When a child is arrested in Maryland, the legal process moves quickly—and the decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours can shape the entire outcome of the case.
Juvenile detention hearings determine whether a young person will be held in custody or released to their family while awaiting further proceedings. These hearings are high-stakes, and without strong legal representation, a child may face unnecessary detention, emotional stress, and disruption to their education and well-being.
If your child is facing a juvenile detention hearing, don’t wait to get help. The Bishop Law Group understands the urgency and complexity of these cases, and our juvenile criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore will fight to protect your child’s rights from the very first appearance.
Schedule a free consultation with a legal team experienced in juvenile defense. Let us help your family move forward with confidence and care.
How Many Juveniles Get Charged With Crimes in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, more than 3,900 juveniles were charged with offenses in the first half of 2025. Of those, 92 juveniles were placed on home detention, and 161 were monitored with GPS ankle devices.
These numbers reflect the growing use of detention alternatives—but also highlight how many young people remain under supervision or in custody.
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How Juveniles Are Arrested
Maryland law lets police arrest juveniles using the same rules that apply to adults. This means:
- A juvenile can be arrested for a misdemeanor committed in front of an officer
- A juvenile can be arrested for a felony if there is probable cause
The majority of juveniles get released to their parents after being charged. However, if certain legal conditions are met, they may be held in detention until their court hearing. While these conditions are supposed to be limited, juveniles may be detained for:
- Any felony
- Any misdemeanor involving a firearm
Adult Charges for Serious Crimes: What Happens at Age 16 and Older
If a juvenile is 16 or older and charged with a serious crime—such as carjacking, first-degree assault, robbery with a weapon, or certain sex offenses—they are automatically charged as an adult. This means:
- They are booked and held in custody
- A District Court Commissioner decides whether to release them
- If not released, they stay in custody until a judge reviews the case
Every person has the right to a lawyer at their first appearance. Having legal representation can make a big difference in whether the juvenile is released or held.
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The Hearing Process: From Commissioner to Judge
In Baltimore, hearings before a commissioner can take longer—sometimes close to 24 hours. If the commissioner decides not to release the juvenile, the next step is a bail review hearing before a district court judge.
At this stage, a lawyer can argue for the juvenile’s release, especially in cases involving serious charges.
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Juvenile Court for Younger Children: Detention Hearings Explained
Children under 16 are usually charged in juvenile court, except in cases of first-degree murder. If the child is not released to their parents, they must attend a detention hearing with a magistrate or juvenile judge. This hearing resembles a bail review in adult court.
If the judge denies release:
- The decision can be appealed immediately
- A circuit court judge may hear the appeal the same day
- If release is still denied, the juvenile returns to court every two weeks for a detention review
Why Legal Help Is Important: Protecting Your Child’s Rights
Juvenile detention hearings can have serious consequences. Being held in custody can affect a child’s education, mental health, and future opportunities. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney who understands juvenile law and can advocate for the child’s release.
Juvenile Detention Trends in Maryland: What the Data Shows
According to the Maryland Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit’s 2024 Annual Report:
- Over 600 juvenile cases were referred to prosecutors in just two months
- The most common charges included motor vehicle theft (108 cases), robbery (104), and assault (60)
- As of December 2024, 125 juveniles were on GPS ankle monitors, and 121 were on community detention electronic monitoring
- 90% of detention decisions were later confirmed or modified by the courts, showing alignment with legal standards
Contact a Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney in Baltimore
Having a juvenile crime defense attorney by your child’s side during their juvenile detention hearing in Maryland can make a big difference in their case. Schedule a consultation with The Bishop Law Group today.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
