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Written By: William J. Manchinton, JR
Published: 01/29/2025
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In a recent victory at the Brighton Division of the Boston Municipal Court, The Law Office of Matthew Peterson successfully prevented the issuance of a Boston criminal complaint against our client, a first-year college student, demonstrating the vital importance of presenting a complete picture of a defendant’s character and contributions to society.
Our client, a distinguished international student attending a prestigious Boston-area university, faced potential charges stemming from a single lapse in judgment during a football game early in their freshman year. Rather than focusing solely on the incident itself, our defense strategy centered on painting a comprehensive portrait of our client’s character, achievements, and dedication to community service.
We meticulously presented evidence of our client’s exemplary background, including their participation in the rigorous International Baccalaureate program and Model United Nations competitions at Georgetown University. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson emphasized their extensive history of community service, from working with homeless populations to supporting elderly patients and children with cancer in their home community.
Crucially, our Boston Clerk Magistrate Attorney demonstrated that our client had already taken full responsibility for their actions through their school’s disciplinary process and continued their commitment to community service even after the incident. Their ongoing involvement with local charitable organizations in Boston, including regular volunteer work at a prominent homeless services center, spoke volumes about their character.
The hearing highlighted several key factors that ultimately swayed the Clerk-Magistrate:
This case underscores the importance of comprehensive advocacy at Clerk-Magistrate hearings. By presenting a complete picture of our client’s character and contributions to society, The Law Office of Matthew Peterson successfully argued that the issuance of a criminal complaint would create unnecessary obstacles for a promising young student who had already demonstrated accountability and a commitment to making amends.
This victory reinforces a crucial lesson for defense attorneys: at Clerk Magistrate hearings, the story of who your client is can be just as important as the facts of the incident itself. When handled properly, these hearings provide an invaluable opportunity to prevent the issuance of criminal complaints and protect clients’ futures.
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