Are You Eligible for Our Services?

Harvard Defenders only represents low-income clients in criminal show-cause hearings before clerk-magistrates. To determine if you qualify for our services, answer the questions below, or contact us directly.

Is your case criminal or civil?

Harvard Defenders only takes criminal cases. If you are not sure whether your case is civil or criminal, please call us.

Have you been arrested on charges?

Once a defendant is arrested they will be charged with a crime and will be past the show-cause level. Harvard Defenders does not represent any clients who have already been arrested and charged with an offense.

What is your income level?

Harvard Defenders only represents low-income clients. If you are not sure whether you qualify, please call us.

In which court is your case being heard?

We predominantly handle cases in the following courts: Boston Municipal, Boston Juvenile, Brighton, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Dedham, Dorchester, East Boston, Lynn, Malden, Newton, Quincy, Roxbury, Somerville, South Boston, and West Roxbury. If you have a hearing in a court not listed here, please call us to find out whether we can handle your case.

What is the date of your court hearing?

Harvard Defenders will need fourteen (14) days notice to represent you at your hearing. If your hearing is less than 14 days away, we can either try to get the hearing postponed or tell you what to expect at the hearing.

Do you already have a lawyer?

Harvard Defenders is only able to represent clients who do not have access to their own lawyer.