Magistrate Hearings

Magistrate Hearings: Protect Your Rights with Bisson Law

Magistrate hearings play a crucial role in determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. These hearings are often the first step in the legal process for many criminal cases and can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. During a magistrate hearing, a magistrate judge will review the evidence presented by law enforcement or prosecutors to decide if the charges should move forward or be dismissed.

What Happens During a Magistrate Hearing?

1. Review of Charges: The magistrate judge will examine the charges and review the evidence to determine if probable cause exists to continue with the case. If there is insufficient evidence, the charges may be dropped or reduced.

2. Presentation of Evidence: Both the prosecution and defense have the opportunity to present evidence during the hearing. While it is not a full trial, the hearing sets the tone for how the case will proceed.

3. Possible Outcomes: After reviewing the case, the magistrate may dismiss the charges, reduce the severity of the charges, or allow the case to proceed to a formal trial. In some cases, the magistrate may also determine bail conditions.