Category: Uncategorized

COVID-19 Pandemic: Weekly Expedited Hearing Data

Posted on by 2010admin

On March 20, three days after the courts closed, the Defender was directed by the FJD that all emergency requests for bail reductions, detainer lifts, and early parole must be filed as written petitions with the court. Since then, the Defender has filed over 1,000 written petitions. Many clients required more than one petition to resolve multiple issues, and some petitions had to be re-filed after the FJD changed its filing rules for emergency petitions on March 23.

As of May 1, 716 of 1,215 petitions that have been decided (58.93%) have been granted.

The FJD agreed to hold expedited release hearings between April 7-9, wherein the Defender and DAO could make oral arguments for bail reductions, detainer lifts, and early parole. The hearings were held in four virtual courtrooms each day, with one Public Defender handling the cases in each room. The cases listed were taken from “presumptive release” case categories created by the DAO in conjunction with the Defender.

The following are weekly summaries that track the success rate of the Defender’s petitions and motions, as well as release numbers: 

Keir Bradford-Grey on Expedited Hearings in Philly Courts

Posted on by 2010admin

Working with the Courts, the Defender has secured releases for hundreds of clients. This is no time to devote our attention to sensational storylines that distract from or derail the progress we are just beginning to make.

PHILADELPHIA– “Since we began our expedited hearings last week, we’ve worked collaboratively with the District Attorney’s Office and First Judicial District to efficiently hear cases and release hundreds of people from incarceration. It’s important not to allow our issues with a single judge to dominate what is otherwise a positive narrative. 
 
“Yesterday alone, outside of cases heard by one specific judge, 222–or 60.8%–of our petitions for bail reductions, probation detainer lifts, and early parole motions were granted by the courts. While I stand by the concerns I raised in my email to the FJD, I never intended for this communication to be leaked to the press, nor did I imply that these concerns were representative of the Defender’s view of the entire process, which has been very productive overall. 
 
“This is a critical moment for our justice system. While we should always be prepared to give and receive constructive criticism, this is no time to devote our attention to sensational storylines that distract from or derail the progress we are just beginning to make.”
 
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Defender Releases April 7-9 Prison Release and Hearing Data

Posted on by 2010admin
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2020
 
CONTACT:
George Jackson  |  267.765.6768  |  gjackson@philadefender.org
 
 
 
DEFENDER ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA’S SUMMARY OF EXPEDITED COURT HEARINGS
 
 
Three days of expedited hearings resulted in the release of 235 people from Philly’s jails.
 
The Defender will release weekly data summaries of court hearings during the COVID-19 emergency.
 
 

 

PHILADELPHIA– The Defender Association of Philadelphia today publicized its first data summary documenting how many people have been released from Philly’s jails since expedited hearings began on April 7.
 
The Defender’s data shows that the first three days of hearings resulted in 235 releases from Philly’s prisons, or a three percent decrease in the prison population (when factoring in new admissions). This is the sharpest decrease in jail population since the courts were closed on March 16 due to the coronavirus epidemic. 
 
“We’re starting to see some very positive movement toward safely reducing the number of people in our jails, but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey, “We’re hopeful this trend can continue–we would like to see a lot more people released to make our prisons safer for the people who are incarcerated and those who work in our prison system.”
 
 
 
COVID-19 cases vs. prison population, as of April 11, 2020
 

During the emergency shutdown, the Defender has not only represented its own clients but every person who is incarcerated or targeted by the city for quarantine. Between April 7 – 9, the Defender presented 755 motions on behalf of 410 people who can be released from jail without risking public safety. Of these, 434 (57.48%) were granted, impacting 241 people. 

 
The Defender has also submitted 650 written petitions for bail reductions, probation detainer lifts, and early parole to the First Judicial District since March 20. By April 10, the courts ruled on 560 of these petitions, granting 473 (84%). 
 
The Defender will be putting out updated data summaries on a weekly basis. Bradford-Grey says this information is not just useful but critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
 
“We all benefit from having this data,” Bradford-Grey said, “Justice system stakeholders can use it to see how we’re all performing, and where there are opportunities to innovate or improve the process. It will also inform the loved ones of the incarcerated and their communities about our progress toward safely releasing as many people as possible.” 
 
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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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COVID-19 in Philly’s Jails

Posted on by 2010admin

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In Philly’s jails, the threat posed by pandemics like COVID-19 is not limited to those behind their walls. Corrections officers, administrators and health workers come and go on a daily basis, in addition to the inmates who are released because they make bail or have served their sentence.

For example, New York City’s jail, Riker’s Island, shows how jails allow the virus to spread throughout the community: 180 inmates have tested positive but so have 141 corrections officers and an additional 23 healthcare workers which means that almost half of the people infected are not inmates and have been spreading the virus outside of the jail.

Jail population reduction is the only way to prevent the death of those at highest risk, or spreading it to our communities. It is not possible for county jails to implement the most critical preventive measures set forth in the CDC Guidance: social distancing, preventive hygiene, and the medical isolation of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. 

 

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Click here to view the complete data graphs and information sources.

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The Philadelphia jails are now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia. With 39 cases in a population of just 4,357, the Philadelphia jails have a higher infection rate (8.95 per 1,000 people) than any zip code in Philadelphia.

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The infection rate in Philly’s jails’is 4.71 times  the rate of Philadelphia as a whole and over 11 times the rate of Pennsylvania. In fact, the Philadelphia jails’ infection rate has now surpassed that of some of the hardest-hit areas across the globe, including New York City, Lombardy, Italy, and, Wuhan, China.

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Click here to view the complete data graphs and information sources.

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Pre-Entry Coalition Partners

Posted on by 2010admin

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Click here for more information on the Pre-Entry Coalition

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Service Provider Directory

Click on a service category below to find a list of Pre-Entry Coalition organizations.
Click here for a printable directory

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Click here for more information on the Pre-Entry Coalition

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Shop Talk Series

Posted on by 2010admin

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About Shop Talk

Philadelphia has an existing network of barbershops owned by credible community leaders, who have partnered with the Defender Association’s Children & Youth Justice (CYJ) Unit to bring various programs and services directly to these communities through a series of public events known as “Shop Talk”

These events are staffed by Defender attorneys, Defender social service advocates, community partners, Participatory Defense Hub facilitators and many more groups and organizations that support the initiatives.

Shop Talk events are held on location in barbershops and can include a range of programs, including (but not limited to):

  • Expungements,
  • Connection to local Participatory Defense Hubs;
  • Social service resources;
  • Information on the pardon process;
  • One-on-one consultations with a Defender attorney,
  • Statute training,
  • Know Your Rights and Know Your Systems training; and
  • Drop-in community-based office hours.

CYJ also invites community-based organizations dedicated to the reduction of mass incarceration, Pre-Entry, Participatory Defense, the reduction of gun violence and continued education.to set up information tables at Shop Talk events. These include mentor programs; housing and employment organizations; after school programs; sports programs; creative writing workshops; behavioral health providers; mental health providers; and re-entry organizations.

The barbershop owners are also critical, credible advocates who have worked to connect community members who otherwise might not reach out to the Defender with the services we provide. Our partnership with these barbershop owners is critical to building community trust and establishing the Defender Association’s reputation for fierce community advocacy and trial attorneys that the community can rely on in their moments of need.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1581018241775{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-right: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;margin-left: 15px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #eeeeee !important;border-left-color: #1e73be !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #1e73be !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #1e73be !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #1e73be !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Upcoming Shop Talks

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[tribe_events_list tags=”Shop Talk”]

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Pre-entry Initiative

Posted on by 2010admin

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1580156790956{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Pre-entry Coalition”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Defender is working with community groups to provide social supports that address non-criminalgenic behavoirs that negatively impact their experience with the justice system. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Overview: What is pre-entry?[/vc_column_text][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Pre-entry coalition launch, December   , 2019[/vc_column_text][vc_video][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1580156790956{background-color: #eeeeee !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Pretrial and Bail Reform”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]In March 2019, the Defender Association of Philadelphia presented a way to eliminate money bail in Philadelphia, without using a risk-assessment tool, to the FJD, the District Attorney and City Council

Using the Defender’s process, most defendants charged with misdemeanors would be arrested but, instead of going through a bail hearing, would receive a summons to appear in court.

Philadelphia is the only county in the state that does not already use the summons process for lower-level offenses.

Read the Inquirer story here  | Download our proposal for pretrial reform

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2019 Defender Highlights

Posted on by 2010admin
 

 

It was a truly great year for the Defender Association of Philadelphia! In 2019, the hard work of our practice units, community partnerships, and other departments led to some major achievements and accomplishments! 
 
Here are some highlights:  
 
 
 

 

We welcomed a diverse and talented class of new attorneys…
 
 
 
 
 

 

Our work sparked a major dialogue on police accountability and “stop and frisk”  in the City of Philadelphia…
 
 
Marijuana smell from cars is the least of the Philadelphia Police Department’s problems | Editorial
 
 
They know this is a black guy here’: Police stops of black drivers are skyrocketing in Philadelphia
 
 
What happens when Philly police get body cameras — but don’t turn them on?
 
 
 

 

We launched our Pre-Entry Coalition with a successful event
at CCP…
 
 
READ MORE: Coalition aims to support people who are arrested
 
 
 

 

Our entire team won major victories for our clients–and for criminal justice reform!
 
 
READ MORE: Michael White Not Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter in Rittenhouse Stabbing Trial
 
 
READ MORE: Pa. Supreme Court cites ‘egregious error,’ frees Philly man jailed by Meek Mill’s judge for probation violations
 
 
 
 
 

 

Our Adult Social Services team had their work included in two University of Pennsylvania textbooks!
 
 
 

 

Working with our community partners, we successfully crowdfunded a campaign to win a $100k Melinda R. Farrow Fund (of the Philadelphia Foundation) grant for Participatory Defense Hubs!
 
 
 
Philly Defenders on the way to a Phillies game, casting their votes for the Participatory Defense Hubs!
 
 
 

 

Nearly 50 Defender clients received assistance from the Hubs this year!
 
 
 
 
 

 

Defenders were all over the city, conducting expungement clinics and sharing information and resources with the community!
 
 
 
 
 

 

Our IT department made news for their outstanding work and leadership in digital forensics…
 
 
READ MORE: Imagine Being on Trial. With Exonerating Evidence Trapped on Your Phone.
 
 
READ MORE: Still scarce, Digital-Forensics Crawls into Public Defenders Offices
 
 
 

 

The Alternative Sentencing Unit had another busy and productive 2019, filing over 1,350 Early Termination Petitions and working to get early parole for eligible clients!
 
 
 
Alternative Sentencing Unit Director Byron Cotter with the latest New Leash on Life USA graduating class! These clients were paroled early into internships.
 
 

 

Our Children and Youth Justice (formerly Juvenile) Unit made a real difference this year, from establishing community office hours, joining a citywide task force dedicated to reducing placements in favor of supportive services, launching Project success, and so much more!
 
 
 
 
 

 

The Appeals Division continued its tradition of winning relief for clients who received unjust trials or sentences. Defender attorneys also won changes to the law in the PA Supreme Court! 
 
 
COMMONWEALTH v. FOSTER
OPINION: JUSTICE DONOHUE. The issue presented in this case asks for a determination of what constitutes a permissible basis for a court to find an individual in violation of probation…
 
COMMONWEALTH v. SANTIAGO
OPINION: JUSTICE TODD. The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine prohibits the admission of evidence at trial that was tainted byby unconstitutional actions by law enforcement officials…
 
 
 
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