district attorney philadelphia how to report a crime

Full Answer

What does the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office do?

Prosecuting crimes and defending victims throughout the City of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, serving more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia.

How do I report domestic violence in Philadelphia?

If you would like assistance or information call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-SAFE-014 or contact the Victim/Witness Services Unit at 215-686-8027. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Where do I file a criminal complaint in Pennsylvania?

The District Attorney’s Criminal Complaint Unit, 1425 Arch St. 4th Floor, Phila. Pa. 19102, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. What do I need to file a private criminal complaint? Complainant MUST have the full name and address (home or work) of the accused.

How do I report a federal crime?

To report a federal crime, please click here, complete and submit the form. Please submit only this form to the United States Attorney’s Office. No complaints will be addressed without this completed form. Do not send packages or supplemental materials.

What we do

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, serving more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia. An independently elected office, the DAO’s mission is to protect the community and provide a voice for victims of crime.

Connect

You can find more about the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office on the City's legacy pages.

How to contact the District Attorney for victim witness?

If the defendant or someone on his behalf contacts, harasses, threatens or intimidates you, contact the District Attorney's Victim Witness Unit for assistance at (215) 686-8027 or email [email protected].

What happens if you are charged with a misdemeanor?

If the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor he will be tried in Municipal Court.

What happens if you are placed in the A.R.D. program?

Defendants placed in the A.R.D. program must agree to a probationary sentence with conditions imposed by the judge such as restitution to the victim. If the defendant completes the sentence, any record is automatically expunged. If the defendant fails to complete the sentence, the case will go to trial.

What is a subpoena in court?

A subpoena is an order directing you to appear as a witness in court. You may not ignore such an order. You are required to appear at the time and place stated on the subpoena. You may receive your subpoena by mail or in person and at times, the subpoena will be updated by telephone.

What happens after arraignment?

After the arraignment, witnesses are notified by mail of the trial date. Trial: At the trial in Common Pleas Court, the Assistant District Attorney will present all the facts of the case to the judge and/or the jury. This will include testimony from the victim, witnesses and the police officers involved in the case.

What is the most serious crime?

Felony - the most serious grade of crime, generally having a maximum penalty of imprisonment for more than five years. Preliminary Hearing - a hearing to determine whether an individual charged with a felony shall be tried. The preliminary hearing determines whether there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial.

How long does it take to get a preliminary hearing?

Most preliminary hearings are held at the local Police District. The preliminary hearing is usually scheduled three to ten days after the defendant is arrested.

Who is the head of the Criminal Division?

The Criminal Law Division is headed by an Executive Deputy Attorney General (EDAG), who is the Director and has overall responsibility for ensuring that the functions of the Division are properly administered. The Criminal Division EDAG reports to the Attorney General and the First Deputy Attorney General. The Director of the Criminal Division is ...

Where do criminal referrals come from?

The majority of criminal referrals are received from the Department of Environmental Protection, however local district attorneys, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have also been a source of criminal referrals.

What is the Appeals and Legal Services Section?

Appeals and Legal Services Section is responsible for representing the Commonwealth in all criminal appeals that involve the OAG and for advocating the position of the Attorney General on important issues in cases prosecuted by the county district attorneys.

What is the Criminal Prosecutions Section?

The Criminal Prosecutions Section investigates and prosecutes a complete spectrum of crimes ranging from the simplest of misdemeanors, to complex corrupt organizations and conspiracies, to first degree murder cases wherein the death penalty is sought and sentenced.

What is the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control?

§780-113 et. seq.) and other related statutes. It exists as one of the largest agencies in the nation devoted exclusively to drug enforcement. Additionally, through the Municipal Drug Task Force Program, the OAG encourages joint participation and involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of drug traffickers and drug trafficking organizations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To support and encourage joint participation, funding is available to reimburse municipal law enforcement personnel for overtime with related benefits and authorized case expenses while assisting the OAG in designated task force investigations. Equipment and training related to drug enforcement are also available through the OAG or presented by qualified Bureau personnel. Funding for Municipal Drug Task Force operations is provided to municipalities under the Drug Control Assistance Program. Funds are also provided to District Attorney administered Task Forces.

What is the jurisdiction of the Attorney General?

The jurisdiction of the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute criminal cases is found in Sections 205 and 206 (respectively) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, 71 P.S. §§ 732-205, 206. The vast majority of cases investigated by the Criminal Prosecutions Section falls into three categories and under three provisions ...

What is the Drug Strike Force Section?

The Drug Strike Force Section is charged with providing onsite legal assistance and direction to Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control Agents as they jointly develop complex cases for prosecution against narcotics traffickers and their organizations throughout Pennsylvania and across state borders.