Massachusetts Clerk Magistrates hearing is held to determine if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a criminal offense. A Massachusetts Clerk Magistrates hearing is formally known as a Show Cause hearing.
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Patrick did a fantastic job for us during a clerk magistrate’s hearing. A minor matter suddenly became complicated and he turned a potential into an excellent result. Patrick is personable and professional. Highly recommended.”
Chris – Cambridge District Court
Massachusetts Show Cause Hearing
A clerk magistrates hearing is a hearing on an application for a criminal complaint. It is also known as a “show cause hearing.” A Clerk Magistrate’s hearing is held to determine if there is enough evidence for a criminal complaint to issue. If there is enough evidence the complaint will issue and the case will be scheduled for an arraignment. If there is not enough evidence and clerk declines to issue the complaint the case will end and there will be no record of the hearing.
Even if you have not been arrested you may be mailed a summons to appear at a clerk’s hearing. If you receive a summons for a Clerk Magistrate’s hearing you MUST appear. A criminal complaint will issue against you if you miss you show cause hearing.
If you have been given a citation for a criminal offense you should request a clerks hearing.
A Clerk Magistrate’s hearing is usually a less formal proceeding, conducted before a clerk rather than a judge. The clerk will consider all of the evidence before him or her and decide whether a criminal complaint should issue. This is your opportunity to present your case. Show cause hearings are also an opportunity to resolve cases before there is a criminal complaint. A clerk is only supposed to rule on whether probable cause exists or not, many clerk’s look to alternative dispositions. Holding a case open, dismissing it on community service or fines are just some examples of alternative dispositions.
Experienced Massachusetts Clerk Magistrates Hearing Attorney
Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former prosecutor that has successfully represented clients at Massachusetts Clerk Magistrate hearing. Clerk magistrates hearings have included larceny, larceny by check, shoplifting, reckless driving, motor vehicle charges, negligent operation, drug charges. Attorney Donovan has appeared in over fifty criminal courts in Massachusetts.
This may be only opportunity you will have to protect your criminal record!
Best Massachusetts Clerk Magistrate Hearing Lawyer
Patrick T. Donovan has successfully represented many people at show cause charged with felonies or misdemeanors in Boston and in Massachusetts. At the Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan, we are committed to aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome for each and every one of our clients.
A former Assistant District Attorney, Patrick Donovan is well aware of the many legal strategies both law enforcement and district attorneys will use when trying to obtain a conviction. Attorney Donovan uses his prior knowledge as a prosecutor to his clients’ advantage by challenging evidence submitted by state lawyers, investigating faulty law enforcement procedures, and ultimately building the strongest case possible for every single one of his clients.
Call the Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan today for your free initial consultation at 617-479-1800.
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