Clerks Hearing

Clerk Magistrate Hearing Defense Lawyer

Often the first step in a criminal case is a Clerk Magistrate Hearing (or clerk’s hearing). This is an informal hearing where the police or other person seeks to bring charges for crimes that do not result in an arrest. They are common for theft cases, motor vehicle charges, and fights that are not witnessed by the police. Having a skilled Lowell clerk magistrate defense lawyer represent you at these hearings can be the difference between having a clean record and facing charges in court later.

Mr. Sullivan represents clients charged with a wide variety of crimes. Attorney Sullivan regularly represents clients at these hearings in the Lowell, Lawrence, Ayer, Concord, Salem, and other district courts and the Boston municipal courts. Charges can issue in these cases even if it is unclear whether the crime occurred or not – the standard is probable cause, which is far less than what is required for a conviction. Even though the standard is lower, having an attorney represent you at these hearings is important. What you say can be used against you, legal arguments can prevent the charges from issuing, and agreements to prevent the charges from ever issuing can be negotiated.

Attorney Sullivan has had tremendous success in representing clients where charges were stopped before ever appearing on his client’s record. From gun charges, theft offenses, drug crimes, and motor vehicle offenses, Mr. Sullivan has made passionate arguments that have kept his clients out of the courtroom and allowed them to move on with their lives without any charges issuing. If you are being investigated or accused of a crime and have a clerk’s hearing coming up, call Lowell clerk magistrate defense Attorney Ryan Sullivan today.

Past Cases

Crime: Improper storage of a firearm
Facts: Client accused of leaving an unattended rifle in his home was charged.
Result: No charges issued

Crime: Insurance Fraud
Facts: Client accused of attempting to collect over $10,000 from insurance company.
Result: No charges issued

Crime: Criminal Harassment
Facts: Client accused of harassing neighbors regularly over a period of time
Result: No charges issued – no probable cause found

Crime: Assault and Battery
Facts: Client accused of hitting a child after two elementary students were fighting
Result: No charges issued

Crime: Violation of a Restraining Order
Facts: Client accused of multiple charges of violating a restraining order that issued after a bad breakup
Result: No charges issued – no probable cause found

All cases are different and unique. Having an attorney who has handled numerous cases before Clerk Magistrates across the state is important to being able to make the most successful argument available. Being innocent of the crime may not be enough to stop charges from issuing. Talk to a lawyer who has a history of achieving results to ensure the best argument you have is made on your behalf.

Call Today

Attorney Sullivan has been hired to handle cases after a clerk’s hearing has taken place. Many of these charges may have not issued had a different argument been made to the Magistrate. Mr. Sullivan talks to his clients and often advises on a strategy that is unique and creative. Using these methods, Mr. Sullivan has preserved his clients records. Call today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case with a skilled Lowell clerk magistrate defense lawyer.