What is a Stet in Maryland | Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

FAQ Blog: Stet in a Maryland Criminal Case

In our latest video blog, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr., explains;

• What is a Stet;
• What does a Stet means;
• What happens after a case is marked Stet in Maryland?
• How do I get a Stet in a Maryland criminal case?
• Can I expunge a Stet?
• When can I expunge a Stet?

If you have been charged criminally or with a serious traffic offense in Maryland, call attorney Randolph Rice, at 410-288-2900 or email him for immediate legal help and to discuss a Stet.

Stet in Maryland Criminal Case

What is a Stet in a Maryland Criminal Cases?


Maryland Rule 4-248. Stet

If you are facing a criminal case in Maryland, contact a Defense Attorney at the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, at 410-288-2900 or email Attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr.

(a) Disposition by stet. On motion of the State's Attorney, the court may indefinitely postpone trial of a charge by marking the charge "stet" on the docket. The defendant need not be present when a charge is stetted but if neither the defendant nor the defendant's attorney is present, the clerk shall send notice of the stet to the defendant, if the defendant's whereabouts are known, and to the defendant's attorney of record. Notice shall not be sent if either the defendant or the defendant's attorney was present in court when the charge was stetted. If notice is required, the clerk may send one notice that lists all of the charges that were stetted. A charge may not be stetted over the objection of the defendant. A stetted charge may be rescheduled for trial at the request of either party within one year and thereafter only by order of court for good cause shown.

(b) Effect of stet. When a charge is stetted, the clerk shall take the action necessary to recall or revoke any outstanding warrant or detainer that could lead to the arrest or detention of the defendant because of the charge, unless the court orders that any warrant or detainer shall remain outstanding.