Being arrested in Charles County, Maryland can be a frightening and disorienting experience. Whether you were stopped for a traffic violation that escalated, picked up on a warrant, or taken into custody after an incident at home, the hours and days following an arrest are critical. What you do — and what you avoid doing — can shape the outcome of your entire case.
At SoMD Criminal Defense, we represent people who have been arrested throughout Charles County, from Waldorf and La Plata to Indian Head, Bryans Road, and White Plains. This guide explains what happens after a Charles County arrest and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
What Happens After You Are Arrested in Charles County
After an arrest in Charles County, you will typically be transported to the Charles County Detention Center in La Plata. There, you will be processed — fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the system. You will then appear before a District Court commissioner for an initial appearance, usually within 24 hours of your arrest.
At the initial appearance, the commissioner will inform you of the charges against you and determine whether to release you on your own recognizance, set bail, or hold you without bail. For serious charges like homicide or armed robbery, the commissioner may deny bail entirely, requiring a separate bail review hearing before a judge.
Your Rights During and After Arrest
You have constitutional rights that apply from the moment of your arrest. The most important ones to remember are your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Police officers are required to read your Miranda rights before conducting a custodial interrogation, but you should exercise these rights even before they are read to you.
Do not answer questions about the alleged offense. Do not consent to searches of your phone, vehicle, or home. Be polite and cooperative with officers, but clearly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. Anything you say — even something you think is harmless — can be used against you in court.
Common Charges in Charles County
Charles County law enforcement actively pursues a wide range of criminal offenses. Some of the most common charges our clients face after a Charles County arrest include:
DUI and DWI — Charles County has frequent sobriety checkpoints and aggressive DUI enforcement, particularly along Route 301, Route 228, and in Waldorf. If this is your first DUI in Maryland, understanding the process early is essential. Our Charles County DUI lawyers handle these cases regularly.
Drug offenses — Possession, distribution, and CDS charges are among the most frequently prosecuted cases in Charles County. Whether the charge involves marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, or prescription medications, the penalties can be severe.
Assault and domestic violence — Assault charges often arise from disputes at home, in public, or during encounters with law enforcement. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor, but first-degree assault is a felony carrying up to 25 years in prison.
Theft and property crimes — Shoplifting, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and fraud charges are common in the Waldorf commercial corridor and surrounding areas.
Protective order violations — Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional charges and immediate arrest.
The Charles County Court Process
All Charles County criminal cases are heard at the courthouse complex in La Plata. The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, preliminary hearings, and DUI cases. The Circuit Court handles felony trials, jury trials, and appeals from District Court.
After your initial appearance, your case will follow a timeline that typically includes an arraignment, a pre-trial conference, motions hearings, and either a plea or trial. At each stage, having an attorney who knows the Charles County courts — the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures — gives you a meaningful advantage.
What to Do After a Charles County Arrest
The steps you take immediately after an arrest can significantly impact your case. Here is what we recommend:
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner someone is protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and preparing your defense. Do not wait until your court date to find a lawyer.
Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. This includes friends, family members, cellmates, and especially law enforcement. Conversations with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege. Conversations with others are not.
Write down everything you remember. As soon as you are able, document every detail of your arrest — what happened, what was said, who was present, and how you were treated. These details can be critical for building your defense.
Attend all court dates. Failing to appear in court will result in a bench warrant for your arrest and can lead to additional charges. If you are unsure of your court date, your attorney can help you confirm it.
How SoMD Criminal Defense Can Help
Our attorneys have defended clients at every stage of the Charles County criminal process — from bail review hearings to jury trials. We know how to challenge the evidence against you, file motions to suppress illegally obtained statements or search results, negotiate with prosecutors, and take cases to trial when that is the right strategy.
We also represent clients across Southern Maryland, including Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County. Wherever your arrest occurred, we have the experience to defend you.
Contact a Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Charles County, time matters. Call SoMD Criminal Defense at (301) 818-0389 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available to discuss your case immediately and can begin working on your defense right away. Learn more about the cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Maryland.
If you are facing criminal charges in Southern Maryland, contact the experienced defense attorneys at SoMD Criminal Defense. We serve clients in Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County. Call (301) 818-0389 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Charles County?
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions about the alleged offense without an attorney present. Provide basic identification information when asked, but politely decline to discuss the details of what happened. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — before your initial appearance if you can.
How long can they hold me after an arrest in Maryland?
After arrest, you must be brought before a District Court commissioner within 24 hours for an initial appearance. The commissioner will determine whether to release you on your own recognizance, set bail, or hold you without bail. If bail is set at an amount you cannot afford, you can request a bail review hearing before a judge.
Will my arrest show up on a background check?
Yes, arrests typically appear on Maryland criminal background checks even before the case is resolved. If your case is ultimately dismissed, results in an acquittal, or receives another favorable disposition, you may be eligible for expungement, which removes the arrest from your publicly accessible record. An experienced attorney can advise you on expungement eligibility.
