Clerk’s Hearings

Norfolk County Lawyers for Clerk's Hearings

In some instances, a criminal case may be scheduled for a Clerk’s Hearing (Also called a Magistrate’s Hearing). The purpose for such a hearing is for a Clerk Magistrate to determine if there is probable cause for a criminal case to proceed. It is not available in every case but, when a case is scheduled for a clerk’s hearing, it is an important opportunity to prevent criminal charges from going forward.

In Massachusetts, you only have a right to a clerk’s hearing in certain kinds of cases. Generally, these are non-domestic misdemeanors that occur outside the presence of police officers. If you are charged with a felony, are charged with a case of domestic violence, or are accused of committing a misdemeanor that the police witnessed, it is up to the discretion of the prosecutor as to whether or not the case is scheduled for a clerk’s hearing or proceeds directly to an arraignment.

For personalized guidance regarding your case, contact our office by dialing (617) 523-3500. Serving clients in Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, Essex & Middlesex Counties

What Should I Expect in the Hearing?

Clerks Hearings (Magistrates Hearings) differ from court to court. They are not held in front of a judge but, rather, a Clerk Magistrate. They are sometimes held in courtrooms but, other times, will be held in conference rooms or other hearing rooms within the courthouse.

Once the hearing begins, the clerk will likely hear testimony from a police officer, victim, or any other witnesses present on behalf of the prosecution. You or your attorney may be given the opportunity to cross-examine these witnesses. The defense can present its own witnesses or any other evidence that it would like the Clerk to consider. Finally, the Clerk will hear argument as to why he or she should or should not issue the criminal charges in the case.

Common cases for clerk's hearings include:

• Assault and Battery
• Larceny
• Threats
• Harassment
• Restraining Order Violation
• Assault
• Fraud
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Trespass
• Malicious Destruction of Property

What Is the Process if I Have Received a Notice to Appear at a Clerk’s Hearing?

When you receive your notice for a Clerk’s Hearing, that is your opportunity to prepare your defense of the case. There may be witnesses that need to be located, records that need to be obtained, and other defense work that needs to be completed prior to the hearing.

Furthermore, it may sometimes be possible to work out a resolution of the case prior to the hearing or even in the hearing itself. Any work that can be done to try to reach an agreeable resolution to the case at the clerk’s hearing stage needs to be done once the notice is received.

What Should I be Prepared for if I Have Received a Summons?

Once you receive notice of a clerk’s hearing, be aware that a prosecutor has made the decision to seek charges against you. That being the case, you should be very aware that any statements that you make to police or other witnesses may potentially be used against you at your hearing. Furthermore, the investigation into the case may still be ongoing and you should conduct yourself accordingly.

Why You Should Hire a Defense Attorney for a Clerk's Hearing

The Clerk’s Hearing can be a critical stage in any criminal case. It represents your last chance to avoid having the charges on your record. If the charges get past the clerks hearing, as soon as you are arraigned in your case, an entry will be made on your board of probation record (criminal record).

There can be many potential defenses to develop once your case has been scheduled for a clerk magistrate’s hearing. There might be an alibi defense, wrongful ID, self-defense, witnesses that are lying, or any other number of effective defenses that need to be developed before the hearing, and then presented at the hearing itself. In the hearing, witnesses will testify, documents can be presented, witnesses will be cross-examined, and arguments will be made to the Clerk. It is important to have lawyers experienced in handling Clerks Hearings to fight for you and get the best possible outcome in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clerk’s Hearings

What Else can a Clerk's Hearing be Called?

Clerk’s Hearings are sometimes known as Magistrate’s Hearings, Clerk Magistrate’s Hearings, Probable Cause Hearings, or Show Cause Hearings.

What Happens if the Clerk Finds Against Me?

If the Clerk determines that there is probable cause for the charges to go forward, the case will be scheduled for arraignment. Unlike the clerk’s hearing, an arraignment happens in front of a judge. At your arraignment, the charges will be formally read to you and the issue of bail will be addressed by the court. Once you are arraigned on a criminal charge, the charge will appear on your record.

What Happens if the Clerk Finds in my Favor?

If the decision is made by the clerk that the case should not go forward, that is the end of the process. No further court dates are scheduled, and no entry Is made on your criminal record. Generally, even if the clerk determines that the charges should not go forward, they can sometimes be re-filed (usually, this will only happen if there is some change in circumstances).

Can My Hearing be Pushed off to a Later Date?

You are not entitled to a continuance of your clerk’s hearing date. It may sometimes be possible to continue the hearing to a later date. However, such a request can be objected to by the prosecutor and denied by the clerk.

Can I Bring My Lawyer to a Clerk's Hearing?

You are not entitled to a lawyer or public defender at a clerk’s hearing. However, you can hire your own lawyer to represent you at a clerk’s hearing or magistrate’s hearing. This is a critical hearing in any criminal case, and it almost always makes sense to hire a defense lawyer to represent you at this type of hearing.

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