal records, including acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet docket entries, and PBJ dispositions after the waiting period, as well as some non‑violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Expungement petitions are filed in the court where the case was heard—either the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County or the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Eligibility depends on the final disposition and the passage of time. Because the process can be technical, having a lawyer review your record and prepare the petition increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County?
While you have the right to represent yourself, the potential consequences of even a misdemeanor conviction—such as jail time, fines, and a criminal record—make legal representation strongly advisable. A lawyer can negotiate for a PBJ, seek a dismissal through evidentiary challenges, or advocate for a reduced charge. In St. Mary’s County, the State’s Attorney’s office prosecutes misdemeanors vigorously, and an experienced attorney who appears regularly before the local courts can help you navigate the process. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County?
After arrest, you are taken before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release; a bail review hearing may follow within 24 hours, and then the case proceeds to arraignment and trial. The commissioner advises you of the charges and your rights, and determines whether you qualify for pretrial release. If arrested, it is important to request an attorney immediately. The defense can begin investigating the facts, preserving evidence, and communicating with the prosecutor even before the arraignment. Early intervention often shapes the trajectory of the case and can result in a more favorable outcome.
What are the potential penalties for a felony conviction in St. Mary’s County?
Felony penalties in Maryland vary widely depending on the specific charge and the defendant’s prior record. For example, first‑degree assault carries a maximum of 25 years imprisonment; theft of property, depending on the value, can result in up to 5 years. Drug‑trafficking offenses may carry mandatory minimum sentences. Because felonies are heard in the Circuit Court, defendants are entitled to a jury trial. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage, and work toward reducing the charge or securing an acquittal. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Additional criminal defense resources: Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer | Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyer | Howard County criminal defense lawyer | Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer
Official Maryland resources: District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland Judiciary | Maryland General Assembly (statutes)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.