Harvard Defenders is the only legal service organization in Massachusetts that represents low-income defendants for free in criminal show-cause hearings. Each year, we represent clients accused of a wide variety of crimes, including assault and battery, larceny, shoplifting, assault with a dangerous weapon, criminal harassment, and identity fraud. In addition, for those with legal issues not related to show-cause hearings, Defenders’ full-time telephone referral service helps callers understand their legal needs and directs them to other legal service agencies.