Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Re: Ticket for passing school bus with lights on

If he appears before a judge on this matter, he needs a lawyer. He can either hire one, or if he qualifies one will be appointed.

Re: Ticket for passing school bus with lights on

It is always advisable to be represented by an attorney. It is unclear from your statement of facts as to whether the clerk magistrate conducted a show cause hearing and offered to issue a "continuance without a finding" from which she merely informed your son that he could request a further hearing before the judge if he did not want to accept that disposition, or, whether she merely found probable cause to issue a criminal complaint that must go to trial before a judge, but made a non binding suggestion that he might ask the court to continue the matter without a finding.

He can request the probation department of that court to help him determine which is the case and whether he qualifies for a court appointed attorney. Best of Luck!