Being arrested in St. Mary’s County, Maryland is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether you were pulled over in Lexington Park, involved in an incident near NAS Patuxent River, or taken into custody after a domestic dispute in Leonardtown, the decisions you make in the hours and days after your arrest can define the outcome of your case.
At SoMD Criminal Defense, we represent people who have been arrested throughout St. Mary’s County — from Leonardtown and Lexington Park to California, Hollywood, Mechanicsville, and Great Mills. This guide explains the St. Mary’s County arrest process, what to expect at court in Leonardtown, and the critical steps you should take to protect yourself.
What Happens After You Are Arrested in St. Mary’s County
After an arrest in St. Mary’s County, you will typically be transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. There, you will be booked — 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 this hearing, 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 offenses such as felony assault, drug distribution, or weapons charges, the commissioner may deny bail entirely. In that case, your attorney can request a bail review hearing before a judge at the District Court in Leonardtown.
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.
The St. Mary’s County Court Process
Criminal cases in St. Mary’s County are heard at the courthouse complex in Leonardtown. The District Court of Maryland in Leonardtown handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, preliminary hearings, and DUI cases. The St. Mary’s County 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. If you are unsure about what to expect, our guide on your first court date in Maryland can help you prepare.
At each stage, having an attorney who knows the St. Mary’s County courts — the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — gives you a meaningful advantage.
Special Considerations for Military Personnel and Government Contractors
St. Mary’s County is home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River), one of the largest military installations in Maryland. Thousands of active-duty service members, government employees, and defense contractors live and work in the area.
If you are military personnel or hold a government security clearance, a civilian arrest in St. Mary’s County can have consequences far beyond the criminal case itself. An arrest — even for a misdemeanor — can trigger a separate military investigation, lead to non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ, affect your security clearance eligibility, or jeopardize your government contract work.
It is critical that you work with a criminal defense attorney who understands these overlapping consequences. A favorable outcome in civilian court may not be enough to protect your career if your case is not handled strategically from the beginning.
Bail and Pretrial Release in St. Mary’s County
At your initial appearance before the commissioner, there are several possible outcomes regarding your release. The commissioner may release you on your own recognizance, meaning you are free to go with a promise to appear at future court dates. The commissioner may set a cash bail or a bail bond, which requires payment or a bondsman before you are released. Or the commissioner may hold you without bail if the charges are serious enough.
If bail is set at an amount you cannot afford, your attorney can request a bail review hearing before a District Court judge. Acting quickly is important — the sooner your attorney files for a bail review, the sooner you may be able to return home. Learn more about how bail works in Maryland.
Critical First Steps After an Arrest in St. Mary’s County
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.
Why You Need a Lawyer Right Away
Many people assume they can wait to hire an attorney or that a lawyer is only necessary for serious felony charges. That is a mistake. From the moment of your arrest, the prosecution is building a case against you. Evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and opportunities to challenge the State’s case can disappear.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can intervene early to protect your rights — filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are filed, and ensuring that you do not make statements that could be used against you. Whether your case involves a DUI stop in Lexington Park or a drug charge in Great Mills, early legal representation matters.
How SoMD Criminal Defense Can Help
Our attorneys have defended clients at every stage of the St. Mary’s 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 understand the unique pressures facing military families and government employees in the Pax River community. Our defense strategies account for both the criminal case and the professional consequences that can follow an arrest.
We represent clients across Southern Maryland, including Charles County, Calvert County, and Prince George’s County. Wherever your arrest occurred, we have the experience to defend you.
Contact a St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been arrested in St. Mary’s 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.
If you are facing criminal charges in Southern Maryland, contact the experienced defense attorneys at SoMD Criminal Defense. We serve clients in St. Mary’s County, Charles County, Calvert County, and Prince George’s County. Call (301) 818-0389 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can St. Mary’s County police hold you?
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, your attorney can request a bail review hearing before a judge.
Will an arrest affect my military career or government job?
Yes, a civilian arrest in St. Mary’s County can have serious consequences for active-duty military personnel, reservists, and government employees — especially those who hold a security clearance or work at NAS Patuxent River. Even a misdemeanor charge can trigger a military investigation, result in non-judicial punishment, or lead to a security clearance review. It is essential to work with a defense attorney who understands these overlapping issues and can build a strategy that addresses both the criminal case and your career.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. A misdemeanor conviction in Maryland can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks. For military personnel and government contractors, even a misdemeanor can affect your security clearance and career. An experienced attorney can work to get charges reduced or dismissed and help protect your record and your future.
