What is the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program – Tier 2?

Pennsylvania lawmakers and judicial administrators have continued to develop options such as alternative sentencing, accelerated disposition, and various rehabilitation programs for non-violent criminal offenders. Prosecutors often find that lower-level offenders may benefit from treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy instead of the traditional process of punishments and penalties.

These types of initiatives may lead to a host of benefits. Rehabilitation has shown to reduce recidivism among certain categories of offenders. These programs also can significantly reduce costs. Many of these programs also have long-term benefits for offenders. Those who complete certain requirements are often able to have their criminal record expunged. This helps to reduce potential barriers to employment, access to housing, and other issues that hinder those with a criminal record.

Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP)

The AMP program was implemented in Philadelphia to offer non-violent criminal offenders a “second chance.” The program is split into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories, which is based on the nature of the offense and the offender's prior history of criminal activity. Some of the most common offenses that are diverted to AMP involve drug abuse or possession, theft, and prostitution.

AMP Tier 2

To qualify for AMP Tier 2, the offense committed must be a non-violent misdemeanor level offense. Those with more serious felony charges are ineligible for AMP. Unlike Tier 1, some candidates with a prior criminal conviction may be eligible for Tier 2. The District Attorney analyzes and determines who is a suitable candidate for both Tiers of AMP.

Disposition of Criminal Cases in Tier 2

These cases may result in the offender entering a guilty plea where the matter is resolved with a Negotiated Stipulated Trial. Another disposition involves being admitted to a Section 17 or Section 18 program without pleading guilty to the charge(s).

Defendants may be required to perform between 24 and 36 hours of community service or complete a treatment program for substance abuse. This decision is made by the District Attorney's Office in conjunction with the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation.

The Court has partnered with more than 100 organizations that offer opportunities for community service. The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department is among the largest of those participating.

All participants are required to pay court costs. The length of time for completion of the Tier 2 program varies based on the circumstances. Probation is generally not imposed in AMP cases. Those admitted to the Section 17 or 18 programs are eligible for having their criminal record expunged in many cases. Participants with cases that result in a Negotiated Stipulated Trial are ineligible for the immediate expungement.

Violating the Provisions of AMP

Participants who do not comply with the conditions are removed from AMP. These individuals will resume the criminal court process for the charges. Some of the common violations that occur include the following:

  • Failing to complete the community service requirements promptly
  • Non-compliance with the rules of a treatment program
  • Failing a test that screens for drug and/or alcohol usage
  • Being arrested for a subsequent criminal offense

Experienced Legal Representation for Criminal Cases in Philadelphia

LLF Law Firm's Criminal Law Team has been aggressively representing clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in the Pennsylvania courts for many years. They will review the details of your case and create a plan for achieving a positive outcome. For a complimentary case evaluation, contact the office at 888-535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu