Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP)

One of the most exciting parts of my job thus far has been getting to handle cases for the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP). AMP is a citywide diversion program, based on a Brooklyn Community Court model, which was established to handle the less-serious misdemeanor cases clogging up the Philadelphia criminal justice system.

The cases diverted into the program are usually limited to drug possession, retail theft, prostitution, or solicitation of prostitution. The Charging Unit identifies ideal candidates for the program (non-violent offenders) and offers them a period of community service instead of prosecution. On-site social workers provide program participants with a number of critical services, including information about drug rehabilitation programs, housing, and employment opportunities. In order to successfully complete the program, the defendant must pay $199.50 in court fees along with any restitution they may owe the victim. They also must complete between 12-18 hours of community service. Following successful completion of these requirements, prosecution is withdrawn and the defendant can have the record of the arrest expunged.

My work with AMP includes going to court 1-2 days a week, where I work closely with the public defender in monitoring the status of each case. Our caseload for each day varies from 20-50 cases. My main duties in court are to withdraw prosecution on successful participants, or revoke AMP for defendants who have shown unsuccessful progress or because they violated the conditions of AMP.

AMP has been successful thus far in removing low-level misdemeanor offenses from the trial process. This has saved city resources by reducing costly aspects of the criminal justice system, including subpoenas, trial court dates, police testimony, and public legal defense – all without compromising public safety. According to the budget hearing statement given by District Attorney Seth Williams to City Council in April, AMP is ensuring “swift and certain punishment and offender accountability to the victims and to the community.” Our office estimates that in the first four months of this year, 700 individuals were diverted through AMP, placing the program on target to divert over 2,400 individuals by the end of the year.