Yes. You can represent yourself in a Massachusetts criminal offense. You can also pull out an aching tooth with a wrench. But you should not do either of these things yourself.

An attorney by definition will have a much deeper understanding of the law than the layman, and this can mean knowing if you have been arrested without proper cause or if your rights were violated in some way. Even if there is any truth to your charges, you need an attorney by your side who can argue for the lightest sentence possible.

You have everything to lose by choosing to represent yourself. Your freedom and peace of mind are invaluable, so speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney if you have been arrested for any reason.