Boston Clerk Magistrate Hearings
Why would I have a clerk magistrate hearing in Middlesex County, Massachusetts?
A clerk magistrate hearing (or clerk hearing for short) is your right when the police want to charge you with a crime that was supposedly committed but that they had not observed. The police are required to apply for a complaint at the local district court, and you will defend yourself in the clerk hearing.
You should be aware that a clerk's hearing involves high stakes, because if the complaint issues against you, the charge will be on your criminal record and appear in future background checks. However, if the complaint is not issued against you, there will be no public record of it and no effect on your criminal record.
Also, you are facing criminal charges in a clerk's hearing, so you need to see it as an opportunity to avoid being charged for a crime-- this is your chance to defend and protect yourself from more investigations. Therefore, it is essential that you contact Russell and Associates to aid you in your case. Attorney Russell has extensive experience in clerk hearings, and has succeeded in clearing many clients in misdemeanor criminal charges. Being a seasoned prosecutor, Attorney Russell understands not only the process but the people involved-- he will diligently work with you to clear you of your charges, and strive to obtain the best possible results for you.
What happens at a clerk's hearing?
1) Usually, the arresting officer will read a report or describe what happened in your arrest. Sometimes, the arresting officer will not appear in court, in which case the police prosecutor represents the department.
2) Witnesses may appear in court to testify.
3) You may bring an attorney to represent you. Your attorney will advise you whether or not to testify on your own behalf. Should you decide not to testify for yourself, your attorney will testify in your stead.
4) During the hearing, no records will be written and there will be no public record of the events.
5) Lastly, the clerk magistrate will make a decision based on the testimony of witnesses, and the oral arguments of the police officer and your attorney.
- If the clerk magistrate believes that there is reason to support the charges, the complaint will issue against you, and the incident will be recorded on your criminal record.
- If your attorney can persuade the clerk magistrates of good reason to dismiss the case, the incident will remain off of your criminal record.
At Russell and Associates, we are highly skilled in each aspect of a clerk hearing. Our research is thorough, our writing is persuasive, and our oral advocacy is excellent. In the past, we have had great success in clearing clerk hearings, and will strive these same results in your hearing. You have our utmost assurance that your care will be handled with care, consideration, and expertise.
Team Russell ∙ Our Success Speaks Volumes
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address your legal problems.
Contact the Needham Massachusetts office of Team Russell by phone at 781-559-0152 locally or 866-828-1957 toll free, or send our trial lawyers an e-mail to schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal law attorney in Middlesex County.
