Did you receive a notice in the mail to appear before a clerk magistrate in a show cause hearing? If you did there is really no reason to panic. What has most likely happened is that another person — either a private party or police agency — has filed an "application" for a criminal complaint. Now a clerk must determine whether or not there is enough evidence to show "probable cause" that the crime was committed.
When you get to court, you'll see how twenty or thirty other cases may be scheduled to be heard around the same time. After hearing your matter, the court will either deny the application, issue a complaint, or continue the matter, meaning it is only acted upon at a later date should more problems or facts arise.
If a complaint is issued, it is not a barometer of your eventual guilt or innocence. It only means that the process will begin — just as it would have in the first place. You will have a scheduled arraignment date where you will plead not guilty.
Our Lawyers Can Make a Difference. Call Us for a Free Consultation.
We appear at hearings across the Commonwealth. We know the local procedures in each county, and this helps us avoid the unnecessary delays that others often encounter. For a free case evaluation, call (800) 461-6900 or use our online form to schedule an appointment and learn about our winning formula.
