Director of Juvenile Special Defense Division
Our Juvenile Special Defense Division / JSDD was created in 1987 based on the recognition that representation of juveniles who were charged with complex or serious crimes, often with high publicity exposure, required more specialized attention.
A “Direct File Juvenile” is someone who is under 18, but at least 15 years old who has been arrested and processed as an adult, and who will initially be treated as an adult in the criminal justice system.
Experienced trial lawyers are specially assigned to Juvenile Special Defense for a two-year rotation representing juvenile clients that are charged as adults in what are known Direct File Juvenile cases.
This specialized defense team is made up of:
We handle all aspects of the representation of our Direct File Juvenile Clients:
If the young person is not decertified (the case remains in adult court):
The defense team tries the case in adult court — they must be prepared to try major cases in either a jury or waiver setting and to prepare mitigation arguments for sentencing.
If the young person is decertified (the case goes to juvenile court):
The defense team must be prepared to try the case in juvenile court and to be prepared for a dispositional hearing and be an expert on dispositional options.
Director of Juvenile Special Defense Division
Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.
Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
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Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
Nov 14
📢 ICYMI: We’re incredibly proud of our public defense attorney, Andrew Pappas, for his powerful interview with @nbcphiladelphia on the release of 100 individuals from Philly jails.
This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of our team, committed to justice and second chances. Let’s keep pushing for positive change in our community! #PublicDefense #JusticeForAll #Philly
Nov 13
Incarcerated individuals deserve protection and respect—today and every day. ✨
Our Director of Prison Advocacy, Tom Innes, took a powerful stand at City Council, advocating for a new Prison Oversight Board to support the health and safety of incarcerated people and staff facing tough conditions. Link in bio for full testimony. ⚖️
#PrisonReform #PhillyCouncil #CommunitySafetyUnit #phillyphilly #phillynews #phillyreform #phillyreels #philly #meekmill #phillydefenders #mentalhealthphilly
Nov 7
🎉 Big News for Philly’s Justice & Safety! 🎉
Proud to announce that 100 people have been released from pretrial incarceration! Thanks to the work of #phillydefenders incredible team of attorneys in collaboration with our justice system partners, we’re reducing the jail population on State Road and making our community safer.
This milestone shows what’s possible when we come together to push for a fairer, more just system. Here’s to all the hard work—and to even more progress ahead! 💪🏽✨
🔗 in bio for details
#PhillyDefenders #100Released #SaferPhilly
Nov 4
#PhillyDefenders out & about! ✨
Last week, we had an amazing conversation with @lasalleuniv BSW students, sharing insights and inspiration. Meanwhile, our dedicated peer advocates were holding it down at @the_napd racial justice conference. Proud to be connecting
and advocating!
#CommunityEngagement #JusticeForAll #PhillyPride
Nov 4
While the safety concerns in Kensington are real, more community surveillance isn’t the answer. 💡
Shoutout to #PhillyDefender Paula Sen of our Police Accountability Unit for spotlighting the PPD’s history of problematic surveillance in this community. Read the full article at @kensingtonvoice . Link in bio 🔗#CommunitySafety #PhillyReform #PublicSafety #SupportPhilly #PhillyNews #Kensington #philly #phillynews #phillyphilly #phillyreform
Nov 1
