Need Legal Help?
Self-Representation information
The office of Harvard Defenders is closed for the Summer of 2024 until September of 2024. We are unable to assist any cases for the Summer of 2024, but we have included below some general information about representing yourself in a show cause hearing and best practices.
You have not yet been charged with a crime. The purpose of the show cause hearing is to see whether there is enough reason to charge you. If the clerk decides there is not enough reason to charge you, the case will not appear on your record. If the clerk decides there is enough reason to charge you, you will appear before a judge. At that appearance, you may be appointed a lawyer if you cannot afford one. It is always recommended to go to court with a lawyer. It is possible for you to request a continuance with the Clerk’s office until mid-September to see if you can obtain representation through Harvard Defenders. However, this does not guarantee representation.
Before the hearing, it is recommended to gather any supporting documents related to your case. At this stage, we cannot tell you what documents to bring. The clerk may also allow you to bring a witness to speak under oath. Even if we cannot represent you, it is recommended to find a lawyer who can represent you or guide you through your case.
It is recommended to arrive at your hearing early so that you have time to check-in. Once you check-in, you may have to wait several hours. If possible, we suggest you dress in business-like attire. When you are called in, the clerk will require that all people speaking be sworn in under oath. The person who brought the charges will speak first. It is important that you do not interrupt, even if the person is not describing things as you remember. After the person has spoken, the clerk may let you ask questions.
During the hearing, you do not have to speak. Anything you say can be used against you at trial if you are formally charged. We cannot tell you whether or not you should speak. If you do decide to speak, you will have a chance to explain what happened. You will not be given much time to speak, so it is important to choose the most important points. If you choose to speak, you may be asked questions afterward. Your answers can be used against you if you are formally charged.
After you have had the opportunity to speak, the clerk will decide what to do. There are three choices:
- First, the clerk may dismiss the complaint. If the clerk dismisses the complaint, nothing will show on your record.
- Second, the clerk may decide there is enough reason to formally charge you. The charge will appear on your record. This does not mean that you are guilty. You may appear in front of a judge. Make sure that the court has the correct address. If you do not show up in front of the judge, there will be an arrest warrant issued for you.
- Third, the clerk may decide to extend the case. This is called a continuance. If the case is continued, then you may have to return to court at a later date. The clerk may also allow the complaint to be dismissed after a certain time period for good behavior. The clerk will tell you what behaviors are prohibited. You should always ask whether you need to return to the court at a later date.
**The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Our Services
Harvard Defenders primarily focuses on two areas of legal assistance:
- Providing free legal representation to low-income individuals accused in criminal show-cause hearings before clerk-magistrates in the district courts.
- Providing free legal representation to low-income individuals eligible for sealing of their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI sealings).
- Providing free referral services to callers who need legal assistance beyond the show-cause level.
- If you and your household are financially eligible for Defenders’ services, you may also be eligible for some public benefit programs. We have created a public benefits site to help you determine which program you may be eligible for.