What happens at a criminal arraignment in Somerset County
You receive a summons or are released after an arrest and are told to appear in court for an arraignment. It is your first time stepping into the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County, at 30512 Prince William Street in Princess Anne. You are not sure what will be said, what you should answer, or whether you even need a lawyer. Knowing what an arraignment involves and how an experienced defense attorney can guide you through it is the trusted way to protect your rights from the very first court appearance. For guidance on your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Defense Strategies at the Arraignment Stage
Even though an arraignment is often brief, the decisions made there can shape the rest of the case. The primary goals at an arraignment in Somerset County are to have the charges read, enter a plea, and for the court to set any conditions of release. While the judge or commissioner will not hear testimony about guilt or innocence at this hearing, having a defense lawyer present allows you to begin building a strategy immediately. Your attorney can review the charging document for legal defects, negotiate the terms of your release, and, in some situations, begin discussions with the State’s Attorney about a resolution that avoids a trial. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach every arraignment as an opportunity to position the case favorably from the start. Early intervention often leads to a more favorable outcome; Results may vary. And prior results do not guarantee a similar result.
What to Expect at a Criminal Arraignment in Somerset County
In Somerset County, the arraignment procedure depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. For most misdemeanor offenses, the process begins in the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Felony cases start in the District Court as well with an initial appearance and bail review, but the actual arraignment on the indictment occurs later in the Circuit Court for Somerset County.
When you arrive at the courthouse, you will check in with the clerk’s window. The court will call your case, and the judge or a District Court commissioner will read the charges against you. At that point, you will be asked to enter a plea. Your lawyer will almost always recommend entering a plea of not guilty, which preserves all your rights and gives you time to review the evidence, investigate the case, and negotiate with the prosecutor. The court will then address bail or pretrial release. Maryland permits release on personal recognizance, an unsecured bond, cash bail, or conditions such as supervision. If you are detained, a bail review hearing is held within 24 hours. After the arraignment, the court will schedule further proceedings—usually a pretrial conference or a trial date. Throughout this entire process, remaining silent and having an attorney speak for you is critical; anything you say can be used in court.
Potential Penalties After an Arraignment — An Overview
An arraignment does not determine your guilt, but the charge you face carries a statutory penalty range you need to understand. In Maryland, criminal classifications and their maximum penalties vary by offense. For example, second‑degree assault is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine if convicted. Theft of property of lower value is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 6 months, while theft of higher value is a felony carrying up to 5 years. Drug possession (excluding a small amount of cannabis) can be a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. Many drug‑related offenses also trigger mandatory minimums or enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Other charges, such as driving under the influence or disorderly conduct, carry license consequences, probation, and fines. A conviction can also create a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. This is why identifying every available defense early, even at the arraignment stage, is essential. A lawyer can argue for pretrial diversion, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), or other resolutions that limit the long‑term impact of a charge.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is a former prosecutor. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He maintains a small personal caseload so that every client receives direct attention. His Of Counsel team is composed of accomplished attorneys who are all engaged through Excella; no attorney at the firm is an employee. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Collectively, the firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arraignments in Somerset County
What exactly is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court hearing where you are told what charges have been filed against you and you enter a plea. In Somerset County, the judge or commissioner will read the charging document and ask how you plead. The three possible pleas are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere. Most defense attorneys recommend pleading not guilty at arraignment to protect all of your rights while the evidence is reviewed and negotiations take place. No testimony or cross‑examination happens at this stage; the purpose is simply to inform you of the accusation and set the next court date.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your arraignment, but having one present can significantly affect the outcome of your case. An attorney can argue for your release on the least restrictive conditions, identify defects in the charging document, and begin discussions with the prosecutor immediately. If you appear without a lawyer and say anything incriminating, those statements can be used against you. In Somerset County, an experienced criminal defense attorney can also advise you on whether to accept a plea offer that might be presented at this early stage.
What happens if I plead not guilty?
By pleading not guilty, you preserve your right to challenge the State’s evidence, file motions, and negotiate for a better disposition. The court will then set a future date for a pretrial hearing, a motions hearing, or a trial. In misdemeanor cases in the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County, the trial is typically scheduled within a timeframe set by the court’s calendar. For felonies, the case proceeds to the Circuit Court, where a grand jury will consider whether to issue an indictment before a formal arraignment in that court.
Can I get bail at my arraignment?
Yes, bail or pretrial release conditions are often addressed at your initial appearance or arraignment in Somerset County. Maryland permits a district court commissioner or judge to release you on personal recognizance, set an unsecured or secured bond, or impose conditions such as supervision or drug testing. If you are detained, a bail review hearing before a judge must be held within 24 hours. Having a lawyer articulate your ties to the community, employment, and lack of flight risk can help secure release on the least restrictive terms.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and can it be raised at arraignment?
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a Maryland disposition that allows a judge to place you on probation without entering a guilty finding; it can often be pursued early in your case. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies. While the court does not grant PBJ at the arraignment itself, your attorney can begin laying the groundwork by discussing eligibility with the prosecutor and requesting a case assignment that favors a deferred disposition. After successful completion of probation, PBJ records can be expunged after a three‑year waiting period.
Can my case be dismissed at the arraignment?
While it is rare for a case to be dismissed outright at arraignment, an attorney can sometimes identify legal defects that lead to a dismissal. For example, if the charging document is legally insufficient, your lawyer can move to dismiss the charge. The prosecutor may also agree to drop or amend the charge if further investigation shows a lack of evidence. These outcomes do not happen automatically; they require an experienced attorney scrutinizing the state’s case from the very first appearance.
What should I bring to my arraignment in Somerset County?
You should bring a government‑issued photo ID, any paperwork you received from the police or the court, and your attorney’s contact information. Arrive early at the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County (30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853) to allow time for security screening. Dress appropriately and avoid wearing anything that could be considered disrespectful. Do not bring weapons, food, or electronics that are prohibited in the courthouse. If you have a lawyer, they will advise you on any additional documents that may be helpful for a bail argument.
How do I find a criminal defense lawyer in Somerset County?
You can contact an experienced criminal defense firm like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for help with an arraignment in Somerset County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear in the District Court and Circuit Court of Somerset County. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm offers consultations by appointment. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. There is no cost to call and learn about your options.
Does an arraignment mean I have a criminal record?
No, an arraignment alone does not create a criminal record; a record is created only if you are eventually convicted or if certain dispositions require registration. In Maryland, arrest records and court case information are public, but those records do not become part of your criminal history unless you are found guilty. If your case is dismissed, you receive a PBJ, or the prosecutor enters a nolle prosequi, you may be eligible to have the records expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. An attorney can explain what dispositions are expungeable and when.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you or someone you know is facing a criminal arraignment in Somerset County, Maryland, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are ready to appear with you in court and protect your rights from the very first hearing. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Meetings are by appointment, and phones are answered 24 hours a day. You can also find more information on the firm’s practice areas at our Maryland criminal defense page. For a comprehensive statutory breakdown, visit our main site’s criminal defense practice.
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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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747