Category: Legal Practice Units

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.

[/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: 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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Defender’s Statement on Philly Prison Conditions

Posted on by 2010admin

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.  

Follow us: @PhillyDefenders