Understanding Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP) in Philadelphia

While AMP isn’t available in every Pennsylvania county, it plays a major role in how minor criminal cases are resolved in Philadelphia Municipal Court. If you’ve received a summons or court notice for a misdemeanor, here’s how AMP works—and how a defense attorney can help you get the most out of it.

What Is the AMP Program in Philadelphia?

The Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP) is a diversion program run by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. It is designed to move low-level, non-violent cases quickly through the court system while offering eligible defendants a chance to resolve their charges without a conviction.

AMP has two tracks:

• AMP I – For summary and low-level misdemeanor offenses

• AMP II – For slightly more serious misdemeanor offenses that still qualify for diversion

In both tracks, the goal is to reduce court congestion and offer individuals an opportunity to complete conditions in exchange for dismissal or reduction of charges.

Who Is Eligible for AMP?

To qualify for AMP, you generally must:

• Be a first-time or low-level repeat offender

• Be charged with a non-violent misdemeanor, such as:

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Marijuana possession (under 30g)

  • Retail theft (minor shoplifting)

  • Trespassing

  • Simple possession of drugs

  • Criminal mischief or property damage

• Not have open warrants or serious prior convictions

• Be willing to comply with court-ordered conditions

Eligibility is determined by the District Attorney’s Office, but your criminal defense attorney can advocate for your acceptance into the program.

How Does AMP Work?

If accepted into AMP, you will:

1. Waive your right to a trial

2. Agree to fulfill specific conditions, such as:

   • Community service

   • Drug or alcohol treatment

   • Restitution (if there’s a victim)

   • Counseling or anger management

3. Return to court for a final review once your conditions are complete

If you meet all the requirements, the outcome may be:

• Charges withdrawn or dismissed (especially for AMP I)

• Conviction avoided

• Eligibility for expungement of the case from your record

If you fail to complete the conditions, the case proceeds through the normal court process—and the original charges can be reinstated.

What Are the Benefits of AMP?

✅ Avoids jail time
✅ No trial required
✅ Quicker resolution (often within 3–6 months)
✅ Charges may be dismissed or reduced
✅ Preserves eligibility for jobs, housing, and school
✅ Opportunity to expunge your record after completion

For many people, AMP is the fastest and most favorable way to resolve a minor criminal charge without long-term consequences.

Is AMP the Same as ARD?

No. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is used in Common Pleas Court for more serious misdemeanors and DUI cases. AMP is specific to Philadelphia Municipal Court and focuses on minor, summary, or low-level misdemeanor cases.

Both are diversion programs, but they serve different court systems and have different requirements.

Why You Still Need a Lawyer for AMP

Even if AMP is offered in your case, a criminal defense attorney can help:

• Ensure you’re eligible and advocate for your acceptance

• Negotiate favorable conditions

• Reduce unnecessary treatment or service hours

• Explain your rights and options before you waive trial

• File for expungement after you successfully complete the program

An attorney can also advise you if AMP is not your best option—in some cases, it may be better to fight the charges in court.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Philadelphia, AMP could be your chance to avoid conviction and clear your record. With over 30 years of experience defending clients in Municipal Court, Mark D. Hauser knows how to guide you through AMP and other diversion programs to achieve the best possible outcome.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.