Category: Featured

Keir Bradford-Grey Remembers Thurgood Matthews

Posted on by 2010admin
Thurgood Matthews was with the Defender for over 40 years and was the head of the Special Defense Unit. He passed away on November 20. Read more about Thurgood here. 
 
PHILADELPHIA–“It is with great sadness and extreme difficulty that I write to inform you of the passing of one of the Defender Association of Philadelphia’s most beloved family members, Thurgood Matthews. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to Thurgood’s family members and especially our Defender colleague, Thurgood’s daughter, Keisha Matthews. 

“Words cannot describe what the loss of a legal giant like Thurgood Matthews means to our legal community.  The Defender Association was fortunate to have a lawyer of such great distinction dedicate his career to enhancing the standards of excellent representation. He instilled a sense of pride in so many professionals within the Association to remind us how much of an honor it was to work on behalf of communities fighting for their civil rights.   

“The contributions Thurgood made to the legal profession are both numerous and monumental.  Those of us who had the privilege of being guided and mentored by him have, and will continue to benefit tremendously from his sharp, intellectual trial instincts, which were second to none.

“He touched our lives in so many ways. He was a great friend and confidant. His wise counsel and sharp wit often transformed simple conversations into intellectual life lessons. He combined humor with frank honesty in a way that made us keep coming back for repeated doses of his wisdom.

“Thurgood Matthews was the epitome of what it means to be a defender. He was a fierce advocate, quick to attack those who stepped out of the bounds of ethics of our profession. He was well-respected by his opponents, who feared his ire if they dared to discharge their duties with anything but honor and dignity. He truly raised the bar, and I am privileged and honored that I had the opportunity to enhance and hone my craft under his mentorship. But most of all, I am blessed to call him my friend and family.  

“There are certain people who can never be replaced, but whose legacies will live on through our efforts to enhance the quality and standards of our practice and culture. Thurgood Matthews is one of those people. He was loved and will be tremendously missed.” 
 
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Case & Court Status

Posted on by 2010admin

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Look Up Your Case |  Courtroom & Attorney Info  |  Additional Resources & Info

[/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”64px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”What to Know If You Have an Open Case During the Pandemic” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:20px;”]

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.

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[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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Op-Ed: Justice system reform is impotent unless you eliminate racist practices

Posted on by 2010admin

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Chief Defender Keir-Bradford Grey shares her thoughts on the need to eliminate racist practices that plague our entire justice system.

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Councilmember Thomas Introduces Driving Equality Bill

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PHILADELPHIA–Councilmember Thomas will introduce this bill aimed at combating the issue of Driving While Black. 43% of Philadelphia residents are Black but Black people make up 72% of the drivers pulled over for alleged motor vehicle code. After the stop, Black drivers are twice as likely to be searched but are 35% less likely to be found with contraband.

The Driving Equality Bill will promote fairness by reducing the racial disparities within these stops, promote safety by reducing community trauma and improving police-community relations, promote efficiency by refocusing officers’ time and resources on solving real crime.

“I’ve been pulled over more times than I can count and it never felt like it was keeping me or my community safer,” said Councilmember Thomas. “We need to improve police-community relations and, at a time of economic crisis, ensure that we are not wasting a single dollar of taxpayers’ money. My Driving Equality Bill will promote fairness, safety and efficiency and reduce the number of people pulled over for ‘fitting a description’.”

Under the Driving Equality Bill, police officers would no longer be able to stop a driver for a trivial code violation that does not pose a risk to public safety, such as tinted windows or a missing tail light. However, officers would still be able to stop a driver for dangerous violations, such as driving while intoxicated. Philadelphia needs to improve police-community relations and, at a time of economic crisis, ensure that we are not wasting a single dollar of taxpayers’ money. The Driving Equality Bill (the first bill of its kind out of a major city) will achieve these goals.

“By allowing the police to focus on more serious motor vehicle code violations and real crimes, the Driving Equality Bill will reduce the opportunities for the tension, conflict and tragedy that too often happen when traffic stops go bad,” said Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, “It’s exciting and inspiring to see Philly’s leaders taking bold, proactive and progressive steps to take the targets off the backs of Black people. We look forward to seeing Councilmember Thomas and others on policing and other justice system reforms that are more fair, more cost-effective, and more impactful on public safety.”

Law enforcement has claimed that motor vehicle stops are a good tool for keeping communities safe. Police officers have continued to use motor vehicle stops while Philadelphia has seen a record number of homicides and instances of gun violence – this is an inefficient and ineffective practice. On average, only .147% of motor vehicle stops result in the discovery of a weapon.

The Driving Equality Bill will be introduced in City Council this Thursday, October 29th, by Councilmember Thomas and is cosponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Gilmore Richardson, Quinones-Sanchez, Brooks, Johnson, Gauthier, Gym, Parker and Henon.

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More on “Driving Equality”

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1604003696858{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/ljdv6jVdFF4″ title=”Driving Equality Press Conference”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]NEWS STORIES:

CBS-3:
Philadelphia City Councilmember To Propose Bill Banning Police From Stopping Drivers For Minor Traffic Violations

Philadelphia Inquirer:
Philly City Council bill aims to curb police stops of Black drivers for minor infractions

WHYY-FM:
Philly City Council bill would ban police traffic stops for minor violations[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Keir Bradford-Grey on Shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr.

Posted on by 2010admin
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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Keir Bradford-Grey: We Need Real Alternatives to Cash Bail

Posted on by 2010admin
PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia appreciates the support DA Larry Krasner has given to our ongoing efforts to move our justice system to community-based alternatives to pre-trial detention. However, the DA’s practice of ‘simulated no-cash bail’ to keep people in jail is a legal slight-0f-hand that only perpetuates the economic and racial disparities that exist in our prison population.
 
“The DAs office last year committed to join the Defender’s proposal to adhere to the PA law that prevents the use of cash bail for the sole purpose of detention. We agreed to develop a transparent process that would require prosecutors to ask for defendants’ bail to be revoked only after the prosecution shows by clear and convincing evidence (as the law requires) that the person is a flight risk, and/or a danger to the community. The magistrate can then exercise the option to place a high amount of cash bail or preventatively detain the person, depending on the information presented at a detention hearing. Unfortunately, the DA’s new bail policy sidesteps this process.
 
 “The purpose of bail is to ensure one’s appearance in court and to place added emphasis on abiding by conditions of release. And, while we understand the rationale behind the DA’s ‘simulated no-cash bail’ approach, it goes against our agreement on the process and is in violation of the law, which doesn’t allow bail to be placed on individuals for the sole purpose of keeping them in jail.    
 
“These excessively high bail amounts disproportionately impact Black and Brown defendants in our jails. We are in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and this practice contributes to the risk of spreading the virus in our jails while causing collateral damage to the families of the incarcerated, many of whom are already struggling with today’s new economic realities.
 
“This is not the type of justice reform we need. It’s time to re-think our approach to pre-trial incarceration. Our work with the Pre-entry Coalition has shown that providing community supports plays a big role in lowering recidivism. We should be expanding on the pre-entry model instead of doubling down on a system that has never served us well. 
 
“If we want to make better decisions about people at the front end of our system, then we need to change the process by which we gather information about them.  Only then will we have a more balanced justice system–one that helps us make decisions that truly support public safety.”
 
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POWER Town Hall Series: Imagining Civilian Oversight of Police

Posted on by 2010admin

 

Part 6: September 23, 2020

Part 6 (September 23) of the series was “The Best Of” the Town Hall Series sponsored by #POWER #LiveFree

The full video is below.

 

Part 5: September 9, 2020

For Part 5 (September 9) of the series, members of the Philadelphia City Council’s Public Safety Committee joined the conversation to express their support for a meaningful civilian oversight with real authority and funding.

The full video is below.

 


In Part 4 of “Imagining Civilian Oversight of Police,” The panel was joined by activists from Oakland who shared their experiences building community-law enforcement cooperation to increase public safety.

 

In part 3 of the virtual town hall series, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey and Mike Mellon, from the Defender’s Police Accountability Unit joined State Rep. Donna Bullock, Harvard University’s Aaron Bekemyer, and Chantelle Helm, from Black Lives Matter- Louisville to discuss statewide legislative obstacles to meaningful police reforms
The full video is below

 

In part 2 of the virtual town hall series, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey joined Hassan Bennett; author Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve; and Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa.
The full video is below

 

 

Part 1: Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey joined a nationwide panel of clergy, activists, elected leaders, and justice system reform experts to discuss how to bring more accountability to police departments in Philadelphia and elsewhere.
The full video is below

 

 

Philly Defender Q&A: COVID-19 Emergency

Posted on by 2010admin

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Philly’s public defenders know that our clients, their families, and friends are extremely concerned about their health during this pandemic. We’re still doing our best to represent and ensure the health and safety of our clients and our communities, and are working hard to provide you with as much information as we can during these uncertain and stressful times.

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What is the status of Philly’s Courts?

Philly’s Courts have begun the process of re-opening, with a number of new restrictions and procedures in place. Things are changing quickly, and the Defender is doing our best to keep track of these changes, and keep you informed. Click here for the latest status on court hearings during the pandemic

 

What are the Defender’s office hours during the COVID-19 emergency?

Our offices are open, but clients who wish to come in for interviews or other meetings must make an appointment with an attorney in advance.

Our hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

I have a court date scheduled. What should I do?

Depending on the type of hearing, you may not be required to appear in court. Click here for an updated status of Philly’s courts.

 

My loved one has a medical condition that makes them vulnerable to the coronavirus. What should I do?

If you know someone in prison with serious health concerns, please email us right away at contact@philadefender.org. Be sure to include the person’s name, date of birth, PP# and any important details, so our Prison Services Unit can look up their case.

 

My loved one is incarcerated, but not in a Philadelphia county jail. Can the Defender help them?

Unfortunately, we have very little information or solutions for people held in state or federal custody, or those held in local jails outside of the city of Philadelphia. If you have questions about Governor Wolf’s reprieve order that can help some people in PA state custody, please find more information here.  

However, we may be able to help if your loved one has a case in the Philly courts, even if they are being held outside of our jurisdiction. Fill out our online information form if you’re not sure about your loved one’s status.

 

I have an open case in Philly. How do I know if I’m being represented by a public defender?

If you have an open case in Philly but are unsure whether you are represented by the Defender Association or by a different attorney, you can search by name on this website for your docket to find your attorney and get more information on your case. Whether represented by us or another defense attorney, you can get support on your case or for your loved one by attending weekly online meetings at these community-led Participatory Defense Hubs in Philadelphia.  

 

I have another question about myself or a loved one. Who can answer my question while your office is closed?

We have an online information form you can fill out by clicking here. Defender staff is monitoring your questions and assigning them to the appropriate attorney or department. 

As you know, people are extremely stressed about the health of their loved ones at this time. We’re getting a lot of questions through this form, so we ask for your patience as we review each question and work to get it the person who can help. 

 

 

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Here are some additional information pages that may help you:

What to do if a loved one is incarcerated during the pandemic

What you should know about pretrial supervision during the pandemic

Defender COVID-19 Information Request Form

Defender Frequently Asked Questions

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Follow us: @PhillyDefenders