What Is a Show Cause Hearing in Massachusetts?

A show cause hearing—also called a Clerk Magistrate hearing—is a pre-charge proceeding that decides whether criminal charges should issue.

Unlike arraignment, this hearing is private and informal. A Clerk Magistrate listens to evidence from the police or a complainant and determines whether probable cause exists. If the magistrate finds no probable cause—or chooses not to issue—the case ends there.

Even if probable cause exists, the clerk can hold the complaint and give you a chance to stay out of trouble. If you succeed, the charges never issue and your record stays clean.

I’ve helped countless clients resolve cases at this stage without charges ever being filed. It’s a critical opportunity—and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.