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Clerk Magistrate Hearings in Massachusetts

Stop a Charge Before It Starts

A clerk magistrate hearing is one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — opportunities to avoid having a criminal complaint and criminal charges in Massachusetts. With experienced criminal defense lawyers like Stephen Neyman, many cases never become formal charges at all. Instead, they either get dismissed or “held” until a later date. If a case gets “held,” the complaint will not be issued against you unless you fail to abide by the orders of the clerk magistrate or if you get into further criminal legal trouble.

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What is a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?

A clerk magistrate hearing is a preliminary proceeding to determine whether there exists probable cause to issue a criminal complaint.

How does a Clerk Magistrate Hearing Work?

Step 1

Police or a private party file an application with the court to issue a criminal complaint against you. No charge exists yet — this is the gateway proceeding. A clerk magistrate hearing is initiated when someone, generally a police officer but not always, files an Application for Criminal Complaint with the Clerk of the District Court. In this document, the complainant (individual making the allegations) asserts that the respondent (person being accused) committed a certain crime or crimes.

Step 2

A clerk magistrate holds a “non-public” hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to issue the complaint. Both sides may present evidence and argument.

Step 3

The clerk either issues the complaint — triggering a full criminal case — or denies it, meaning no charge enters the public record at all. The clerk can also hold the complaint open for a period of time. For instance, let’s assume a college student gets caught with a fake ID. It is likely that he or she will get a clerk magistrate hearing. In these types of cases, clerks often find probable cause to issue the criminal complaint. However, they do not issue it. Instead, they hold it open for a period of time. In fake ID cases, many clerks keep the case open until the accused turns 21. Unless the person gets charged with another crime, the complaint will be dismissed on his birthday.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?

You absolutely should hire an attorney for a clerk magistrate hearing in Massachusetts. The stakes are high. The benefit of having legal representation at these proceedings is great. Here is a list of reasons why counsel is important at this stage:

Prevent a criminal record
Challenge probable cause
Present your side of the case
File a cross-complaint
Negotiate a resolution before the complaint is issued
Maintain the privacy of the allegations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend a clerk magistrate hearing?

The simple answer is yes. Failing to appear often results in the complaint being issued. There are instances where your presence may be excused, but those are rare and need to be addressed with the clerk’s office well in advance of the hearing. You should always attend — and you should not attend alone. Having an attorney present dramatically changes the dynamic of the proceeding.

Is a clerk magistrate hearing the same as a criminal trial?

No. It is a pre-charge probable cause hearing, not a trial. The standard is much lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, but the stakes are just as high — the outcome determines whether a formal criminal charge ever exists. The hearing is also closed to the public, which means what happens there stays out of the public record if the complaint is denied. These proceedings are recorded. This is often an opportunity for the defense to obtain discovery through cross-examination, particularly with civilian complaints.

What types of cases go to clerk magistrate hearings?

In Massachusetts, clerk hearings are common for misdemeanors such as:
– Assault and battery
– Domestic violence allegations
– Disorderly conduct
– Shoplifting
– Malicious destruction of property
– Threats
– Soliciting a prostitute
– Prostitution
– Criminal harassment

Can the complaint be denied even if there is evidence against me?

Yes. Clerks have discretion, and “some evidence” is not the same as probable cause. An experienced attorney can identify gaps in the application, highlight credibility issues, and present context that tips the balance in your favor. Even when denial is unlikely, a strong showing at the hearing can shape how the case proceeds if a complaint does issue.

What if the complaint is issued?

If the clerk issues the complaint, you will be summoned to arraignment — the formal start of a criminal case. At that point, the charge becomes part of the public record. This is why intervening at the clerk hearing stage is so critical: arraignment can have immediate consequences for employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status, even before any conviction.

How soon should I get a lawyer for a clerk magistrate hearing?

As soon as possible — ideally the same day you receive the notice. Hearings are often scheduled within a few weeks of the application. Preparation takes time: reviewing the complaint application, gathering favorable evidence, preparing witnesses if appropriate, and developing your strategy. Calling early gives your attorney the best chance to build the strongest possible case.

Will I have a criminal record if the complaint is denied?

No. A denied complaint does not result in a criminal charge and does not appear on your public CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information). This is one of the most significant advantages of the clerk hearing process — a favorable outcome means the matter essentially disappears from your record before it ever begins.

Your hearing may be sooner than you think

If you’ve received a notice for a clerk magistrate hearing, don’t wait. Every day matters. Call now for a confidential, free consultation with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney.

617-263-6800
Request a free consultation.
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Case Results » Clerk Magistrate Hearings

Charges of Domestic Assault and Battery do Not Issue After Clerk Magistrate Hearing July 6, 2026 On May 4, 2026 police were called by a woman about a domestic assault and battery committed by her husband. She reported that about 7 hours earlier her husband returned home from an event extremely intoxicated. The couple began arguing about citizenship issues. She claimed that our client pushed her in the chest several times, causing her physical harm. The police could not locate the husband at that time. Rather than attempt to arrest the man, the police summonsed him to the courthouse for a clerk magistrate hearing alleging domestic assault and battery in violation of G.L. c. 265 section 13M. The clerk magistrate agreed with our argument that the allegation was dubious and that the complaint should not issue. Had this complaint been issued our client’s efforts toward obtaining his citizenship would have been damaged. Read More in Clerk Magistrate Hearings

Charges of Forgery of a Registry of a Motor Vehicle Document Against College Student do Not Issue After Clerk Magistrate Hearing February 3, 2026 In November of this year a local college freshman was drinking in a bar with several similarly situated friends. All had typical underaged fake ID’s. Each student presented their card to the bouncer upon entering the establishment. The bouncer quickly determined that the ID’s were not real. As is the policy of this establishment, the bouncer refused to return the cards, instead forwarding them to a local police detective responsible for underaged alcohol control in this area. A few weeks later the student received a summons in the mail for a clerk magistrate hearing looking to charge her with forgery of an RMV document, a felony under G.L. c. 90 section 24B. Today, our office was able to convince the clerk magistrate not to issue the criminal complaint. Read More in Clerk Magistrate Hearings

Charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Against Police Office do Not Issue After Clerk Magistrate Hearing January 27, 2026 Our client is a police officer with several years experience at a Suburban Boston City Police Department. Several months ago there was a motor vehicle accident in a suburb that involved eyewitness identifications. The witnesses uniformly reported the license plate of the vehicle involved in the incident. Their reports regarding the appearance of the driver varied. Each of them further reported that the driver fled the scene without attempting to make his identity known. The local police contacted the man, our client. He in turn refused to discuss the matter with them. Consequently, the police applied for a complaint charging leaving the scene with property damage in violation of G.L. c. 90 section 24. Attorney Neyman was hired to defend the man. Today, after a clerk magistrate hearing the case was dismissed. No charges were filed. This case is a classic example of why we tell all of our clients to never talk to the police. Nothing good comes of it. Had our client admitted that he was driving the result at the clerk’s hearing would have been far different. Read More in Clerk Magistrate Hearings

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