Someone Was Arrested in Prince George's County - What Happens Next?
If someone you care about was just arrested in Prince George's County, here is exactly what you need to do: stay calm, do not let them speak to police without a lawyer, find out if they are being held at the PG County Detention Center in Upper Marlboro, and call a criminal defense attorney right away. FrizWoods has an office directly across from the Upper Marlboro courthouse and regularly represents clients at bail hearings in PG County.
What to Do Right Now
You are probably feeling panicked. That is completely normal. But the steps you take in the next few hours can shape the entire outcome of this case.
- Stay calm. You cannot help your loved one if you are making emotional decisions.
- Do not let them speak to police. Tell them to say: "I want a lawyer." Nothing else. Police will try to get a statement, and anything your loved one says can be used against them.
- Find out where they are being held. Most arrests in Prince George's County lead to the PG County Detention Center in Upper Marlboro. Call the facility or search VineLink to confirm.
- Do not discuss the case on recorded jail calls. Every call from the detention center is recorded. Talk about logistics, not the case.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call FrizWoods now. We answer 24/7 and can be at the courthouse for the next bail hearing.
The PG County Detention Center (Upper Marlboro)
After arrest, most people in Prince George's County are transported to the Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro for booking and processing.
Here is what happens during booking:
- Identification. Fingerprints, photographs, and personal information are collected.
- Property intake. Personal belongings are inventoried and stored.
- Medical screening. A brief health check is conducted.
- Commissioner review. The arresting officer submits charging documents to a commissioner, who conducts the initial bail review.
Booking can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours in PG County. The facility processes a high volume of arrests, so delays are common, especially on weekends and holidays.
Inmate Lookup
If you need to confirm that someone is being held at the PG County Detention Center, you can contact the facility directly or check the online inmate search through the Prince George's County Department of Corrections website. Having the person's full legal name and date of birth will help you locate them faster.
Bail Review in Prince George's County
After booking, your loved one will see a commissioner for an initial bail determination. The commissioner can:
- Release on recognizance (no money required)
- Set a cash bail
- Hold without bond
If the commissioner denies release or sets a bail your family cannot post, the next step is a bail review hearing before a District Court judge.
PG County Bail Hearing Schedule
In Prince George's County, District Court bail review hearings take place at 1:30 PM in Upper Marlboro, Room 261B. Circuit Court bail hearings are held around 10:00 AM in a rotating courtroom.
This hearing is critical. A judge has more options than a commissioner, including pretrial supervision, GPS monitoring, and unsecured bonds. Having a bail review lawyer present at this hearing can be the difference between going home and staying locked up.
Max Frizalone is a former PG County prosecutor. He knows the judges, the courtrooms, and the process inside and out. When he walks into Room 261B, he is not a stranger.
What Happens After Bail
Once your loved one is released, here is what to expect:
- Release conditions. The judge may impose conditions like no contact with the alleged victim, drug testing, GPS monitoring, or check-ins with pretrial services.
- Protective orders. In domestic violence cases, a temporary protective order may be issued at the bail hearing. Violating it can lead to re-arrest.
- First court date. The arraignment or trial date is typically set within 30 days for District Court cases. Felonies bound for Circuit Court may take longer as the case goes through the grand jury process.
Do not miss any court dates. A missed date can result in a bench warrant and re-arrest.
District Court in Upper Marlboro
Prince George's County District Court is located in Upper Marlboro. This is where most misdemeanor cases and initial felony appearances are heard. FrizWoods' office is located at 14513 Main Street, Suite B, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, directly across from the courthouse.
If the case involves felony charges, it may be transferred to the Prince George's County Circuit Court, also in Upper Marlboro.
Common Mistakes Families Make
Talking to detectives
Detectives may show up at your door or call you for "a quick conversation." You are not required to speak with them. Politely decline and let your attorney handle all communication.
Posting on social media
Do not post about the arrest on Facebook, Instagram, or anywhere else. Prosecutors in PG County routinely monitor social media for evidence.
Waiting to hire a lawyer
The bail review hearing can happen within 24 hours. If you wait, your loved one may go into that hearing without representation. That often means a higher bail or no release at all.
Discussing facts on jail phones
Every phone call from the PG County Detention Center is recorded. The prosecution can and does use these recordings. Keep conversations short and stick to "We hired a lawyer" and "We love you."
Why FrizWoods for Prince George's County
We regularly represent clients at the Upper Marlboro courthouse. Our office is steps away from the courtroom, and our attorneys know the local judges, prosecutors, and procedures better than most.
- Max Frizalone served as a prosecutor in PG County before becoming a defense attorney.
- Luke Woods has over 20 years of criminal defense experience in Maryland courts.
- FrizWoods also has offices in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Calvert County, so we can respond quickly no matter where the arrest happened.
Call FrizWoods Now - 24/7 Arrest Help
If someone you love is sitting in the PG County Detention Center right now, do not wait until morning. Contact us immediately. We answer day and night, and we can have an attorney at the next bail hearing in Upper Marlboro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does booking take in Prince George's County?
Booking at the PG County Detention Center typically takes 2 to 8 hours. The facility handles a high volume of arrests, so processing times can be longer on weekends, holidays, and busy nights.
My boyfriend was arrested in PG County. What do I do?
Stay calm. Find out if they are at the PG County Detention Center in Upper Marlboro. Do not let them make any statements to police. Call a criminal defense attorney immediately so someone can represent them at the bail review hearing.
When is the bail hearing in Prince George's County?
District Court bail hearings in PG County are held at 1:30 PM in Upper Marlboro, Room 261B. Circuit Court bail hearings are held around 10:00 AM.
Are jail phone calls recorded at the PG County Detention Center?
Yes. All phone calls from the PG County Detention Center are recorded and can be used as evidence. Do not discuss the case over the phone.
Can bail happen the same day as the arrest?
Yes. A commissioner reviews bail shortly after booking, which is available 24/7. If the commissioner sets a bail you can post, your loved one can be released the same day.
Do I need a lawyer before the PG County bail hearing?
Absolutely. Having an attorney at the bail hearing can mean the difference between release and being held without bond. A lawyer can present a release plan and argue for reasonable conditions.
Will the jail phone calls be recorded?
Yes. Every call from the PG County Detention Center is monitored and recorded. Prosecutors can subpoena these recordings as evidence. Never discuss the facts of the case on a jail phone.
Related Pages
- Need to post bail? Read How to Bail Someone Out in Prince George's County.
- Read the full Maryland Arrest Guide for statewide information.
- Learn about PG County Criminal Defense and the cases we handle.
- Facing a DUI arrest? See our PG County DUI Defense page.
- Domestic violence charges? Read about Domestic Assault Defense.