The Difference Between Criminal Charges in Massachusetts Superior Courts vs. District Courts
Criminal cases in district court begin with an application for a “complaint” that is filed by the police, private individual, or other organization, in the district court clerk’s office. In superior court, cases begin with an indictment (a document listing the charges) that has been returned by a grand jury. The grand jury is a group of citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor. If the grand jury decides there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, they issue an indictment and the individual is then notified of the indictment and must appear in superior court...
Read More