If you received a summons, a notice of a clerk's hearing or a court date in Charlton, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sturbridge or Webster, your case will almost certainly be heard at Dudley District Court. For most people it is their first time inside a courthouse, and not knowing what to expect makes a stressful day worse. This guide walks through the practical side of a visit so you can walk in prepared.
Where the court is and when it is open
Dudley District Court is at 279 West Main Street, Dudley, MA 01571. It serves Charlton, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Webster. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Parking at the courthouse is free. If you don't drive, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) runs a weekday shuttle between Southbridge, Dudley and Webster that stops at Dudley District Court, with connections to other WRTA routes in Southbridge and Webster. Check the WRTA website for the current schedule and pick a bus that gets you there well before your hearing.
The same building also houses the Dudley session of the Worcester County Juvenile Court and the Dudley session of the Central Housing Court. Make sure you know which court your paperwork came from, because each has its own clerk's office and schedule.
Before you leave home
- Read your paperwork closely. Note the date, the time, the type of hearing and the docket number if there is one.
- Arrive early. Everyone goes through security screening at the entrance, and lines build up before the morning session starts. Aim to be there at least 30 minutes early.
- Bring identification and your documents. Bring your summons or notice, any paperwork the police gave you, and anything that supports your side, such as receipts, photos or letters.
- Dress as you would for a job interview. Neat and conservative clothing shows the court you take the matter seriously.
- Plan for the whole morning. Many cases are called in the same session, and you may wait a while before your name is called.
Common reasons people go to Dudley District Court
Clerk magistrate hearings
When police or a private person applies for a criminal complaint, many cases start with a hearing in front of a clerk magistrate rather than a judge. The clerk decides whether there is probable cause to issue a complaint. This is often the best opportunity to stop a case before it ever becomes a criminal record, so it is worth preparing for. Read more in our post on clerk magistrate's hearings.
Arraignment
Arraignment is your first appearance in front of a judge on a criminal complaint. The charges are read, a plea of not guilty is entered, and the judge addresses bail or release conditions and whether you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. You will leave with a date for the next event in your case, usually a pretrial conference.
Pretrial conferences, motions and trials
After arraignment, the case moves through pretrial conferences, where the defense and prosecution exchange evidence and discuss resolution. Motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss, are argued at later dates. If the case does not resolve, it is scheduled for trial.
Civil, small claims and restraining order matters
District Court also hears civil lawsuits, small claims cases and requests for harassment and abuse prevention orders. These follow their own procedures and schedules, so check your notice for exactly where and when to appear.
What to do once you are inside
- Find your courtroom. Daily lists are typically posted, and court officers can point you in the right direction.
- Silence your phone and follow the court officers' instructions on electronics.
- Do not discuss your case in the hallways. Witnesses, police officers and the other side may be within earshot.
- Answer when your name is called, stand when you address the judge or clerk, and speak respectfully.
- Do not leave without knowing your next date. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant.
When to talk to a lawyer
The earlier, the better. A lawyer can often do the most good before a clerk magistrate hearing or before arraignment, when there are still chances to keep a complaint from issuing or to shape release conditions. If you have a date coming up at Dudley District Court, call us before you go. Lake Shore Legal is located in Webster, a few minutes from the courthouse, and regularly represents clients there in criminal defense, OUI and civil matters.
This article is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.