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Someone Was Arrested in Anne Arundel County - How Bail and Court Work

If someone you love was just arrested in Anne Arundel County, here is what you need to do right now: stay calm, make sure they do not talk to police, find out if they are at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, and call a criminal defense attorney immediately. FrizWoods has an office in Severna Park and handles bail hearings at both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts every week.

Immediate Steps After an Arrest in Anne Arundel County

The first few hours after an arrest set the tone for everything that follows. Here is what to do:

  1. Stay calm. Your loved one needs you thinking clearly, not reacting emotionally.
  2. Do not let them speak to police. The only words they should say are: "I want a lawyer." Police are trained to get statements. Those statements become evidence.
  3. Find out where they are being held. In Anne Arundel County, most people are taken to the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis after arrest. You can search VineLink to confirm custody status.
  4. Do not discuss the case on recorded jail calls. All calls from the detention center are recorded. Prosecutors use them. Keep the conversation to "We're getting you a lawyer."
  5. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call FrizWoods now. We respond 24/7 and can have an attorney at the next bail hearing.

Jennifer Road Detention Center (Annapolis)

The Jennifer Road Detention Center is Anne Arundel County's primary holding facility. After arrest, your loved one will be transported here for booking and processing.

What happens during booking:

  • Fingerprinting and photographs
  • Collection of personal property
  • Medical screening
  • Review of charges by a commissioner

Booking at the Jennifer Road facility typically takes 2 to 6 hours, though weekends and high-volume nights can push that longer. Anne Arundel County sees a significant number of DUI arrests, particularly on weekend nights, which can slow processing times.

Bail Hearings in Anne Arundel County

After booking, a commissioner conducts the first bail review. The commissioner can release your loved one on their own recognizance, set a cash bail, or hold them without bond.

If the commissioner's decision is unfavorable, the next step is a bail review before a District Court judge. Anne Arundel County has two District Court locations, and the bail hearing schedule depends on where the case is assigned:

  • Annapolis District Court: Bail review hearings at 10:30 AM
  • Glen Burnie District Court: Bail review hearings at 1:30 PM

At the judge-level bail hearing, an attorney can present a release plan, offer community ties, propose supervision conditions, and argue for reasonable bail. A judge has tools a commissioner does not, including pretrial supervision, unsecured bonds, and GPS monitoring. This is where having a bail review lawyer makes a real difference.

FrizWoods attorneys appear at both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie courthouses regularly. We know the judges, we know the process, and we know how to present a case for release that works.

DUI Arrests in Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County has one of the highest DUI arrest volumes in the state. If the arrest was for driving under the influence, the stakes include not just criminal penalties but also license suspension, ignition interlock, and potential jail time.

DUI cases move quickly in Anne Arundel County. An officer will confiscate the driver's license and issue a temporary paper license (the DR-15A), which starts a 45-day clock for requesting an MVA hearing. Missing that deadline can result in an automatic license suspension.

If your loved one was arrested for DUI in Anne Arundel County, we have a dedicated page covering everything you need to know: Anne Arundel County DUI Arrest - What to Do.

For full DUI defense information, visit our Anne Arundel County DUI Lawyer page.

What Happens After Bail

Once released, your loved one will need to follow specific conditions and prepare for upcoming court dates:

  • Release conditions. The judge may require no contact with the alleged victim, drug testing, or check-ins with pretrial services.
  • Protective orders. In domestic cases, a temporary protective order is often issued at the bail hearing. Violating it means immediate re-arrest.
  • First court date. Misdemeanor arraignments in District Court are typically scheduled within 30 days. Felonies may be indicted and moved to Circuit Court, which can take several weeks.
  • License issues (DUI cases). If the arrest involved alcohol, there are separate MVA proceedings that run parallel to the criminal case.

District Court Locations in Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County has two District Court locations:

  • Annapolis District Court - Handles cases from the Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold, and Edgewater areas.
  • Glen Burnie District Court - Handles cases from Glen Burnie, Brooklyn Park, Pasadena, and Odenton areas.

Felony cases that are indicted are heard at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis.

Common Mistakes Families Make

Talking to detectives

Detectives may contact you by phone or show up unannounced. You do not have to talk to them. Say "I need to speak with my attorney first" and end the conversation.

Posting on social media

Nothing about the arrest should appear online. Prosecutors in Anne Arundel County actively review defendants' social media accounts.

Waiting to hire a lawyer

Bail hearings happen fast. If you wait even a day, your loved one may face a judge without any representation. That hearing could determine whether they sit in jail for weeks or come home.

Discussing the case on jail phones

All phone calls from the Jennifer Road Detention Center are recorded. Do not talk about the evidence, the witnesses, or what happened. Stick to "We love you" and "We have a lawyer."

Why FrizWoods for Anne Arundel County

FrizWoods has an office in Severna Park and handles cases at both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts. We also appear regularly in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

  • Max Frizalone is a former prosecutor and public defender with deep courtroom experience.
  • Luke Woods has over 20 years defending clients in Anne Arundel County courts.
  • With offices in four Maryland counties, FrizWoods can respond quickly no matter where the arrest occurred.

We handle the full range of criminal charges in Anne Arundel County, from DUI to drug offenses to assault to felonies.

Call FrizWoods Now - 24/7 Arrest Help

If someone you care about is at the Jennifer Road Detention Center right now, time matters. Contact us immediately. We respond day and night and can have an attorney at the next bail hearing in Annapolis or Glen Burnie.

(410) 883-5667 | (301) 720-1917

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does booking take at Jennifer Road Detention Center?

Booking at the Jennifer Road Detention Center typically takes 2 to 6 hours. Weekends and holidays often have higher arrest volumes, which can extend the timeline.

When are bail hearings in Anne Arundel County?

Bail hearings at the Annapolis District Court are held at 10:30 AM. Bail hearings at the Glen Burnie District Court are held at 1:30 PM.

Are jail phone calls recorded at Jennifer Road?

Yes. All calls from the Jennifer Road Detention Center are recorded and may be used as evidence by prosecutors. Do not discuss any details of the case over the phone.

Can bail happen the same day in Anne Arundel County?

Yes. A commissioner is available 24/7 to review bail after booking. If a cash bail is set and you can post it, your loved one can be released the same day. If the commissioner denies bail, you will need to wait for the next District Court hearing.

Do I need a lawyer for a bail hearing in Anne Arundel County?

Yes. Defendants who have an attorney at bail hearings have a significantly better chance of being released. An attorney can present a release plan, propose supervision conditions, and argue against excessive bail.

What if the arrest was for DUI in Anne Arundel County?

DUI arrests in Anne Arundel County involve both criminal charges and potential license suspension through the MVA. Contact a lawyer immediately because there are strict deadlines for requesting an MVA hearing. Visit our Anne Arundel DUI Lawyer page for details.

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