Author: 2010admin

Alan Tauber on Passage of “Driving Equality” Bill

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634227478548{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”]

City Council passed the “Driving Equality” bill, which  aims to reduce the vast racial disparity in motor vehicle stops by police

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds City Council for passing  the groundbreaking and data-driven ‘Driving Equality’ legislation. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’s bill, which aims to reduce the vast racial disparities in motor vehicle stops by police, is a great first step to building more trust between our police and communities of color. Moreover, it is a bill that will allow law enforcement to divert more resources toward matters that directly impact public safety. 

“The Defender is honored to have had the opportunity to work closely with Councilmember Thomas, and other justice system stakeholders to help shape elements of this bill. We also thank Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Jamie Gauthier, Kendra Brooks, Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Cherrelle Parker, Curtis Jones and Allan Domb for their leadership in advancing such a pivotal piece of legislation.

“We’re hopeful that passage of the ‘Driving Equality’ bill is just the beginning of informed and meaningful conversations about positive changes to our justice system that will benefit all Philadelphians.” 

# # #

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Oct 16: Virtual Expungement Clinic

Posted on by 2010admin

Community members are invited to join the Defender, Christian Stronghold Church and Alpha CDC on Saturday, October 16th for our Criminal Record Expungement Clinic. There will be opportunities for people for virtual one-on-one discussions with Defender attorneys to discuss options for getting their criminal records expunged. 

More details and registration info here

September 30: “Free Our Elders” Press Conference

Posted on by 2010admin

M E D I A   A D V I S O R Y

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2021
 
CONTACT:
George Jackson, Defender Association  |  267.765.6768  |  gjackson@philadefender.org
William Lukas | Abolitionist Law Center | wjlukas@alcenter.org
 

TOMORROW: “FREE OUR ELDERS” PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF SB 835

A new PA Senate Bill offers a chance at freedom to aging and sick people in Pennsylvania’s prisons.

PHILADELPHIA–On September 30, the Defender Association of Philadelphia will stand with representatives from Straight Ahead, the Abolitionist Law Center (ALC), the Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration (CADBI), elected leaders, community allies, and the loved ones of incarcerated people for a press conference in support of SB 835, a PA Senate Bill that offers a chance at freedom for aging and sick people in prisons.
 
The geriatric and medical parole bill, introduced by Senator Sharif Street, would make  any person 55+ years of age who has served 25 years (or half their sentence, whichever comes first) eligible for parole. The bill also provides parole opportunities for people who have a chronic physical or mental illnesses.
 
WHO:
PA Senator Sharif Street; PA Senator Nikil Saval; PA Rep. Rick Krajewski; Marcie Marra, CADBI; Ms. Yvonne Newkirk, CADBI; Marthea Brown, CADBI; and John Thompson, ALC/CADBI
 
WHAT:
“Free Our Elders” Press Conference in Support of SB 835
 
WHEN:
Thursday, September 30, 12:00 p.m.
 
WHERE:
Philadelphia City Hall, Octavius Catto Statue
 
# # #

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides high-quality, client-centered legal representation, connection to social services, and re-entry support to adults and juveniles in Philadelphia. Our organization represents nearly 70 percent of adults and juveniles arrested in the City of Philadelphia.

“Back on Track” Program

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]From September 20th thorough September 24th, attorneys from the Defender Association of Philadelphia and private defense bar will be posted in the lobby of the Juanita Kidd Stout Criminal Justice Center (1301 Filbert St.) to help people with open criminal cases learn their next court date, receive service for their next court date, and/or address certain bench warrants for arrest though an expedited hearing process.

People with open criminal cases who aren’t sure their next court date or are concerned they might have already missed a date are encouraged to connect with defense counsel participating in the First Judicial District’s Back on Track Initiative. People with open criminal cases who aren’t sure their next court date or are concerned they might have already missed a date are encouraged to connect with defense counsel participating in the First Judicial District’s Back on Track Initiative.

This program is not intended for people who might have violated conditions of parole, or supervised release, or who are wanted for arrest outside of Philadelphia County.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1631736910316{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”28035″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_empty_space height=”16″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1631813675508{background-color: #ffffcc !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related News Stories about “Back on Track”

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tJTJGcGx1Z2lucyUyRnBvc3QucGhwJTNGaHJlZiUzRGh0dHBzJTI1M0ElMjUyRiUyNTJGd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbSUyNTJGcGhpbGx5ZGVmZW5kZXJzJTI1MkZwb3N0cyUyNTJGNDE3MTI4NjAwMjk5NzQ3MiUyNnNob3dfdGV4dCUzRHRydWUlMjZ3aWR0aCUzRDUwMCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyNTAwJTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyNDk3JTIyJTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJib3JkZXIlM0Fub25lJTNCb3ZlcmZsb3clM0FoaWRkZW4lMjIlMjBzY3JvbGxpbmclM0QlMjJubyUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRCUyMnRydWUlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwY2xpcGJvYXJkLXdyaXRlJTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTNCJTIwcGljdHVyZS1pbi1waWN0dXJlJTNCJTIwd2ViLXNoYXJlJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

If you are eligible for support from the Back on Track Initiative but aren’t able to come to the Stout Center between Sept. 20-24, call 215-683-7004, 215-683-7005, 215-683-7006, or go to https://www.courts.phila.gov/criminalcalendar/name/ to find your next court date.

You can also find helpful information on the Defender’s Court Status page. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Alan Tauber on Philly Prison Conditions

Posted on by 2010admin

PHILADELPHIA–“The incidents occurring behind our prison walls are tragic and  unacceptable, but unfortunately, not surprising.

“For over a year, the Defender has been outspoken about the need to address conditions in Philly’s prisons. Since last summer, the  population has swelled by 20 percent which has not been matched with needed staff. As a result, health and safety conditions continue to decline for detainees and prison employees alike. We simply must act with more urgency to come up with solutions to alleviate these problems.

“We have proven that the population can be safely and responsibly lowered to below 4,000. The release program we instituted last year led to millions in savings for the city, the closure of a county jail, and the availability of extra correctional officers at the remaining facilities. We need to return to this initiative immediately.”

# # #

Empowering Communities

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Click the links below to learn more about our efforts to partner with community organizations and improve outcomes for justice-involved people.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Social Services” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]

Defenders connect clients to community-based services and supports from the beginning stages of the criminal justice process.

[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/social-services” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Participatory Defense” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]

Participatory defense hubs utilize trained community volunteers to provide insight, perspective, and support to those being charged and their families as they navigate the justice system.

[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/participatorydefense” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Pre-entry Coalition” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]

With our community partners, we have developed a blueprint for a pre-trial system that protects due process, and prioritizes community-based supports over cash bail to create a fair, cost-effective system that improves the safety of our communities.

[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/pre-entry-coalition” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Restorative Response Program” main_heading_color=”#1e73be” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:18px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]

The Restorative Response Program draws on the tenets of Restorative Justice and emphasizes community re-engagement over criminal punishment

[/ultimate_heading][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/rr” button_alignment=”center”]LEARN MORE[/dt_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

For questions or additional information about community partnerships, contact Kavita Goyal: KGoyal@philadefender.org

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Restorative Response Days

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

TAKE PART IN OUR RESTORATIVE RESPONSE DAYS! 

During Restorative Response Days, you can complete your 8 hours within one or two days with one of our trusted community partners!

Scroll the list below or click here to download a printable list of community partners who are looking forward to working with you!

Questions? Email Kavita Goyal: kgoyal@philadefender.org

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/rr” target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center” size=”big”]CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE RESTORATIVE RESPONSE PROGRAM[/dt_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20lMkZkb2N1bWVudCUyRmQlMkZlJTJGMlBBQ1gtMXZTQUlmckVyY2t1dGppel84MEhDbjZtRUR5a3IxZ21sR1BnTXVhN3FabEc3Zm5wcE8xbVFQcE9WU0lLNjluclg5Y0MzWGRsM0tuSmxueUQlMkZwdWIlM0ZlbWJlZGRlZCUzRHRydWUlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjEwMDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIxNDAwJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What to Know if You’re Arrested in Philly

Posted on by 2010admin

What to Know if You’re Arrested in Philly

[You can also download this information here]

CHECK UPDATES ON THE COURT PROCESS CLOSE TO YOUR HEARING DATE

If you have been given a court date, please be in touch with your attorney in advance to find out what is required. Some hearings are happening in person and your appearance is required to avoid a warrant.  Others are happening virtually.  Some scheduled hearings will be rescheduled without the need for you to come to court.  There are significant delays in just about all hearings due to safety measures at the courts. This is a rapidly changing situation, so please look for updates here.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY

Make sure to contact your attorney’s office within 3 days of your release after arrest, and continue to stay in touch throughout your case.  Please touch base with your attorney at least a week prior to every hearing date, and make sure they know how to reach you.  It is important that they have your updated contact information so they can reach you while working on your case and while preparing to defend you in court.  You can also sign up to receive text alerts as reminders for upcoming court dates.

CONTACT THE DEFENDER OFFICE SO WE CAN DEFEND YOU

If you are represented by the Defender Association and you have not been interviewed by Defender staff, you will need an interview before your next hearing to make sure we have all the information we need to defend you.  Please call (267) 807-1157 or visit phillydefenders.org/client-interview to schedule an interview. If you have completed an interview and need to reach us, see the list of contacts below.  Please understand that our staff is working remotely from outside the office due to pandemic restrictions; if you call the office and do not leave a voicemail message, we will not know that you called.  If you need any supportive services at this time, please contact us right away. 

GATHER AND SUBMIT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO HELP YOUR DEFENSE

If you have any information about your case or about you that would be helpful to share with us, please forward it as soon as possible to the contacts given below.  Documents that can help verify employment or letters from employers can be very helpful, as well as documents and photos about your health, school, program certificates, family responsibilities, future prospects, and community work.  If you have any witness information, photos, video, or other useful information about your case, please send to us immediately.

GET COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO HELP NAVIGATE YOUR CASE

There is community support available for you and your family as you navigate your case, whether you are represented by the Defender, a court-appointed attorney, or a private attorney.  Community-led Hubs can help you identify and gather documents and letters that can help with your defense.  Please look for a community support group online meeting at www.phillydefenders.org/participatorydefense/.

Acting Chief Defender Alan Tauber on Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Verdict

Posted on by 2010admin
PHILADELPHIA–“There are numerous lessons to be drawn from the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, not the least of which is the need to enact reforms that greatly reduce unnecessary, often deadly interactions between the police and people of color.
 
“As public defenders that primarily serve Black and Brown communities, we see many of our clients needlessly confronted and detained by police officers for minor offenses that aren’t considered criminal when they occur in white neighborhoods. Further damage is inflicted by a justice system that is too quick to accept the testimony of police officers and repeatedly fails to hold police officers to a higher level of accountability to communities.
 
“Justice can’t be served unless we closely evaluate and rethink the role of police in public safety, and work alongside community members to develop and implement fair and effective justice system practices that ensure equal treatment for every citizen.” 
 
# # #

City Council Resolution Honoring Keir Bradford-Grey

Posted on by 2010admin
The following resolution was introduced in Philadelphia City Council by Councilmember Curtis Jones on April 8, 2021: 

RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring Keir Bradford-Grey for her astounding, impactful and incomparable
service to the City and its citizens as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia
and congratulating her on her new role as Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads
LLP.

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey has devoted 21 years of her life and legal
career to indigent defense by her diligent and compassionate efforts to secure just and fair
outcomes for people involved with the criminal legal system; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey began her distinguished career in indigent defense at
the Defender Association of Philadelphia in 1999, following her graduation from Ohio Northern
University—Claude W. Pettit College of Law; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey continued her career in indigent legal defense in
2008 at the Delaware Federal Public Defender’s office, before returning to Pennsylvania in 2012
to serve as the first African American and second woman Chief Defender in Montgomery
County; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey returned to the Defender Association of
Philadelphia in 2015 when she was selected to lead the office as Chief Defender – the first
African American woman to serve in the role; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has worked tirelessly in her role to improve the
quality of justice for all Philadelphians by bringing a client-centered indigent defense model to
the city; establishing and building meaningful partnerships with the community, empowering
individuals, families and neighborhoods to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves
at every justice system decision point; and bringing her “Know Your Systems” training and
education program to community centers and barber shops throughout the city; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey introduced Participatory Defense, a dynamic
community-organized criminal justice reform model to Pennsylvania, and facilitated the
establishment of eight Participatory Defense Hubs, including the nation’s first Youth Hub,
throughout the city of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has been at the forefront of police accountability
and transparency, establishing and assigning dedicated staff and resources for the Police
Accountability Unit at the Defender Association of Philadelphia and serving as an invaluable
resource on the Task Force on Police Reform; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey’s passionate commitment to racial equity led her to
envision and launch a reasonable alternative to the cash bail system that ends wealth-based
detention while also improving clients’ case and life outcomes. Her vision, the Pre-Entry
Partnership, is a first in the nation network of community-based social service organizations that
provide arrested people with support they need to address the root causes of behaviors that lead
to justice system involvement; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey, her leadership team, the staff she oversees and the
Pre-Entry Partnership were steadfast and vigorous in their leadership throughout the COVID-19
crisis, overseeing an effort to safely secure release for over 1,200 Philadelphians incarcerated in
the Spring of 2020; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has been a national and statewide leader in criminal
justice reform serving as President of the American Council of Chief Defenders and on the
Governor’s Task Force to eliminate racial disparities in the system; and

WHEREAS, Chief Defender Bradford-Grey has served as an incomparable resource for City
Council, as Co-Chair of the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, and as champion for
the communities she serves; and

WHEREAS, Chief Bradford-Grey will step down from her position as Chief Defender of the
Defender Association of Philadelphia on April 15, 2021, to begin a new legal path as a Partner at
the Center City law firm, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP, where she will
continue her commitment to criminal justice reform by bridging more private-public
partnerships; Now, therefore, be it,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby
recognizes and honors Keir Bradford-Grey for her astounding, impactful and incomparable service
to the City as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and congratulate her
on becoming a Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads’ law firm, and wishes her
the very best and continued success in her legal career and all future endeavors.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Keir
Bradford-Grey as evidence of the sincere respect, admiration and appreciation of this legislative
body.


Introduced By:
Curtis Jones, Jr.
Councilmember – 4th District
April 8, 2021 

Follow us: @PhillyDefenders