Defender Assoc of Philadelphia
90 years of FREE, high-quality legal representation for Philly citizens
"I Meant What I Said" Podcast full interview with Philly Chief Public Defender
"I Meant What I Said" Podcast full interview with Philly Chief Public Defender
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Support Immigration Defense!
Support Immigration Defense!
Your gift to Immigrant Defense funds direct legal representation for people in Philadelphia who cannot afford an attorney. You help our defenders stand beside clients in court, explain their rights, and fight to keep families together. ⚖️Every contribution strengthens fair, high-quality defense for immigrant communities. Together, we can reduce the harm of the criminal and immigration systems and uphold the promise of justice for all. 🌍
Black Public Defender Association Summer Fellowship Program
Black Public Defender Association Summer Fellowship Program
Defender Association of Philadelphia launches unit to help immigrants
Defender Association of Philadelphia launches unit to help immigrants
The move comes as the Trump administration pursues aggressive new enforcement, and even minor legal cases can put undocumented residents in danger of detention or deportation.
Immigrant Rights & Resources
Immigrant Rights & Resources
Check out this information on rights and resources for our immigrant clients, their families and communities.
Job Opportunities at Philly Defenders
Job Opportunities at Philly Defenders
Junior Defender Program-Educate. Motivate. Advocate.
Junior Defender Program-Educate. Motivate. Advocate.
The Junior Defender Program works with school administrators and students in neighborhoods that have been impacted by our justice system.
Will the Philadelphia Police Department ever be free of scandal? | Editorial
Will the Philadelphia Police Department ever be free of scandal? | Editorial
A string of scandals is not the case of a few bad apples, as the police often like to claim. It points to a systemic problem that has undermined the department for decades.
Creating an Immigration Legal Unit in the Defender Association - Stoneleigh Foundation
Creating an Immigration Legal Unit in the Defender Association - Stoneleigh Foundation
Led by Lilah Thompson, JD
Three Philly cops who defenders say ‘straight up lied’ cause 134 drugs cases to be dismissed, hundreds more expected
Three Philly cops who defenders say ‘straight up lied’ cause 134 drugs cases to be dismissed, hundreds more expected
Reporting Police Misconduct
Reporting Police Misconduct
Youth Justice Initiatives and Legislation
Youth Justice Initiatives and Legislation
Immigration advocates say Philly courthouse has become a ‘hunting ground’ for ICE. They want agents barred from the building.
Immigration advocates say Philly courthouse has become a ‘hunting ground’ for ICE. They want agents barred from the building.
The courthouse has become a focus of enforcement and resistance as President Trump presses his tough deportation agenda.
Rebecca Mainor: Fearless Children’s Lawyer
Rebecca Mainor: Fearless Children’s Lawyer
Philly Food Bank Locations
Philly Food Bank Locations
Emergency Bail Hearings Safely Release 200 People
Emergency Bail Hearings Safely Release 200 People
The hearings released over 200 people from pretrial custody and helped reduce Philly’s prison population by over 1,000
Submit comments on proposed changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Submit comments on proposed changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
SNAP Work Requirements | Commonwealth of PA
SNAP Work Requirements | Commonwealth of PA
New Act 44 (Probation Reform) Resources & Info Available
New Act 44 (Probation Reform) Resources & Info Available
The Defender's Alternative Sentencing Unit creates, improves, and expands diversionary programs as alternatives to mass incarceration
Philly's chief defender sounds alarm on funding and Trump’s bill
Philly's chief defender sounds alarm on funding and Trump’s bill
Keisha Hudson’s career has come full circle as chief defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, a place where she began her career 22 years ago.
Defender Statement on ICE Arrests at the Courthouse
Defender Statement on ICE Arrests at the Courthouse
Statement on Return of "Sweeps" to Kensington
Statement on Return of "Sweeps" to Kensington
Will Philly fix its foster care system for kids and families?
Will Philly fix its foster care system for kids and families?
Want juvenile incarceration rates to drop? Hire more social workers for defenders. | Opinion
Want juvenile incarceration rates to drop? Hire more social workers for defenders. | Opinion
Statement on New Prison Oversight Board
Statement on New Prison Oversight Board
Statement on the Detention of a Defender Client by ICE
Statement on the Detention of a Defender Client by ICE
Philly’s jail population has reached its lowest level in recent memory
Philly’s jail population has reached its lowest level in recent memory
Defender Statement on Philly FY 2026 Budget
Defender Statement on Philly FY 2026 Budget
A womb-to-prison pipeline threatens kids in the child-welfare system
A womb-to-prison pipeline threatens kids in the child-welfare system
Testimony: Diversion Programs in Kensington
Testimony: Diversion Programs in Kensington
Philly backslid on juvenile justice reform as prosecutors took up a practice DA Krasner called ‘coercive’
Philly backslid on juvenile justice reform as prosecutors took up a practice DA Krasner called ‘coercive’
Keisha Hudson Testimony on Legal Services for Immigrants
Keisha Hudson Testimony on Legal Services for Immigrants
Defender Statement on Juvenile Detention Special Report
Defender Statement on Juvenile Detention Special Report
Philly locks up kids at one of the highest rates anywhere, despite widespread abuse in juvenile institutions
Philly locks up kids at one of the highest rates anywhere, despite widespread abuse in juvenile institutions
Use of Seclusion at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC) | Office of the Youth Ombudsperson
Use of Seclusion at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC) | Office of the Youth Ombudsperson
The CSPA 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100 - Keisha Hudson
The CSPA 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100 - Keisha Hudson
New Job Opportunities at the Defender Association
New Job Opportunities at the Defender Association
Keisha Hudson on Passage of Prison Oversight Bill
Keisha Hudson on Passage of Prison Oversight Bill
Defender Days at Prevention Point
Defender Days at Prevention Point
Request Defender Services Online
Request Defender Services Online
Elisa Downey-Zayas: Impact Award Winner!
Elisa Downey-Zayas: Impact Award Winner!
Act 111 and the Fight for Police Accountability
Act 111 and the Fight for Police Accountability
New pilot program releases dozens of Philly prisoners as they await trial
New pilot program releases dozens of Philly prisoners as they await trial
Philly Defenders Secure Safe Release of 100 Clients
Philly Defenders Secure Safe Release of 100 Clients
Philly police to launch drone program in Kensington, cameras to fly beyond line of sight
Philly police to launch drone program in Kensington, cameras to fly beyond line of sight
Defender Testimony: Prison Oversight
Defender Testimony: Prison Oversight
Senators Celebrate Signing of Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Bills, SB 169 and 170, into Law
Senators Celebrate Signing of Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Bills, SB 169 and 170, into Law
Pennsylvania updates guidance for incarcerated voters
Pennsylvania updates guidance for incarcerated voters
Videos: Children are Children
Videos: Children are Children
Driving Equality Law Highlighted on "Last Week Tonight"
Driving Equality Law Highlighted on "Last Week Tonight"
"Public Defenseless" podcast, featuring PAU
"Public Defenseless" podcast, featuring PAU
Talking Prison Conditions on WURD
Talking Prison Conditions on WURD
Keisha Hudson on Prison Oversight Bill
Keisha Hudson on Prison Oversight Bill
Statement: Another Death in Philly Jails
Statement: Another Death in Philly Jails
Helen Gym to Join Defender Board
Helen Gym to Join Defender Board
Statement on Latest Overdose Death in Philly Jails
Statement on Latest Overdose Death in Philly Jails
Do traffic stops promote safety?
Do traffic stops promote safety?
Defender CYJ Chief Nicole El on WURD Radio
Defender CYJ Chief Nicole El on WURD Radio
Statement on Closing of Philly Juvenile Assessment Center
Statement on Closing of Philly Juvenile Assessment Center
Philly leaders agree on a need to divert kids from the justice system. But can they agree how?
Philly leaders agree on a need to divert kids from the justice system. But can they agree how?
Join Our Youth Action Board!
Join Our Youth Action Board!
Defender Social Services
Defender Social Services
The Truth about Police Stops: "Driving Equality Dashboard"
The Truth about Police Stops: "Driving Equality Dashboard"
Need Help? Contact Philly Defenders!
Need Help? Contact Philly Defenders!
Defender Association Supports ACLU-PA's Indigent Defense Lawsuit
Defender Association Supports ACLU-PA's Indigent Defense Lawsuit
Philly police are sending 78 rookie cops to Kensington starting June 18: “We’re going to be pushing the crowds”
Philly police are sending 78 rookie cops to Kensington starting June 18: “We’re going to be pushing the crowds”
Defender Association Response to Kensington "Sweep"
Defender Association Response to Kensington "Sweep"
Men of Purpose President on helping incarcerated men re-enter society - Globe Times
Men of Purpose President on helping incarcerated men re-enter society - Globe Times
Defender Association Child Advocacy Unit
Defender Association Child Advocacy Unit
Philly narcotics cops secretly used surveillance cameras. Video proved some of their testimony false.
Philly narcotics cops secretly used surveillance cameras. Video proved some of their testimony false.
Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
April is 2nd Chance Month!
April is 2nd Chance Month!
Public Defender’s Office celebrates 90 years with its first fundraiser to help support new attorneys
Public Defender’s Office celebrates 90 years with its first fundraiser to help support new attorneys
90th Anniversay Gala Sponsors & Supporters
90th Anniversay Gala Sponsors & Supporters
Next to last in the nation: PA finally provides funding for indigent defense
Next to last in the nation: PA finally provides funding for indigent defense
Three ways Cherelle L. Parker can fix Philadelphia’s jails
Three ways Cherelle L. Parker can fix Philadelphia’s jails
Statement on Alexander Spencer Shooting
Statement on Alexander Spencer Shooting
Philly's ski mask ban is meant to deter crime. It won't. | Opinion
Philly's ski mask ban is meant to deter crime. It won't. | Opinion
Junior Defender Program
Junior Defender Program
Partnering For Better Criminal Justice
Partnering For Better Criminal Justice
Need Help?
Need Help?
Disturbing new photos inside Philly’s juvenile jail show kids sleeping on floors in crowded, filthy cells
Disturbing new photos inside Philly’s juvenile jail show kids sleeping on floors in crowded, filthy cells
Mike Mellon on PhillyCam "Voices"
Mike Mellon on PhillyCam "Voices"
Why Black & Brown Defenders are Crucial
Why Black & Brown Defenders are Crucial
Keisha Hudson on Court’s Dismissal of Irizarry Shooting Case
Keisha Hudson on Court’s Dismissal of Irizarry Shooting Case
Keisha Hudson on Passing of JoAnne A. Epps
Keisha Hudson on Passing of JoAnne A. Epps
Keisha Hudson on “Exonerated Justice” Legislation
Keisha Hudson on “Exonerated Justice” Legislation
Chief Defender on Shooting of Eddie Irizarry
Chief Defender on Shooting of Eddie Irizarry
Memorial Fund to support Josh's family, organized by Sarah Morris
Memorial Fund to support Josh's family, organized by Sarah Morris
Press Release: Defender, Partners for Justice Collaboration
Press Release: Defender, Partners for Justice Collaboration
Police Accountability Unit - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Police Accountability Unit - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Sentenced to Life as Boys, They Made Their Case for Release
Sentenced to Life as Boys, They Made Their Case for Release
Junior Defender Program - Video Highlights!
Junior Defender Program - Video Highlights!
The 2023 Power of Diversity: Women 100
The 2023 Power of Diversity: Women 100
Long stays in pre-trial detention strain Philadelphia prisons
Long stays in pre-trial detention strain Philadelphia prisons
Partners for Justice expands to Philadelphia to help with housing and child welfare
Partners for Justice expands to Philadelphia to help with housing and child welfare
Testimony: "Marshall Plan for Kensington" Hearing, July 18, 2023
Testimony: "Marshall Plan for Kensington" Hearing, July 18, 2023
Defender Statement on JJSC Ruling from Commonwealth Court
Defender Statement on JJSC Ruling from Commonwealth Court
Lawmakers hold emergency meeting on Philadelphia gun violence
Lawmakers hold emergency meeting on Philadelphia gun violence
Keisha Hudson on FY 2024 Budget
Keisha Hudson on FY 2024 Budget
#Phillydefenders Keisha Hudson on 2023 Law Power 100
#Phillydefenders Keisha Hudson on 2023 Law Power 100
Juneteenth 2023 celebration highlights
Juneteenth 2023 celebration highlights
Chief Defender Keisha Hudson on Metro Philly's Power Women List
Chief Defender Keisha Hudson on Metro Philly's Power Women List
Questions about Philly's Justice System? Ask a Defender!
Questions about Philly's Justice System? Ask a Defender!
Pa. doesn’t fund public defense. Shapiro’s budget would change that.
Pa. doesn’t fund public defense. Shapiro’s budget would change that.
Superior Court Vacates Criminal Contempt Charge, Finding Witness Wasn't Threatened 'Directly Under the Eye of the Court' | The Legal Intelligencer
Superior Court Vacates Criminal Contempt Charge, Finding Witness Wasn't Threatened 'Directly Under the Eye of the Court' | The Legal Intelligencer
April is 2nd Chance Month!
April is 2nd Chance Month!
Talking Public Defense Funding on "Philly Speaks"
Talking Public Defense Funding on "Philly Speaks"
Job opening: Trial Attorney
Job opening: Trial Attorney
Defender Testimony: Committee on Gun Violence Prevention
Defender Testimony: Committee on Gun Violence Prevention
Gideon at 60: The Unfunded Mandate
Gideon at 60: The Unfunded Mandate
Keisha Hudson's Remarks - March 30, 2023
Keisha Hudson's Remarks - March 30, 2023
A $10 million investment is a bold first step, but Pa.’s public defenders need more
A $10 million investment is a bold first step, but Pa.’s public defenders need more
Probation Termination Services
Probation Termination Services
Philly residents now advised tap water is safe through Monday night following chemical spill, officials say
Philly residents now advised tap water is safe through Monday night following chemical spill, officials say
Request a Defender for Your Event!
Request a Defender for Your Event!
Get the Why Not Prosper Re-Entry and Recovery App
Get the Why Not Prosper Re-Entry and Recovery App
Social Workers Break Barriers!
Social Workers Break Barriers!
2023 HBCU Community Engagement Fellowship Student Application
2023 HBCU Community Engagement Fellowship Student Application
Our Core Values - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Our Core Values - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Register for the Webinar: Public Defender Independence
Register for the Webinar: Public Defender Independence
Empowering Communities - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Empowering Communities - Defender Association of Philadelphia
Final Grand Jury Report on Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center at Lima
Final Grand Jury Report on Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center at Lima
The Suspect Detective - Featuring #Phillydefenders Andrew Pappas!
The Suspect Detective - Featuring #Phillydefenders Andrew Pappas!
Fetterman was vilified for promoting life sentence commutations, but research shows his approach is the right one
Fetterman was vilified for promoting life sentence commutations, but research shows his approach is the right one
Former #Phillydefenders confirmed to serve on the federal bench!
Former #Phillydefenders confirmed to serve on the federal bench!
#Phillydefenders Michelle Mason quoted for KYW News Story on the JJSC
#Phillydefenders Michelle Mason quoted for KYW News Story on the JJSC
The Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Keisha Hudson
The Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Keisha Hudson
Defender Statement on Conditions at JJSC
Defender Statement on Conditions at JJSC
Essay: How court-watching can make our justice system fairer
Essay: How court-watching can make our justice system fairer
Opportunity: Summer Legal Interns
Opportunity: Summer Legal Interns
Police Accountability Unit on Twitter
Defender Police Accountability Unit Selected for 2022 Catalyst Grant!
Defender Police Accountability Unit Selected for 2022 Catalyst Grant!
View Phillydefenders.org in Spanish!
View Phillydefenders.org in Spanish!
CM Isaiah Thomas: Stop-and-frisk doesn’t work in Philly
CM Isaiah Thomas: Stop-and-frisk doesn’t work in Philly
Youthful offenders stagger under the impact of restitution payments, report says
Youthful offenders stagger under the impact of restitution payments, report says
For Young Offenders, Restitution Debts Can Present Crippling Obstacles
For Young Offenders, Restitution Debts Can Present Crippling Obstacles
Biden nominates five, including former Philly DA, to federal courts in Pa.
Biden nominates five, including former Philly DA, to federal courts in Pa.
Defender Association, City Council members celebrate budget increase
Defender Association, City Council members celebrate budget increase
Philadelphia City Council authorizes significant pay hike for public defenders
Philadelphia City Council authorizes significant pay hike for public defenders
Keisha Hudson on Reversal of Roe v. Wade
Keisha Hudson on Reversal of Roe v. Wade
The 2022 Law Power 100
The 2022 Law Power 100
Defender Statement on Passage of 2023 Budget
Defender Statement on Passage of 2023 Budget
Restorative justice programs can supplant criminal cases
Restorative justice programs can supplant criminal cases
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