What Happens After You Get Arrested in Annapolis?

 Posted on February 11, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Getting arrested can be downright terrifying. If this is your first time being involved with the criminal justice system, you may not know what to expect or what rights you have. From the moment police take you into custody until you appear before a judge, you need to know what happens next.

The most important thing to understand if you get arrested in 2026 is that having a good Annapolis criminal defense attorney really matters. The quality and commitment of your lawyer can make the difference between going to jail and getting charges reduced or even dropped.

What Happens During Booking and Processing?

After police arrest you, they will transport you to either the Annapolis Police Department or a central processing facility. This is where the booking process begins. Booking is the official procedure where the police record your arrest and get information about you.

During booking, several things will happen. First, officers will search you. This may include a strip search or cavity search. They will take all your stuff, including your phone, wallet, keys, and jewelry. You will get a receipt for everything.

Officers will also take your personal information. This includes your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and things like height and weight. They will take your photograph, also called a mugshot. Officers will take your fingerprints and run them through databases to check for outstanding warrants or previous arrests.

You may be required to give a DNA sample through a cheek swab. All of this information enters computer systems that government agencies can access. This becomes part of your permanent record unless charges are dropped or you successfully expunge your record later.

After processing is complete, you will be placed in a holding cell. Many people wait for hours at this stage. You are allowed one phone call, but you must use the police department's phone, not your own. If you can, you should call a family member and ask them to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

What Happens at Your Commissioner Hearing in Annapolis?

After booking, you will appear before a District Court Commissioner. This usually happens the same day as your arrest, although it may be delayed if you are arrested late at night or on a weekend.

Under Maryland law, the Commissioner must determine if probable cause exists to charge you. Probable cause means there is reasonable belief that you committed the crime. The Commissioner will also make sure that you understand the charges against you and the possible penalties you face.

The Commissioner will tell you about your rights: 

• You have the right to an attorney. 
• If you cannot afford one, you may qualify for a public defender. 
• You have the right to remain silent. 

Anything you say can be used against you in court. You should exercise this right and avoid discussing your case until you speak with an attorney.

One of the Commissioner's most important decisions is whether to set bail. Bail is money paid to the court to guarantee you will return for your court dates. The Commissioner can release you on your own recognizance, which means you promise to return without paying money. The Commissioner can set a bail amount you must pay to be released. Or the Commissioner can deny bail entirely and keep you in custody.

What Comes After the Commissioner Hearing?

If the Commissioner sets bail and you can’t pay it, you have the right to a bail review hearing before a District Court Judge. Your attorney can argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance.

After your initial court appearance, the rest of the criminal defense process moves forward. Depending on your case, this could be a preliminary hearing, a plea deal, or even a full trial. You will work closely with your lawyer to decide what the best path forward is.

Call an Annapolis, MD Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The decisions you make in the hours and days after your arrest can hugely affect the outcome of your charges. Our Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyers have over 50 years of combined legal experience defending clients against assault, drug, firearms, DUI, burglary, and all types of criminal charges.

We typically handle cases on a flat fee basis, so you know what to expect from the beginning. Contact Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law at 410-280-0530 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.