Clerk Magistrate Hearings

Clerk Magistrate Representation

A Clerk Magistrate hearing (also known as a “show cause hearing”) is conducted to determine if there is enough evidence for a criminal complaint to be issued. Even if you have not been arrested, you may be mailed a summons to appear at a clerk’s hearing. If you have received a summons for a Clerk Magistrate hearing, you must appear, or a criminal complaint will issue against you.

A Clerk Magistrate hearing is usually a less formal proceeding than one conducted before a judge. The clerk will consider all of the evidence before him/her and decide whether a criminal complaint should be issued. This is your opportunity to present your case. Clerk’s hearings are also an opportunity to resolve cases before a criminal complaint is issued.