[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On April 12, Defender Attorneys and staff shared images of themselves at work as a part of a social media day of action to bring more funding to the Defender Association. Here’s a quick video compilation of the images and messages from our #FundPhillyDefenders campaign.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Category: Client Support and Services
Defender Files Amicus Brief: Scott v. PA Board of Probation & Parole
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The Defender Association of Philadelphia has filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiff in Scott v. PA Board of Probation and Parole. The lawsuit, filed in July 2020 by the Abolitionist Law Center, Amistad Law Project, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, is the first case of its kind in the country. It argues that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for those who did not kill or intend to kill do not serve any legitimate governmental interest and are illegally cruel under the Pennsylvania Constitution.
The suit was brought by six people serving mandatory life without parole (LWOP). The six individuals are serving LWOP and are denied the possibility for parole due to their convictions for felony murder, even though they themselves did not kill anyone or intend to kill anyone.
The felony murder rule, which exists in forty-four states, holds a person liable for murder if the person participates in a felony that leads to a death, even if the person plays no direct role in the death or does not intend or anticipate it. In Pennsylvania, people found guilty are automatically sentenced to life, and a separate provision of state law prohibits parole eligibility for anyone serving life.
The Defender Association’s amicus brief highlights how paroled juvenile lifers, released after the U.S. Supreme Court decisions held their incarcerations to be unconstitutional, are positively contributing to the community. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will now decide if the lawsuit may proceed.
Read the Defender’s Amicus Brief here.
Additional Info:
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to sentence youth to mandatory life without parole, 541 individuals serving juvenile LWOP became entitled to a new sentencing hearing, with Philadelphia having the largest group of children (325) serving mandatory LWOP. The Defender devised a three-year plan, worked side by side with court administration, City Council, the DA’s Office, and numerous legal organizations and private firms across the region. The Defender represented 75 percent of Philadelphia’s cases and trained and supported pro bono counsel to handle the remaining 25 percent. Across the Commonwealth to date, 469 former children sentenced to LWOP have been resentenced and 248 released.
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Oct 16: Virtual Expungement Clinic
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.
Restorative Response Program
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During our special Community Engagement Week, you can complete your 8 hours within one or two days with one of our trusted community partners! Click here for more info.
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What is the Restorative Response Program?
Following the deaths of George Floyd and Walter Wallace, Philadelphia saw both widespread protest and significant civil unrest. The Restorative Response Program was established to create an alternative path to resolve approximately 700 of the arrests which occurred during this period. This program draws on the tenets of Restorative Justice and emphasizes community re-engagement over criminal punishment.[/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=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Who Is Eligible?
Most people arrested in connection to the civil unrest which took place between 5/31-6/12 and 10/27-11/1 are eligible if they are accused of non-violent offenses. Eligible Defender Association clients will be contacted by mail and by phone.
If you believe you or a loved one is eligible, but have not heard from an attorney please email restorativejustice@philadefender.org or call 267-765-5045 and leave a message with:
- your name
- date of birth
- address
- phone number
- email address
An attorney will contact you promptly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1616424856204{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column_text]
What Is the Process?
Step 1: Participants MUST COMPLETE a two-hour Educational Session to begin the program.
Step 2: Participants MUST SIGN the Restorative Response Program Acceptance Form found here. Forms can be returned by mail, email, or to the Defender drop box (located at 1441 Sansom Street, open M-F 9:00 am – 4:00 pm).
Step 3: Once you have completed the 2-hour education session listed in Step 1, please choose a community re-engagement opportunity to complete 8-hours of programs. Participants MUST COMPLETE 8 additional hours of programming through one of the Community Re-engagement Opportunities listed below or through an approved outside organization.
Here is a timesheet for participants to use for tracking completed session hours.
Step 4: The Defender Association will provide the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office with proof of completion. At the next court date (which will be held remotely and attended by attorneys only unless COVID protocols change), all charges will be dismissed and the case will be withdrawn.
Step 5: The Defender Association will ask the court to expunge the case from the participant’s record free of charge. Fill out the Expungement Interview request form here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What Will It Cost?
Participants who successfully complete the program will have all their court fines and costs waived. Determinations about restitution have not yet been in the majority of cases. It is possible the Commonwealth will request restitution from some individuals. An attorney from the Defender will reach out to you to address any restitution issues if they arise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1616426598707{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[ps2id id=’education-session’ target=”/] Step 1: Educational Session Sign Up
All Participants MUST COMPLETE a 2-hour educational session (either virtual OR in-person) before moving forward in the program. Sign up for any one of the sessions below.
If you have already completed the 2-hour educational session with Rev Donna Jones, Tara, and Kavita, skip this and please go down to the next step (Community Re-engagement Opportunities)[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Restorative Response Program Virtual Education Sessions:
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”20″ disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-session-august-12-tickets-161714647865″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Thursday, August 12 – 2 to 4 p.m.[/dt_button][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-session-august-19-tickets-161715259695″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Thursday, August 19 – 6 to 8 p.m.[/dt_button][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1621973105132{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In-person Sessions:
Saturday May 22, 10am – 12pm (West Philly):
Malcolm X Park, 51st & Pine Streets
[/vc_column_text][dt_button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restorative-response-education-west-philly-may-22-tickets-150262494165″ target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]Register Here[/dt_button][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[ps2id id=’community-opportunity’ target=”/] Step 3: Community Re-engagement Opportunities
Once you have completed the 2-hour education session listed in Step 1, please choose a community re-engagement opportunity to complete 8-hours of programs.
Click on the category name to see a list of organizations and opportunities. You can also download a printable directory of organizations and re-engagement opportunities here.
As you complete your community re-engagement activities, track your hours using this timesheet. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_tta_tour shape=”square” color=”blue” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_type=”typicons” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-group-outline” add_icon=”true” title=”Restorative Justice Training & Circles” tab_id=”1616788284712-65b3c6a7-e87b”][vc_column_text]MCCP Restorative Cities Initiative – Restorative Justice Training & Circles (6 hours) + 2 Circles (2 hours) = 8 hours total
Location: In-person, at various locations around the city
Contact:
Terry King
609-923-5419
info@mccpphilly.org
Time: Trainings are held 9 AM – 4 PM (6 hour day with 1-hour lunch break)
Once you have completed this training, you will sign up for 2 additional hours of Restorative Justice circles to complete your requirements for your case.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-child” add_icon=”true” title=”Parenting Support/Classes” tab_id=”1616788284782-3e2ded19-af19″][vc_column_text]Dear Black Fathers – Support Group for Fathers
Location: Virtual
Contact: Mabari Byrd, dearblackfathers@gmail.com
Dear Black Fathers – Math group for parents supporting children in grades K-8
Location: Virtual
Contact: Mabari Byrd, dearblackfathers@gmail.com
IDAAY – Young Fathers United parenting program (with stipend)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Maternity Care Coalition – Parenting class for parents with children under 5
Location: Virtual
Contact: Marci Mathew, mmathew@maternitycarecoalition.org, 267-773-5119
.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-users” add_icon=”true” title=”Mentoring/Peer Support Groups” tab_id=”1616788630245-5b6f4668-09b3″][vc_column_text]Broad Street Ministry – Peer Support Group
Location: 315 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Michael McKee, michael@broadstreetministry.org, 215-735-4847 ext 116
Institute for Community Justice @ Phila Fight – Peer Support through Mannup program
Location: 1207 Chestnut St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Mike Butler, mbutler@fight.org
Frontline Dads – Mentoring
Location: 410 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Reuben Jones, frontlinedads@aol.com
Mothers In Charge – Mentoring Program
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
New Leash on Life – Life Skills/Career Readiness/Restorative Justice workshop (6 hours) + access to Community Free Pet Food Pantry
Location: 4326 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA. 19124
Time: Mondays 9am-3pm, June 21-September 21
Pet food Pantry: every 3rd Monday of each month 10am-11am.
Contact: rob@newleashonlife-usa.org and jenna@newleashonlife-usa.org or sign up here: https://www.newleashonlife-usa.org/ under the “GET INVOLVED” section.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-handshake-o” add_icon=”true” title=”Employment & Education Support” tab_id=”1617371705939-3b9e0525-69ad”][vc_column_text]Impact Services – employment support, including work readiness workshops, job referrals, vocational training (such as automotive, construction, and HVAC), connection with benefits, and access to other resources
Location: Could be virtual or in-person in Kensington, based on specific interests
Contact: Pending (Please check back)
Impact Services – training in real estate development and creation of generational wealth
Location: Kensington area
Contact: Jon Arrieta, jarrieta@impactservices.org
Impact Services Launch Code program – computer coding apprenticeship for adults – Starts in June
Location: Pending
Contact: Pending (Please check back)
E3 (Employment, Empowerment, and Education) – Professional Boot Camp, including resume workshop, job application/job referral support, and possible professional certifications
Location: Virtual
Contact: Jamier Jones, jamier.jones@temple.edu
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-life-ring” add_icon=”true” title=”Trauma Support” tab_id=”1616788769270-7d99a731-bb17″][vc_column_text]Sankofa Healing Studio – Trauma specific group therapy
Location: virtual
Contact: Jacqui Johnson, therapy@SankofaHealingStudio.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-apple” add_icon=”true” title=”Food/Clothing Distribution” tab_id=”1616789147380-419bebef-4739″][vc_column_text]Chosen 300 – Food distribution
Location: 3959 Lancaster Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 OR 1116 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123
Time: see link here
Contact: Brian Jenkins, brianjenkins@chosen300.org
Hope 4 Every Living Person – Food distribution
Location: Victory Outreach Church 735 Westmoreland St. PA 19134
Time: Wed 11am-4pm
Contact: Contact: Pastor Joseph Bishop, pastorjoseph@hope4everylivingperson.org, 267-339-4190
IDAAY – Food distribution (must be able to lift 30 lbs)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Time: Sat 9am-3pm
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Philadelphia Auto & Parole – Food distribution
Location: Southwest Philly, 19143
Contact: Jermaine Womack, phillysautoandparole@yahoo.com, 267-255-8834
Frontline Dads – Food distribution
Location: 410 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact: Reuben Jones, frontlinedads@aol.com
Mothers In Charge – Food distribution
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
Bible Way Baptist – Food/clothing distribution
Location: 1323 North 52nd Street, 19131
Contact: Rev. Dr. Damone Jones and Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, poimen77@aol.com, djones@mccpphilly.org
Why Not Prosper – food distribution
Location: 717 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Time: Monday and Tuesday
Contact: Rev. Michelle Simmons, whynotprosper@aol.com, 610-716-1113
Broad Street Ministry – Food, clothing, and hygiene kit distribution
Location: 315 S Broad Street, Phila PA 19107
Time: Mon-Fri, 1030-2pm
Contact: Sign-up at https://broadstreetministry.volunteerhub.com/events/index#_=_
Or Contact Michael@broadstreetministry.org, 215-735-4847 ext 116[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-recycle” add_icon=”true” title=”Community Clean-up” tab_id=”1616789439759-f2456468-4c02″][vc_column_text]Impact Services – Community Clean Up
Location: Kensington Area
Time: every other Saturday in April/May
Contact: Jon Arrieta, jarrieta@impactservices.org
First Stop Recovery – yard clean up
Location: 2414 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: Frank Aikens, frankaikens7@gmail.com, 267-600-7305
Institute for Community Justice @ Phila Fight – community restoration with Mannup program
Location: 1207 Chestnut St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: Mike Butler, mbutler@fight.org
Bible Way Baptist – church custodial work
Location: 1323 North 52nd Street, 19131
Contact: Rev. Dr. Damone Jones and Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, poimen77@aol.com, djones@mccpphilly.org
Why Not Prosper – community clean up and restoration
Location: 717 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Contact: Rev. Michelle Simmons, whynotprosper@aol.com, 610-716-1113
Village of Arts and Humanities – neighborhood beautification
Location: 2544 Germantown Avenue, 19133 (Germantown and Lehigh areas)
Time: two 4-hour shifts
Contact: Michaela Pommells, Michaela@villagearts.org
Village of Arts and Humanities – Farm area cleanup and planting
Location: 2544 Germantown Avenue, 19133 (Germantown and Lehigh areas)
Time: two 4-hour shifts
Contact: Michaela Pommells, Michaela@villagearts.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-building-o” add_icon=”true” title=”Office Assistance for Nonprofits” tab_id=”1616789723674-d48939fe-7f44″][vc_column_text]People’s Paper Coop – 2021 Mama’s Day Bailout – Help organize, sort, pack, ship, and scan artwork, or help fold and cut handmade paper made from criminal records
Location: 19143
Time: two 4-hour shifts or one 8-hour shift
Contact: Courtney Bowles, courtney@villagearts.org
Hope 4 Every Living Person – Packing door hangers
Location: Victory Outreach Church 735 Westmoreland St. PA 19134
Time: Thursdays
Contact: Pastor Joseph Bishop, pastorjoseph@hope4everylivingperson.org, 267-339-4190
PAR Recycle Works – Sorting, deconstructing, loading and unloading recyclables
Location: 2024 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Contact: Maurice Jones, mqjones@par-recycleworks.org, 267-335-5455
IDAAY – distribute health department flyers (requires walking long distances)
Location: 2305 North Broad St. 19132
Time: Sat 9am-3pm
Contact: Archye Leacock, aleacock@idaay.org, 215-901-6976
Philadelphia Unemployment Project – Call center services for unemployed individuals
Location: Virtual
Contact: Andrew Lee, alee@philaup.org
Valley Youth House – packing bags
Location: 1500 Sansom St.
Contact: Alyssa Weinfurtner, aweinfurtner@valleyyouthhouse.org
Mothers In Charge – clerical services
Location: 2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor, 19130
Contact: Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, momsforpeace@aol.com
PA Prison Society – learning about PPS’s work and responding to letters from incarcerated individuals
Location: 230 S Broad St #605, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Contact: Kristin Cornnell, kcornnell@prisonsociety.org
Philadelphia Citywide Coalition Project (PCCP) – Pop-Up Community Resource Centers – assist citizens at resource tables and through door-to-door information sharing about unemployment, voter registration, property sales, business planning, and other resources. (NOTE: There is a required 2-hour volunteer training that counts toward your total community engagement hours.)
Location: Various (Nicetown/Tioga, North Philly, Susquehanna, Fairhill, Allegheny West, West Philadelphia, Point Breeze, Port Richmond, Overbrook, Strawberry Mansion, Poplar, Logan)
Time: Begins June 1st, Various Shifts (8 AM-12 PM, 2 PM-4 PM, 4 PM-8 PM, 8 PM-12 AM)
Contact: info_pccp@aol.com or 215-839-6130 with your name, message, and email address[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-directions_run” add_icon=”true” title=”Assisting Youth Sports” tab_id=”1616789944660-a9c5f89a-14d9″][vc_column_text]Rebuilding a Village Foundation – coaching girls’ basketball (requires PA child abuse clearance)
Location: Shepard Recreation Center, 5700 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Contact: Mustafa Clement, eclmnt@yahoo.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tour][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Probation Termination
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The Defender offers probation termination services for clients:
To be eligible, clients MUST BE COMPLIANT with their probation conditions, including:
- Regularly reporting to their probation officer,
- Attending any recommended treatment,
- paying fines and cost (if they are able)
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR PROBATION TERMINATION
- Fill out the questionnaire below to the best of your ability. If you’re unsure how to answer a question, leave it blank. Your Police Photo Number (PP) & Name & Telephone Number of your Probation Officer are REQUIRED.
- Please discuss probation termination with your Probation Officer. We will reach out to them for a recommendation for your early termination.
- Early Termination of Probation Petitions takes time to be researched, drafted, and to be filed with your Judge. PLEASE GIVE US 4 to 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU BEGIN CALLING US.
- If you had a Private Attorney (Petitioner can file the petition themselves at CJC, 13th & Filbert Street,2nd Floor at the Motion’s desk (For A Fee) or have Private Attorney file on your behalf. If you can no longer afford a Private Attorney, you must see your judge to have the Defender Association appointed.
- If you had a Court Appointed Attorney we must research your case for potential conflicts. Our office will call if we are NOT able to submit a petition for you.
- PLEASE LIMIT CALLS TO THE DEFENDER during the process. Petitions can take up to 6 or more months to be determined. Our office will only call you if we have any further questions to ask about your termination and/or with the Judge’s decision and/or Court Date regarding your pending Petition.
- Please fax copies of Certificate of Completed Program/s, Letter of Recommendations, Awards, etc. to Mrs. Rivera at: 267-765-6976
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[/vc_column][/vc_row]Case & Court Status
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Look Up Your Case | Courtroom & Attorney Info | Additional Resources & Info
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Click here to download this flyer for information and guidance on how to navigate the system if you have an open case.
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[ps2id id=’lookupcase’ target=”/]Look Up Your Case
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If you have an open case, please find public docket information at: https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/CaseSearch
Then, use the spreadsheet below to locate your scheduled courtroom and attorney contact information.
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[ps2id id=’courtinfo’ target=”/]Courtroom and Attorney Info
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Use the table below to see the latest information on how each courtroom is handling hearings.
If you or a loved one have a court date for any of the listed courtrooms, please reach out directly to the attorney assigned to your case. If you have not been assigned a specific attorney name or are unsure, please contact the department heads listed below, and they can assist you with the specific details of your case.
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjIxMDAwJTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyMTY1MCUyMiUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZG9jcy5nb29nbGUuY29tJTJGc3ByZWFkc2hlZXRzJTJGZCUyRmUlMkYyUEFDWC0xdlNzc0c5UlVCQU9BQ2JHb3hwNl9mMFFqeFNOMEpDRWNDQlZTeE9zX01jSWxrMjZuTXg1X19aaHMzV1dQemRwRHh1eC1Bc3ludkZkWVZHUyUyRnB1Ymh0bWwlM0Z3aWRnZXQlM0R0cnVlJTI2YW1wJTNCaGVhZGVycyUzRGZhbHNlJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1607520993258{background-color: #dae2f2 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[ps2id id=’moreinfo’ target=”/]More Info and Resources
Click the buttons below for additional information to help prepare for your case
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” gap=”10″][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1629822931066{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][dt_button link=”https://www.phillydefenders.org/client-interview/” button_alignment=”center”]SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH A DEFENDER[/dt_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1629822957341{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][dt_button link=”https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTmrOw7OOGE1krlfBSNfZKshvPhzlZYTe9GdeBLA3lJ10WJIUdP5A6u8mFv49SkTHBbSLlifa02lUbl/pub” button_alignment=”center”]FIND A PARTICIPATORY DEFENSE HUB NEAR YOU[/dt_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1629822980856{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/expungement” button_alignment=”center”]EXPUNGEMENT REQUESTS[/dt_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”10″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1629822996777{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/probation-termination” target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]PROBATION TERMINATION REQUEST[/dt_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1629823013780{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;}”][dt_button link=”https://phillydefenders.org/kys” target_blank=”true” button_alignment=”center”]KNOW YOUR JUSTICE SYSTEM[/dt_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1607529625825{background-color: #0367bf !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Status of the Philly Courts
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Appearance at Hearings:
On your docket sheet, you can locate the date and courtroom for your next hearing. Please note that depending on court restrictions that are constantly changing, some hearings have been happening in person, some virtually online, and some have been rescheduled without an update on the docket sheet.
Please be in touch with the Defender as shown below or call the courts in advance if you are unsure what you should do. If you do not appear for a hearing when required, the judge may issue a “bench warrant” for your arrest. Additional notes and Defender contact information can be found in the table below.
Public Access:
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, courts have been mostly to the public and having hearings “by appointment only.” At this time, there is still very limited remote access for family members and supporters to attend court events online.
For the majority of scheduled events, there is no way for the public to gain access, either in person or remotely. Please request access for family, friends, and supporters through your defense attorney 72 hours in advance.
Please remember that the judges, not our attorneys, decide which family/friends can attend the hearings. If the judge allows supporters to attend in person, they may have to view the hearing on TV in a different courtroom.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607452374601{background-color: #0367bf !important;}”]
Types of Hearings
[/vc_column_text][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Bail Hearings” main_heading_color=”#2237d6″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:30px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]If your loved one was recently arrested, they will have a Preliminary Arraignment, or Bail Hearing, in the first 24 hours. Please note the following:
- Your loved one is at the police district and appears through CCTV for the bail hearing. There is no public access to the bail hearing.
- If you have any information that could help, please call the court at 215-683-7283 and ask to speak to the Public Defender there.
- Please give the Defender any information about employment, school, health, family life, or other responsibilities that would help us make a strong case for release from custody.
[/ultimate_heading][ultimate_heading main_heading=”MC Hearings” main_heading_color=”#2237d6″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:30px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]If your docket number starts with “MC” please note the following:
- Courts are now scheduling MC trials.
- Due to pandemic-related challenges and jail policies, people in custody may experience delays in hearings and trials.
- If you have been assigned a public defender by the court, click here to schedule an interview with our office so that we have the information we need to defend you.
- MC Preliminary Hearings are generally taking place in person. Please make sure you have scheduled an interview (link) well in advance of your Preliminary Hearing so that we are prepared for the hearing. Please discuss your case and whether it will be in person or virtual with our office prior to the scheduled date. Please make sure we have up-to-date contact information for you. There are very long delays in scheduling Preliminary Hearings because of strict limits on how many hearings can be safely held each day, and the priority is for people who are in custody.
- Family members and support people who also want to attend scheduled hearings can request access to the hearing through the defendant’s attorney, at least 24 hours in advance, and a judge will decide whether family/friends can attend the hearings.
[/ultimate_heading][ultimate_heading main_heading=”CP Hearings” main_heading_color=”#2237d6″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:30px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px;” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”]If your docket number starts with “CP” please note the following:
- CP hearings and trials are prioritized for those who are in custody. However, there may be delays due to pandemic-related challenges or jail policy.
- The courts are now open for jury and non-jury trials. Contact your attorney now to make sure you’re ready for trial.
- While the pandemic has created some uncertainty, jury trials for those out of custody will most likely take place in 2022. Please make sure your attorney can reach you in case of changes to the court schedule.
- Please keep in consistent contact with your assigned attorney to make sure they know how to contact you about the court’s changing requirements and to provide any new information or ask questions about your case.
- Public access to many courtrooms is limited. Those interested in attending jury trials must contact the defense attorney at least 72 hours prior to the court date to be placed on a list to gain access to a viewing room or the courtroom. Public attendance is decided by a judge on a case by case basis.
[/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Additional Notes:
- If you are dealing with an issue related to a probation hearing, parole hearing, or detainer or Gagnon hearing, please contact Byron Cotter (bcotter@philadefender.org or 267-765-6565) or Victoria Sanita (vsanita@philadefender.org or 267-765-6724).
- If you are aware that your case is part of the city’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) plan, please contact Rachel Echemendia at rechemendia@philadender.org
- If you are aware that your case is part of Project Dawn, please contact Anna Shapiro at ashapiro@philadefender.org.
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Keir Bradford-Grey on Shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr.
PHILADELPHIA–“Last night’s horrific incident in Cobb’s Creek is made all the more tragic by the fact that it was completely avoidable. Many questions will need to be answered in the coming weeks, but one thing is clear: this is not the public safety model that our communities want or need.
“Discussions about the killing of Walter Wallace, Jr. will include vigorous debates around acceptable use-of-force protocols. But this is about so much more than that. It’s about what it really takes to feel safe in our neighborhoods, and the overwhelming police response to a mental health emergency is not the answer.
“What we witnessed last night is the sadly predictable outcome of summoning an armed presence into a situation that requires de-escalation and expertise in mental health issues. This is the time to re-think public safety, and how more of our city’s resources can be allocated to organizations and departments who are actually trained to deal with these situations.
“We cannot afford to squander the opportunity to learn from the Civil Rights moment sparked by this summer’s protests. Unless we quickly reconsider the role of our justice system in public safety, we will continue to re-live the pain and heartbreak of last night’s tragedy, and the subsequent outrage from Philly’s Black and Brown communities.”
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Defender’s Statement on Philly Prison Conditions
A recent story in the Philadelphia Inquirer contained an internal e-mail communication from a Defender attorney about concerns related to visiting clients in prison during COVID-19. While we are, of course, concerned about the safety of our staff and our incarcerated clients during the pandemic, the views expressed in the e-mail in no way reflect the feelings of all Defender attorneys, nor the Defender’s commitment to providing full representation to all of our clients, no matter where they are.
In our visits, we have found that the Philadelphia Department of Prisons staff and management are taking the coronavirus very seriously, and are doing all they can to implement and enforce safety protocols. We have set up our own internal reporting for Defender staff to share their safety concerns, and we will share these concerns with the prisons as they arise.
In the meantime, we’re working collaboratively with our justice system partners to increase attorney-client access and facilitate the safe release of as many of our clients as possible.
July 16 Panel Discussion: Fixing PCRA
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On July 16, the Defender Association of Philadelphia hosted a panel of legal experts, activists, and elected leaders to discuss how to reform the Post-Conviction Relief Act and provide hope to thousands of incarcerated Pennsylvanians.
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ABOUT PCRA:
The PCRA is an indirect appeal asking the courts to reconsider the conviction after a direct appeal is unsuccessful. The goal is to get a new trial and give convicted defendants an opportunity for review of any claims of error or miscarriage of justice. Unfortunately, state law changed in 1996, placing a 1-year time limit on filing these appeals.
This has left people with legitimate claims trapped for years in PA prisons, with no way to appeal their convictions.
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PANELISTS:
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Sharif Street,
PA State Senator
Joanna McClinton,
PA State Representative
Marissa Bluestine,
Quattrone Center,
UPENN Law School
Nilam Sanghvi,
Pennsylvania Innocence Project
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Bradley Bridge,
Defender Association of Philadelphia
Mikal Twiggs,
Defender Association of Philadelphia
Patricia Cummings,
Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
Jules Epstein,
Temple Law School
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Steve Austin,
Mothers in Charge Participatory Defense Hub
Donnell Drinks,
G.R.O.W.N.
John Pace,
Youth Sentencing and
Re-entry Project
Terrance Lewis,
Liberation Foundation
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What to Do if You’re Released During COVID-19
Welcome Home! You have been released from jail. But now what? Here are some practical tips to help you navigate your open case.
Continue reading “What to Do if You’re Released During COVID-19”
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