Criminal Complaints & Domestic Violence
Scroll down to articles and other content in this section below.
9 Results
Criminal complaints: starting a case in criminal court
Some people want the criminal court involved when they have been abused. There are many reasons why someone might want to file criminal charges against the person who abused them. But there are also reasons why someone might not want the...
Who’s who in the criminal process: information for victims of crime
A lot of different people work in the criminal courthouse in Massachusetts. It can be hard to know what each person does. It is fine to ask court staff, "Who are you? What do you do here?"
Clerk Magistrate Hearings
A hearing takes place when you or the police file a criminal complaint against someone. This hearing is called a “Clerk Magistrate Hearing” or sometimes a “Clerk’s Hearing” or “Show Cause Hearing.” The hearing is to decide whether or not...
What happens at the arraignment?
An arraignment is a court hearing. It is where the criminal court formally charges the person who abused you with the crime.
What happens at the pre-trial conference in a criminal case?
A pre-trial conference is usually the next court date after the arraignment. The judge wants to know whether the case can settle or whether it will go to trial. There are often more than one pre-trial conferences in a criminal case.
What happens at a criminal trial?
The trial is the last part of a criminal case. Anyone charged with a crime has a right to have a trial to decide if they are innocent or guilty. The trial can be decided by a jury (“jury trial”) or judge (“bench trial”). This article has...
Domestic violence and how to get help
Learn what domestic violence is under Massachusetts law and how to get help.
What is a certified Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program?
Learn more about IPAEPs and whether they might be a good option for you or your partner.
Working with the police
It is up to you if you want help from the police. You do not have to call the police or report what happened to you. But sometimes the police get involved even if you don’t call them. Other people, like neighbors, may call the police.