Six women who said they were raped could be cross-examined during trial by a defendant who allegedly assaulted them.

The decision came in the courtroom Friday of Cook County Circuit Judge Dennis Porter. Last fall the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office filed charges against two brothers, Leondo and L.B. Joseph, in a series of six rapes.

Friday's hearing was at the request of both brothers who said they wanted to exercise their right to dismiss their public defenders and serve as their own counsel.

L.B. Joseph, who said he had wanted to study law but did not finish college, reversed his decision and said he would remain with his court-appointed Public Defender.

But Leondo Joseph said he wanted to act as his own lawyer, saying he had “freely and voluntarily” made his decision, Judge Porter granted the request.

Leondo Joseph is charged with 216 counts of criminal sexual assault in 6 cases. L.B. Joseph: 93 counts in 2 cases. L.B. Joseph called the charges “completely false.”

Both brothers had entered pleas of not guilty.

Sarah Layden of Rape Victim Advocates who was in court said while the judge was legally bound to allow Leondo Joseph to represent himself, for victims he will potentially get to cross-examine at trial, it will be devastating.

“I can’t even imagine how much more intimidating or scary that is for a survivor that is probably already so fearful,” Layden said. “For survivors just talking about the assault is like reliving it.”

Layden added the number of rape instances being alleged in this case is uncommonly high.

As the Joseph brothers were making their final decisions, Judge Porter warned if they are found guilty on all counts, Leondo Joseph could be sentenced to a maximum 787 years in prison and L.B. Joseph a maximum of 290 years in prison.