I got a summons in the mail and I've been called in to a Clerk Magistrate's Hearing next week (in a Massachusetts court). Can you give me some idea of what will happen and what I need to do to get ready for it? Thanks.
|
|
Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws
Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws
| Forum | Last post |
|---|---|
|
On a last argument with my landlord on the moving out day, he let slip that he had a camera someplace. I just ....
|
9/3/2010 12:31 by Anonymous |
|
Hi - I rented a small cottage on the beach on Cape Cod and want to cancel because of the Hurricane warnings. I....
You would have to ask AAA or your card company. But, absent....
|
9/2/2010 21:36 by Anonymous |
|
I know that there is strict liability for dog bites in Massachusetts, but does anyone know what the common pra....
Well, when lawyers talk about strict liability they mean that the....
|
9/2/2010 12:32 by Anonymous |
|
My wife and I have filed our paperwork and we have no kids and are in agreement on all matters (for the first ....
Typically, if you have filed all required paper work in a 1A uncontest....
|
9/2/2010 07:56 by Stallworth |
|
If my sister is our elderly father's medical proxy would I be able to request a doctor's referral from the Vet....
As you probably know, your father's healthcare proxy will not become e....
|
9/1/2010 11:36 by HLM |
|
I am a named inheritor in a will for an older close friend (NOT a partner/spouse but someone I spent a lot of ....
Follow this link to a thread dealing with the duty to deliver a will t....
|
8/31/2010 17:14 by Anonymous |
|
How are pre paid Visa cards valid at multiple unaffiliated retailers that meet a certain criteria like "enviro....
Here is my guess (I don't know): I don't see why not. When....
|
8/31/2010 09:04 by Mike Norman |
|
My employer (a big box store located in many states) often has me come in for only 4.5 hours in a day. This i....
Your question raises two issues. First, under Massachusetts law,....
|
8/31/2010 06:05 by HillMan |
|
My nephew was involved in some sort of an altercation in which he was trying (apparently) to rob a man of his ....
Unfortunately the circumstances you describe most likely amount to an ....
|
8/27/2010 06:40 by Anonymous |
|
I read the other post about the medical malpractice tribunals in Massachusetts but I'm curious about how the t....
The panel is comprised of a judge, a doctor, a lawyer and preside....
|
3/9/2010 05:53 by Wookie |


CMH
In criminal cases, a clerk-magistrate hearing in Massachusetts is an informal proceeding used to determine whether or not there is probable cause to issue a criminal complaint. In civil motor vehicle infraction case (e.g. speeding), the purpose of the hearing is to determine whether it is more likely or not (preponderance of the evidence) that the motorist committed a civil automobile law violation.
The procedure begins with the prosecution presenting its case. The defendant will then have an opportunity to respond and present its case. After the hearing, the clerk-magistrate will announce the findings. In criminal cases, clerk-magistrate hearings can be used as “plea bargaining” and negotiation sessions. I recommend that you hire a lawyer. It may be "money well spent."
Attorney Brian E. Simoneau
http://www.suspendedlicensehelp.com
Clerk Magistrate Hearing
Attorney Simoneau gives excellent advice. I would add that if you are successful at the clerks hearing nothing will go on your record. It is important to present the best defense you can at the clerks hearing to keep any potential charges off your record. The only downside to "losing" the clerks hearing is that you will be arraigned on the charges. Unfortunately there are many adverse consequences to even being arraigned on a criminal charge. This is true even if the charges are later dismissed. Contact an attorney as soon as possible so that he or she can assist you with your defense. I would be happy to discuss this case with you.
Attorney Kevin Gaughen, Jr. | Gaughen, Gaughen, Lane & Hernando