What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince George’s County
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance for a person charged with a criminal offense. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, arraignments typically take place in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. The purpose of the hearing is for the judge to inform the defendant of the charges, advise the defendant of the right to an attorney, and ask for a plea. For someone facing a misdemeanor or felony, this initial appearance can set the tone for the entire case. Bail may be addressed, and the judge will set a future court date. Having experienced defense counsel present at the arraignment helps protect a defendant’s rights from the earliest stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, and all surrounding communities. To discuss an upcoming arraignment with a member of our team, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Defense Means in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County is part of Maryland’s Fifth Judicial District and is served by two principal criminal courts. Misdemeanor cases and initial appearances for felonies are heard in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro. Felony jury trials and more serious proceedings occur in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The county’s geography—bounded by I-495, I-95, Route 301, Route 4, Route 5, and Route 202—and its proximity to Washington, D.C., contribute to a high volume of traffic-related criminal matters and a broad range of other offenses.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients from neighborhoods across Prince George’s County, including Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. The firm’s Maryland location in Rockville provides representation at every stage of a criminal case—from arraignment through trial and post-conviction relief. Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, leads the firm’s criminal defense efforts in Prince George’s County. Her prosecutorial background gives her insight into how the State’s Attorney builds a case, and she works to identify weaknesses in the government’s evidence from the very first court appearance. Whether a client is facing a disorderly conduct charge, a drug possession allegation, or a more serious felony, the firm’s approach is to examine the facts, challenge improper procedure, and pursue the most favorable resolution available.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., criminal defense representation begins before the arraignment. Our team reviews the charging documents, investigates the circumstances of the arrest, and evaluates whether law enforcement followed proper procedure. At the arraignment itself, we ensure the defendant understands the charges and the potential consequences of a plea. A plea of not guilty is typically entered to preserve all legal options while negotiations with the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County proceed.
After arraignment, the case moves to a pretrial scheduling conference or a preliminary hearing, depending on the charge. In District Court misdemeanor matters, the court sets a trial date that accommodates the parties and the court’s calendar. For felony cases, the preliminary hearing is followed by grand jury review and, if an indictment is returned, a formal arraignment in Circuit Court. Throughout the process, our attorneys explore diversionary dispositions such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), seek to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights, and prepare for trial when necessary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented over 4,739+ firm-wide results. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted 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 limited personal caseload to ensure direct involvement in the firm’s most challenging matters.
Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, serves as the lead criminal defense attorney for Prince George’s County. Her prior prosecutorial experience in Maryland District and Circuit Courts allows her to anticipate the tactics of the State’s Attorney. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented over 4,739+ firm-wide results. Results may vary. To request a consultation about a criminal matter in Prince George’s County, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince George’s County?
At an arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises the defendant of the right to an attorney, and asks for a plea of guilty or not guilty. In Prince George’s County District Court, this is usually the first court date after arrest or issuance of a summons. If the defendant is in custody, a bail review may also occur. The judge then schedules a future court date for trial or a pretrial hearing. Statements made during arraignment can affect the case, so it is important to have legal representation before speaking in court. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County?
Yes; even a misdemeanor conviction can carry jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, and an attorney can work to secure a favorable disposition. For example, second-degree assault in Maryland is punishable by up to 10 years of incarceration. At the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, our team explores alternatives such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction if probation is completed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled numerous criminal matters in Prince George’s County and can explain your options. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places a defendant on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, and upon successful completion, the case can be eligible for expungement. This option is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County. After completing probation and a three-year waiting period, a PBJ case may be expunged under Maryland law. Our attorneys regularly seek PBJ for qualifying clients at the Upper Marlboro courthouse. 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 Prince George’s County?
Maryland law permits expungement for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, PBJ (after a waiting period), and certain non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases from Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard—typically the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro. Eligibility depends on the final disposition and the passage of time. If your charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to determine whether your record qualifies.
What happens after arraignment if I plead not guilty?
If you plead not guilty, the court sets a trial date, and your attorney begins evidence discovery and motion practice. In Prince George’s County, your lawyer will file any appropriate pretrial motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence, and engage with the State’s Attorney’s office regarding potential plea negotiations. The timeline depends on court scheduling and case complexity. For felony matters initially heard in District Court, the case transfers to Circuit Court for further proceedings. Throughout, our team keeps clients informed of next steps.
How do I reach a criminal defense attorney for an arraignment in Prince George’s County?
Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to speak with a member of our team about your upcoming court date. We serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and surrounding areas. Our Maryland location is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, and consultations are available by appointment. To discuss representation for an arraignment, contact us today.
Additional counties we serve: Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer | Howard County Criminal Lawyer | Anne Arundel County Criminal Lawyer | Frederick County Criminal Lawyer | Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer
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