When someone is charged with a crime in Maryland, one of the most pressing questions is: What comes after arraignment? Understanding the process after a criminal charge is critical, especially if you or a loved one are trying to navigate an unfamiliar and often overwhelming system.
This guide explains the typical sequence of events following an arraignment in Maryland criminal court, answers common questions about preliminary hearings, trial timelines, and sentencing, and shows you how the right legal team can make all the difference.
In Maryland, an arraignment is the court proceeding where the judge formally advises the defendant of the charges and explains their rights. In some counties, the arraignment is combined with the initial appearance. If the defendant hasn’t already entered a plea, they can do so during this stage.
The next steps depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, and whether it originated in District Court or Circuit Court.
The next step after arraignment often depends on the type of offense and which court is handling the case:
In Maryland, the Office of the State’s Attorney will review the charges and decide how to proceed — sometimes filing a criminal information instead of holding a preliminary hearing.
At the preliminary hearing, the judge decides whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and the defendant was involved. It’s not a trial and doesn’t determine guilt. If probable cause is found, the case is transferred to Circuit Court for further proceedings.
If you’re asking, “what happens after a preliminary hearing?” — here’s what typically follows:
If the prosecutor chooses to bypass the preliminary hearing by direct indictment, the case goes straight to Circuit Court.
The timeline varies depending on the jurisdiction and complexity of the case. In Maryland, the speedy trial rule requires trial to be held within 180 days of the defendant’s first appearance in Circuit Court or the appearance of defense counsel, whichever is earlier.
However, delays can happen due to motion hearings, attorney requests, or court availability.
This is a common question, especially when the process feels drawn out. A criminal case in Maryland may involve several hearings, including:
So when people ask, “how many court dates before sentencing?”, the answer is: it varies, but expect multiple court appearances before a final judgment is reached.
There’s no fixed answer, but here’s a general rule in Maryland:
The court will schedule sentencing at its discretion, factoring in preparation time and any required documentation.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the Maryland criminal process usually unfolds:
Each step offers a chance to challenge the charges or negotiate a favorable resolution.
Understanding what comes after arraignment in Maryland is essential to protecting your rights. Whether you’re wondering what happens after a preliminary hearing, how long until sentencing, or how many court dates to expect, the answer can vary case by case.
At 199 Legacy Law, we understand the Maryland criminal court system inside and out. Our team provides clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate support from arraignment to resolution. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Maryland, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
