DA Krasner Reminds Public That Mediation for Certain Criminal Matters Continues Despite Pandemic
CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, 215–686–8713, Dustin.Slaughter@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 25, 2021) — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner today reminded the public that the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Private Criminal Complaint Unit (PCCU) continues to assist residents with resolving certain interpersonal crimes, often through court mediation instead of criminal charges, during the COVID-19 public health emergency. When mediation fails, the criminal matter proceeds to Municipal Court.
“Our Private Criminal Complaint Unit stands ready to assist residents with certain misdemeanor matters when the crime that occurred happened outside the presence of a police officer and the accused is known to the complainant,” said DA Krasner. “I’m grateful to PCCU Supervisor Assistant District Attorney Jim Dellafiora and his team for their work in helping aggrieved residents achieve justice through avenues that don’t always involve criminal charges. Achieving justice and accountability through dialogue and agreed-upon terms is a win-win for the victim, the accused, and our Commonwealth.”
“Our PCCU team, comprised of highly capable and experienced paralegals, police officers, and other support staff, has for decades assisted residents in resolving interpersonal disputes through mediation that would otherwise result in criminal charges for the accused,” said ADA Jim Dellafiora. “In January of last year, for example, employees in a Center City bar faced harassment by a frequent patron for several months. The final straw occurred when the patron spat on the face of one of the employees. That employee applied for and received a Private Criminal Complaint. Court mediation ensued between the parties and a stay away order was lodged against the accused. My team is ready to listen to complainants and help them achieve similar just outcomes while holding accountable those who do harm.”
The unit can be reached at their 24/7 hotline, 215–686–9848 or DA_pcc@phila.gov. Learn more about the Private Criminal Complaint process, including how to apply, here.
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.
