How We Prevented a Shoplifting Charge from Derailing a Client’s Future in a Magistrate’s Hearing in Cambridge District Court

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 05/20/2024

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Magistrate's Hearing For Shoplifting Charge in Cambridge District Court

Life can change in an instant. A single mistake—even one that seems minor—can have far-reaching consequences, especially for those who aren’t U.S. citizens. This is the story of how our team at the Law Office of Matthew Peterson helped a client avoid a shoplifting charge that could have dramatically altered their life path.

The Situation

In May 2025, a highly educated professional found herself in an unexpected legal predicament after not scanning all items at a self-checkout kiosk at a Target store in Cambridge. Store security noticed the discrepancy on camera, and police were contacted. Our client was issued a no-trespass order for the store and received a summons for a clerk magistrate’s hearing at Cambridge District Court.

What might seem like a minor offense to many—one that typically results in only a fine—carried potentially devastating consequences for our client due to her immigration status.

Understanding the Stakes

For non-citizens, shoplifting charges can trigger serious immigration issues, including:

Potential termination of student visas
Findings of “lack of good moral character” in immigration proceedings
Possible treatment as a larceny charge, which can carry jail time

Recognizing these high stakes, our client promptly contacted the Law Office of Matthew Peterson after receiving her summons.

The Massachusetts Clerk Magistrate's Hearing: A Unique Opportunity

Many people don’t realize that Massachusetts offers a special legal process called a clerk magistrate’s hearing. This unique procedure gives people charged with minor offenses a chance to avoid criminal charges entirely.

If you win at this hearing, no charges appear on your record, and the entire proceeding remains private. It’s essentially a second chance—an opportunity to prevent a momentary lapse in judgment from becoming a permanent stain on your record.

Our Approach

After our client retained Attorney Matthew Peterson, we took several important steps:

Understanding the whole person: We met with our client multiple times to learn about her background, achievements, and character.
Gathering supporting documentation: We collected materials that showcased her positive contributions, academic excellence, and good moral character.
Developing a strategic presentation: We prepared a compelling case for why criminal charges would be disproportionate to the offense and would cause severe collateral consequences.

At the hearing, Attorney Peterson presented our client’s impressive background in a rich and compelling way. We explained how the nature of the offense did not merit punishment that could derail her immigration status, career, and future.

The Outcome

The magistrate was persuaded by Attorney Peterson’s presentation and decided to continue the case for one year. This means that after the one-year period, the charges will be dismissed without any record whatsoever.

This outcome represents the best-case scenario for clerk magistrate’s hearings—no criminal record and no immigration consequences. Our client can now return to her job and continue building her bright future without the worry of a criminal record hindering her ability to support herself and her family or jeopardizing her immigration status.

What This Means For You

This case highlights the critical importance of having experienced legal representation for even seemingly minor offenses, especially for non-citizens.

A clerk magistrate’s hearing offers a valuable opportunity, but making the most of it requires knowledge of the process and skilled advocacy. Without proper representation, many people miss this chance to keep their record clean.

At the Law Office of Matthew Peterson, we have extensive experience with clerk magistrate’s hearings throughout Massachusetts. We understand how to present your case in the most favorable light and how to craft arguments that resonate with magistrates.

The Takeaway

Legal problems can feel overwhelming, especially when they threaten your future in this country. But with the right guidance, many situations have solutions that protect both your record and your dreams.

If you’re facing a clerk magistrate’s hearing in Massachusetts, remember that this unique process offers a second chance—but only if you know how to navigate it effectively. With experienced legal counsel by your side, you can approach these hearings with confidence rather than fear.

The Law Office of Matthew Peterson is committed to helping people through difficult legal situations with clarity, compassion, and skill. We understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to help you find your path forward.