When facing criminal charges, even those that might seem minor, the stakes can be incredibly high—especially if you’re a student or have immigration concerns. This month, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is proud to share how quick action and thorough preparation helped us achieve the best possible outcome for a client facing a charge in a Cambridge shoplifting case.
The Situation: A Student's Future at Risk
Our client, an international student, was charged with shoplifting at a Target store in Cambridge after allegedly failing to scan several items at the self-checkout. The Cambridge Police Department had been running a task force specifically watching self-checkout areas, and multiple officers witnessed what they believed was shoplifting.
Even before receiving official notice of his clerk magistrate’s hearing, our client contacted us. He understood that, as someone on a student visa, even a minor criminal charge could have devastating consequences for both his education and his ability to remain in the United States.
Why This Case Mattered So Much
While shoplifting might seem like a minor offense to some, the reality is far different—particularly for students and non-citizens. In today’s legal climate, even having charges issued after a clerk magistrate’s hearing can result in:
- Revocation of student visas
- Disciplinary action from educational institutions
- Complications with future immigration applications
- A permanent criminal record that follows you for years
Our client faced all of these potential consequences, which is why we knew we had to fight aggressively from day one.
Our Strategy: Preparation and Character Evidence
Understanding the high stakes, we immediately began building a comprehensive defense. Before the clerk magistrate’s hearing, we worked closely with our client to gather important documents that painted a full picture of who he is as a person—his academic achievements, community involvement, and future goals.
A clerk magistrate’s hearing is a crucial first step in the Massachusetts criminal process. It’s where a magistrate decides whether there’s probable cause to believe a crime was committed. If they find probable cause, formal charges are issued and the case moves forward. If not, the matter is dismissed completely.
The Hearing: A Complete Victory
At the clerk magistrate’s hearing at Cambridge District Court, we presented a thorough case on our client’s behalf. We demonstrated not only the weakness of the evidence against him but also provided the magistrate with a complete view of our client’s character and circumstances.
The result exceeded even our hopes: the magistrate found no probable cause for the shoplifting charge and dismissed the case entirely.
What This Dismissal Means
This outcome represents the best possible result for our client:
- No criminal record: The case will not appear on any background checks
- Complete privacy: The court records are not public and cannot be accessed by anyone other than the parties involved
- Protected future: Our client can continue his studies without fear of visa revocation or academic discipline
- Clean slate: He can move forward without this incident affecting his immigration status or career prospects
The Importance of Acting Quickly
One key factor in this success was our client’s decision to contact us immediately, even before receiving official notice of the hearing. This allowed us time to:
- Gather crucial character evidence
- Prepare a comprehensive defense strategy
- Present the strongest possible case to the magistrate
When facing any criminal charge, time is critical. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Don't Face Criminal Charges Alone
This case demonstrates that even seemingly minor charges can have life-changing consequences—but also that with proper legal representation, these charges can often be successfully challenged.
If you’re facing shoplifting charges or any other criminal matter, especially if you’re a student or have immigration concerns, don’t wait. Contact our office today. We understand the stakes involved and will work tirelessly to protect your future.
Every case is different, but this victory shows what’s possible when you have dedicated legal advocates fighting for you from the very beginning.
