Massachusetts Clerk Magistrate Hearing Lawyer
Occasionally, a police officer doesn't arrest someone for a Massachusetts criminal charge; instead, a summons is issued for you to appear before a clerk magistrate for a show cause hearing. The hearing's legal function is to determine whether there is probable cause to issue a criminal complaint and begin the legal process against you. You soul not go to this type of hearing — also known as a show cause hearing — without an attorney. At the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group, our lawyers have extensive experience and knowledge of the process and will make sure your rights are protected.
What Happens at a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?
The person bringing charges against you will appear to read a police report or describe what happened. Usually this is a police officer, a police prosecutor, or the alleged victim. At times, witnesses are called to offer additional testimony. After the hearing, the complaint is either denied, continued to a later date, or a complaint issues. If the complaint issues, the issuance is not a barometer of your eventual guilt or innocence, although the charge will nevertheless appear on your permanent criminal record once you are arraigned. You can later seek to seal your record; this will prevent potential schools or employers to see what allegedly happened.
In Massachusetts, you have the right to a show cause hearing for most misdemeanors for which you have not been arrested. Each of the attorneys at our firm is skilled in representing clients at show cause hearings and disputing various charges, such as:
Protecting Your Rights at a Show Cause Hearing. Learn More at a Free Consultation
If you must appear at a Clerk Magistrate hearing, our legal system is designed to protect your rights, including but not limited to the fact that you are considered innocent until proven guilty. Throughout the criminal process, there are certain constitutional rights afforded to you by our United States Constitution. Additionally, the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights guarantees you rights with the police, rights in court, and rights if you are convicted. Contact the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group to learn more. Or call us at (800) 461-6900.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?
You don't just need any lawyer. What you need is a fierce advocate who is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results. With offices located in Woburn, Worcester, Springfield, Norwood, and Plymouth, the attorneys from the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group are the types of advocates that you need in this type of administrative hearing. We are focused on using our knowledge, skill and experience to protect our clients' rights.
Strategic Thinking for Show Cause Hearings
When you hire our criminal defense attorneys at this early juncture, we evaluate your case, reach out to the arresting officer or police prosecutor, speak with witnesses and prepare arguments to convince the clerk magistrate to dismiss the application for complaint against you. As former prosecutors, we understand how to work effectively with law enforcement officers and alleged victims in order to prevent charges from issuing against our clients.
Call Our Massachusetts Show Cause Hearing Lawyers. Free Consultation
Our attorneys are in the trenches every day, most often dealing with many of the prosecutors and judges who will be making handling your case. For a low flat-fee, we will either counsel you as to how to proceed, or represent you and work toward eliminating or minimizing the charges against you. Learn more about our services and fees or call us at (800) 461-6900.
