A clerk-magistrate's hearing (also known as a show cause hearing or simply a clerk's hearing) is a process where a clerk-magistrate is the first to hear the facts and circumstances of a case and alone determines whether or not to issue charges against you. In some cases, the police are not allowed to make an arrest and are required to first prove that there is probable cause for the charges at a hearing before the clerk-magistrate. If the clerk sets the case down for a hearing, you have an opportunity to attend and make your case before any charges even issue.

Hiring an experienced attorney like Attorney Robert S.C. Meltzer for the clerk-magistrate's hearing is smart. A well-presented case at the clerk's hearing is your best shot at ending the case before the charges even issue, either by proving to the clerk that there is no probable cause to issue the charges or by persuading the clerk that charges simply aren't necessary or appropriate in your case. Since a clerk's hearing is an adversarial hearing, an experienced attorney can help cross-examine any witnesses called by the police and present evidence on your behalf. If you are able to convince the clerk not to issue any charges, then they will never appear on your record and you can avoid the stress, energy, and embarrassment of a public trial.

If you received notice from either a District or Juvenile Court that you are to appear for a clerk's hearing, contact the Law Office of Robert S.C. Meltzer today.