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Someone Was Arrested in Maryland - What Do I Do Now?

If someone you love was just arrested in Maryland, the next 30 minutes matter more than you think. You probably have questions like "Where are they being held?" or "Can I get them out tonight?" This guide walks you through everything you need to know right now, from booking to bail to your first court date. FrizWoods Criminal Defense responds immediately and can be at any detention center across the state.

What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes

Time is critical. Here is what you should do right now:

  1. Stay calm. Panic leads to bad decisions. Take a breath before you act.
  2. Do not let them speak to police. Anything said to officers can and will be used against them. Tell your loved one to say: "I want a lawyer."
  3. Find out where they are being held. Ask the arresting agency which detention center they are being transported to. In Maryland, this is usually the county detention center where the arrest occurred. You can also search VineLink to confirm custody status statewide.
  4. Do not discuss the case on recorded jail calls. Every phone call from a Maryland jail is recorded and can be used as evidence. Stick to logistics only.
  5. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better the outcome at the bail review. Call FrizWoods now for a free, immediate consultation.

How Booking Works in Maryland

After an arrest, your loved one will be transported to the local detention center for booking. Here is what that process looks like:

  • Identification and fingerprinting. Officers will take photographs, fingerprints, and personal information.
  • Property intake. Personal belongings are collected and inventoried.
  • Medical screening. A brief health assessment is conducted.
  • Charging documents. The arresting officer prepares a statement of charges and submits it to a commissioner.

Booking can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on how busy the facility is. During this time, your loved one will not have access to their phone. They will eventually be allowed to make a call from the detention center's phone system.

The detention center varies by county:

Bail Basics in Maryland

After booking, your loved one will see a commissioner for an initial bail review. Commissioners are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A commissioner has three main options:

  1. Release on recognizance (ROR). No money required. The person promises to appear in court.
  2. Set a bail amount. A cash bail must be posted for release. You can post the full amount directly or use a bail bondsman (who typically charges 10% of the total bail). For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to bail someone out of jail in Maryland.
  3. Hold without bond. The person stays in custody until a judge reviews the case.

If the commissioner denies release or sets a bail that cannot be posted, the next step is a bail review hearing before a District Court judge. This happens on the next business day the court is open.

Bail hearing times vary by county:

  • Prince George's County District Court: 1:30 PM, Upper Marlboro, Room 261B
  • Howard County District Court: 11:00 AM
  • Anne Arundel County District Court (Annapolis): 10:30 AM
  • Anne Arundel County District Court (Glen Burnie): 1:30 PM
  • Calvert County (Prince Frederick): Around 9:45 AM

Having a bail review lawyer present at this hearing can make all the difference. The judge has a wider range of release options than a commissioner, including pretrial supervision, GPS monitoring, and unsecured bonds.

Arraignment Timeline

After release on bail (or while being held), the case moves toward an arraignment. Here is what to expect:

  • District Court cases: Arraignment occurs at the initial appearance with the commissioner.
  • Circuit Court cases: For felonies, the case may be indicted by a grand jury and scheduled in Circuit Court. This process can take several weeks to a few months.

At arraignment, the charges are formally read. This is not a trial. It is the starting line for your defense.

Biggest Mistakes Families Make After an Arrest

These mistakes happen every day. Avoid them:

Talking to detectives

Police may approach family members for information. You are under no obligation to speak with them. Politely decline and direct all inquiries to your attorney.

Posting on social media

Do not post about the arrest, the charges, or the circumstances on any social media platform. Prosecutors routinely review social media accounts.

Waiting to hire an attorney

The bail review hearing can happen within 24 hours. If you wait until after the hearing to hire a lawyer, you may have already missed your best shot at release. A bail review hearing without an attorney often means a worse outcome.

Discussing facts on jail phones

It bears repeating: every call from a Maryland detention center is recorded. Do not discuss what happened, who was involved, or what the evidence might be. Keep conversations to "I love you" and "We are getting a lawyer."

Why FrizWoods

With offices in Prince George's County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Calvert County, FrizWoods can respond quickly wherever the arrest happened.

Max Frizalone is a former PG County prosecutor turned defense attorney. Luke Woods has over 20 years of criminal trial experience in Maryland courts. Together, they have handled hundreds of bail reviews, arraignments, and criminal trials across the state.

When you call FrizWoods, you speak directly to an attorney. Not a receptionist. Not a voicemail. An attorney who can tell you exactly what to expect and start working on your case immediately.

Call FrizWoods Now - 24/7 Arrest Help

FrizWoods helps families immediately after arrest. If someone you care about is sitting in a Maryland detention center right now, do not wait until morning. Call us now or fill out our emergency contact form. We respond day and night, and we can be at the detention center or courthouse as early as tomorrow's bail review.

(301) 720-1917 | (410) 346-9384

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does booking take in Maryland?

Booking typically takes between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the facility and how many people are being processed. During busy periods (weekends, holidays), it can take longer.

When is the first court date after arrest?

If a commissioner denies bail or sets bail that cannot be posted, a judge will review the case on the next business day. The actual trial date is usually set within 60 days for District Court cases.

Are jail phone calls recorded in Maryland?

Yes. Every phone call made from a Maryland detention center is recorded and can be used as evidence against the defendant. Do not discuss the facts of the case over the phone.

Can I bail someone out on the weekend in Maryland?

Yes. Commissioners are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. If a cash bail is set, you can post it at the detention center at any time. Bail bondsmen also operate on weekends.

Do I need a lawyer before the bail hearing?

Having a lawyer at the bail hearing significantly improves the chances of release. An attorney can present a release plan, argue for reasonable conditions, and address the judge's concerns directly. Without counsel, your loved one may face a higher bail or be held without bond. Everyone who cannot afford an attorney is represented by the Public Defender at their bail hearing before a Judge.

What is the difference between a commissioner and a judge at a bail review?

A commissioner conducts the initial bail review shortly after booking. They can release the defendant, set a cash bail, or hold without bond. A judge reviews the case if the commissioner's decision is unfavorable. Judges have more options, including pretrial supervision and unsecured bonds.

What happens if bail is denied?

If bail is denied at both the commissioner and judge levels, the defendant remains in custody. A defense attorney can file a motion for a second bail review by demonstrating a "change in circumstances," such as new evidence, a strong release plan, or community ties.

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