Prince George's County Bail Process - How Bail Hearings Work
If your loved one is sitting in the PG County Detention Center right now, understanding the bail process is the most important thing you can do. Prince George's County handles a high volume of arrests, and the system moves on a specific schedule. Knowing when bail hearings happen, what a commissioner can do versus a judge, and how to prepare gives your family a real advantage. FrizWoods handles bail hearings in Upper Marlboro every week.
How the PG County Bail Process Works
The bail process in Prince George's County follows a two-step structure: first a commissioner review, then (if needed) a judge review. Here is how each step works.
Step 1: Commissioner Review (Available 24/7)
After booking at the PG County Detention Center in Upper Marlboro, your loved one will see a commissioner. Commissioners are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The commissioner reviews the charging documents and decides one of three things:
- Release on recognizance (ROR). The person is released without posting any money. They simply promise to appear at all future court dates.
- Cash bail. The commissioner sets a dollar amount. To be released, the full amount must be posted at the detention center, or you can use a bail bondsman who typically charges 10% of the total.
- Hold without bond. The person stays in custody until a judge reviews the case.
Commissioners in Prince George's County deal with the higher volume of processed in PG County. Seeing a commissoiner can take longer at the Prince George's County Detention Center based on this volume. If the commissioner's decision is unfavorable, do not panic. The next step is a hearing before a judge.
Step 2: District Court Bail Review Before a Judge
If the commissioner denies release or sets a bail you cannot post, the case goes to a District Court judge for a bail review hearing.
In Prince George's County, District Court bail review hearings are held at 1:30 PM in Upper Marlboro, Room 261B on weekdays while Court is open. Weekend arrests will have to wait until the following Monday.
Circuit Court bail review hearings take place around 10:00 AM in a rotating courtroom.
This judge-level hearing is where the outcome often changes. A judge has a much broader range of release options than a commissioner:
- Unsecured bond. A written promise to pay if the defendant fails to appear, but no money is required upfront.
- Pretrial supervision. Conditions like drug testing, GPS monitoring either privately or through the county, or regular check-ins with a pretrial officer.
- Reduced cash bail. The judge can lower the amount set by the commissioner.
- Release on recognizance. The judge can override the commissioner's decision entirely.
Having a criminal defense attorney at this hearing changes the dynamic completely. An attorney can present a release plan, introduce evidence of community ties, offer testimony from family members, and directly address the judge's concerns. Without counsel, the defendant is essentially relying on the judge to figure it all out on their own.
Why Representation Matters at PG County Bail Hearings
A bail hearing is not a trial, but the stakes are just as real. If your loved one is held without bond, they sit in jail while the case works through the system. That could mean weeks or months away from work, family, and the ability to actively participate in their defense.
Max Frizalone, a former PG County prosecutor, appears at bail hearings in Upper Marlboro regularly. He knows the judges, the courtroom procedures, and what arguments resonate. Luke Woods brings over 20 years of trial experience to every bail hearing, with a track record of securing releases in tough cases.
When FrizWoods represents a client at a bail hearing, we come prepared with:
- A detailed release plan addressing the court's concerns
- Evidence of employment, family ties, and community stability
- Proposed supervision conditions that satisfy the judge
- Argument against excessive bail based on the specific facts
What Can You Do to Help Before the Bail Hearing?
If your loved one's bail hearing is tomorrow, here is what you can do tonight:
- Gather information. Write down your loved one's employment status, home address, family connections, and any other ties to the community.
- Be prepared to testify. Family members can speak at the bail hearing about the defendant's character, responsibility, and ties to the area.
- Contact a lawyer now. An attorney needs time to prepare a release plan. The earlier you call, the better the presentation will be.
- Understand the financial options. If a cash bail is set, know how much your family can post. Bail bondsmen typically require 10% of the total bail amount, which is non-refundable.
Second Bail Review in PG County
If the judge denies bail at the first hearing, it is not necessarily the end. A defense attorney can file a motion for a second bail review by demonstrating a "change in circumstances." This could include:
- New evidence favorable to the defendant
- Completion of a substance abuse evaluation
- A stronger release plan
- A letter from an employer confirming a job
- Resolution of a related case in another jurisdiction
The second bail review requires real preparation and a concrete reason for the court to reconsider. This is not something to attempt without an experienced bail review lawyer.
Common Bail Process Mistakes in PG County
Not having a lawyer at the hearing
This is the single biggest mistake. Defendants without representation face worse outcomes at bail hearings. Period.
Posting on social media before the hearing
Prosecutors check social media. If there are posts related to the arrest, the charges, or the alleged victim, it can be used against the defendant at the bail hearing.
Discussing the case on jail calls
All calls from the PG County Detention Center are recorded. Prosecutors listen to them. If your loved one discusses the facts of the case, those recordings become evidence.
Missing the hearing time
District Court bail hearings in PG County are at 1:30 PM. If your attorney or family members are late, the hearing may proceed without a full presentation.
Call FrizWoods - PG County Bail Hearing Representation
If your loved one is facing a bail hearing in Prince George's County, call FrizWoods immediately. We prepare fast, appear at the hearing, and fight for release. Our office is directly across from the Upper Marlboro courthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time are bail hearings in PG County?
District Court bail review hearings in Prince George's County are held at 1:30 PM in Upper Marlboro, Room 261B. Circuit Court bail hearings are around 10:00 AM.
How much does a bail bondsman charge in PG County?
Bail bondsmen typically charge 10% of the total bail amount, which is non-refundable. For example, if bail is set at $50,000, the bondsman's fee would be $5,000.
Can a commissioner release someone without bail in PG County?
Yes. A commissioner can release someone on their own recognizance, meaning no money is required. However, this is less common for serious charges.
What happens if bail is denied by the judge?
If the judge denies bail, the defendant remains in custody. A defense attorney can file for a second bail review showing a change in circumstances, such as a stronger release plan or new information.
Can I attend the bail hearing?
Yes. Family members can attend the bail hearing in Prince George's County and may even testify about the defendant's character and community ties. Coordinate with your attorney beforehand.
How long after arrest is the bail hearing in PG County?
If the commissioner denies bail or sets an unaffordable bail, the judge hearing happens on the next business day. District Court hearings are at 1:30 PM.
Related Pages
- Ready to post bail? Read How to Bail Someone Out in Prince George's County.
- Just arrested? Read Someone Was Arrested in PG County - What Happens Next.
- Statewide guide: Someone Was Arrested in Maryland - What Do I Do Now?
- Learn about Bail Hearings Representation across Maryland.
- Facing charges? See our Prince George's County Criminal Defense page.