Criminal Defense Practice Area
Clerk's Hearings
A Clerk’s Hearing may provide an opportunity to defend yourself before criminal charges are filed. Having an attorney present can help persuade the clerk that a complaint should not issue.
What may matter in your case
- The allegations described in the application or summons
- Documents, messages, video, or witnesses supporting your account
- Whether probable cause exists
- Reasons a criminal complaint should not issue
- How to prepare without making unnecessary statements
- Deadlines and hearing logistics
A focused defense starts early
Let us provide a defense BEFORE charges are filed! Bringing an attorney to a Clerk’s Hearing helps to persuade the clerk that they should not file charges. If we can stop the clerk from allowing the charges to move forward, there’s no need to even walk into a courtroom. Reach out to us if you’ve received a summons for a Clerk’s Hearing so we can help make sure you’re one step ahead. You could walk away from the courthouse that day and never have to come back.
Facing a charge or investigation?
Speak with counsel before answering questions or making decisions that may affect your case. An attorney can help advise on what, if anything, you should say. Let someone from the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan guide you through this complicated process.