Arraignment

The arraignment is the first formal court proceeding that a defendant who has been charged with a crime must show up to. For many clients, this is their introduction to the criminal process. At Boyle & Carbone, P.C., we want to be with you and support you at every step from arraignment throughout trial.

Hopefully, the arraignment is not the first time we meet and we’ve had a chance to discuss what will happen at this hearing and how we will move forward. The arraignment is a hearing whereby the court announces the defendant’s formal charges and a plea of not guilty will be entered. The court will then hear bail arguments (if you are incarcerated) and it is our job as your attorneys to make a case for you to be released on personal recognizance or in the alternative, a low ash bail.

At this point, it is crucial that we receive your police report, record and the physical complaint. This way we can work your case and move forward to your next hearing; the pretrial conference. It is important that you speak with us today and have an experienced defense attorney on your side from the start! 

What is a Clerk's Hearing?

If a criminal complaint has been received that an individual has committed a crime but he or she has not been arrested, a criminal summons will be sent, usually via mail. At Boyle & Carbone, P.C, we have helped those who have been targeted as a suspect. It is important to speak with a lawyer prior to the issuance of a complaint because we may be able to have the thrown out before there are formal charges.

At this point, a suspect will receive a citation and will be summoned to court to appear at a Clerk’s Hearing. At this hearing, our experienced defense attorneys will demonstrate to the court or to the hearing officer that probable cause was not present and there is no reason to believe that the person who is the object of this complaint has committed the offense.

This is a very important step in a case and it is often neglected due to a failure of a person to hire an attorney in a timely fashion. If you or anyone you know has received a citation and summons, please call our office as soon as possible. It can prevent actual charges going on your record not to mention time and money. (978) 342-3422. www.bclawma.com.