Clerk Magistrate Hearings

In Massachusetts, a Clerk Magistrate hearing or a show cause hearing can be scheduled in lieu of a formal arrest. A clerk magistrate hearing is a hearing given when an individual attempts to take out a private criminal complaint against another person or when the police officer does not witness the criminal conduct that gives rise to the charge or does not make an arrest.

Attorney DelSignore is very familiar with the Clerk Magistrates throughout Massachusetts and has been numerous clerk hearings in all courts throughout Massachusetts. When you call Attorney DelSignore he will give you specific details how the clerk hearing is likely to go in your case.

Common charges heard by the clerk magistrate include:

• Assault and battery;
• Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
• Leaving the Scene of property damage
• Shoplifting and Larceny
• OUI charge involving an accident where the motorist is taken to the hospital. Keep in mind that when you are taken to the hospital an receive an OUI citation, you may also receive an Immediate Threat Suspension, suspending your driver’s license.

How the hearing will proceed

The hearing itself is held before Clerk Magistrate in that District Court. The hearings are often held in an office and are informal. Courts like Attleboro, Brockton, Fall River, Taunton, Concord and Wrentham, typically have their clerk magistrate hearings in a private office like room. Some courts use the courtroom, like Dedham, Quincy and Stoughton, members of the public are not allowed to watch these hearings.

What happens at a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?

The party that has accused you of committing a crime, either the independent party who filed the claim or a representative from the police department who is requesting that the complaint issue, will appear to describe their version of the incident.

What type of defense should you provide at a Clerk Magistrate hearing?

The best way to get a successful outcome, meaning have the clerk not issue the complaint, is to do something proactive before the hearing to show the clerk, you have addressed the problem that brought you to court. This strategy does not always work but is highly effective. At DelSignore Law, we have had clerks not issue complaints on OUI cases when our clients have received alcohol treatment.

If your offense is alcohol related, get some alcohol treatment; if the clerk magistrate hearing is about a drug offense, enroll in drug counseling; if it is an assault and battery offense, obtain counseling or attend an anger management course.

You will then be given the opportunity to make a statement on your own behalf. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to help you present your case. There are arguments an attorney may make and they will depend on the specific to certain charges and the background of the client. While you can choose to testify it may not always be in your best interest. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you on when you should and should not testify.

What is the standard at the Clerk Magistrate Hearing?

The standard at the hearing is probable cause. Probable cause is a very low standard of proof. In most cases, technically the clerk will have enough evidence to issue the complaint. However, some clerks may be willing to take a more practical approach, meaning that they may resolve the case without formally issuing the complaint. For example the clerk may be willing to consider alternatives such as:

• Continuing the matter for a period of time with the understanding that if the individual incurs no further difficulty with the law, the case will be dismissed or
• In some cases the charges may get dismissed on the completion of a program, such as the Brains At Risk Program, that addresses the concerns that triggered the charges being brought before the clerk of the court

Recent Successes

• DelSignore Law recently represented a young man charged with possession with intent to distribute, a fairly serious offense with severe penalties. At the Clerk Magistrate hearing DelSignore Law was able to make an argument on behalf of their client and his case was continued for 6 months with the condition that he have 3 drug tests within that time period and complete a drug program. At the end of the end of the 6-month period he had completed all his conditions and the case was dismissed. The case was never arraigned so his criminal record is still preserved. There is no formal record to indicate that he ever faced these charges.
• In another recent success, DelSignore Law represented a client charged with trespass and breaking and entering. DelSignore Law was able to convince the clerk magistrate that the complaint should not be issued based on the client’s history and the time difference between the actual offense date and the date of the hearing. The complaint was not issued and the client has no criminal record.

What happens if the complaint is issued?

If the clerk does issue the charge your case will be sent to the district attorney’s office and you will face a formal arraignment in the district court. This means that you will have a criminal record.

If your case is scheduled for a magistrate hearing, you should hire an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer immediately.

If you have any questions about a criminal magistrate hearing in Massachusetts feel free to call or send an email through this website. You can reach me by call or text at 781-686-5924.

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