What Happens in a Criminal Case in Maryland Courts?
After criminal charges are filed against an individual in Maryland, he or she appears in court for an arraignment. During the arraignment, the judge will formally charge the accused with the crime(s) for which he/she is accused of committing. Bail may be raised or lowered as well (see Bail below for different types of bail.) In addition, the individual will be asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere) to the crime with which he/she has been charged.
