Editing Philadelphia District Attorney

'''Philadelphia District Attorney''' is the elected prosecutor responsible for criminal prosecutions in Philadelphia County, leading one of the largest prosecutor's offices in the United States. The District Attorney's Office employs approximately 300 assistant district attorneys who prosecute crimes ranging from minor offenses to capital murder. The office's policies on charging, plea bargaining, and sentencing significantly influence the criminal justice system, making the DA one of Philadelphia's most powerful elected officials. Larry Krasner, elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, has pursued progressive prosecution policies that have generated both national attention and local controversy.<ref name="phillyda">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/districtattorney |title=District Attorney's Office |publisher=City of Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== Powers and Responsibilities ==

The District Attorney holds broad discretion over criminal prosecutions, deciding which charges to bring, what plea offers to make, and how aggressively to pursue convictions. This prosecutorial discretion shapes outcomes for thousands of defendants annually while influencing how police investigate crimes and how courts allocate resources. The DA's policies on issues like cash bail, drug prosecution, and juvenile justice have systemic effects extending far beyond individual cases.<ref name="phillyda"/>

The office prosecutes crimes occurring within Philadelphia County, from traffic offenses to homicides. Specialized units focus on particular crime types—homicide, sexual assault, economic crimes, public corruption—while trial divisions handle general prosecutions. The office also includes victim services, witness protection, and community engagement functions that extend beyond courtroom prosecution.<ref name="phillyda"/>

== Recent District Attorneys ==

'''Larry Krasner''' (2018-present) - A longtime civil rights attorney who had sued the police department dozens of times, Krasner won the 2017 Democratic primary with support from progressive organizations and donors. His policies have included declining to prosecute certain low-level offenses, reducing cash bail requests, and pursuing police accountability cases. Critics, including police unions and some prosecutors, argue his policies have contributed to rising crime; supporters contend he is addressing systemic injustices while maintaining public safety.<ref name="phillyda"/>

'''Seth Williams''' (2010-2017) - The first African American elected as Philadelphia District Attorney, Williams pursued aggressive prosecution while facing personal legal troubles that culminated in his 2017 conviction for bribery. His fall from office created the opening that Krasner filled, transforming the office's direction dramatically.<ref name="phillyda"/>

'''Lynne Abraham''' (1991-2010) - Known as "America's Deadliest DA" for her aggressive pursuit of death penalty cases, Abraham served nearly two decades and embodied traditional tough-on-crime prosecution. Her long tenure shaped a generation of Philadelphia prosecutors and established policies that Krasner's election explicitly repudiated.<ref name="phillyda"/>

== Progressive Prosecution ==

Krasner's election reflected a national movement toward progressive prosecution, which questions mass incarceration, racial disparities, and traditional tough-on-crime approaches. His policies have included declining to prosecute marijuana possession, reducing use of cash bail, and pursuing cases against police officers for misconduct. These changes have generated intense debate about the proper role of prosecutors and the relationship between prosecution policies and public safety.<ref name="phillyda"/>

Supporters argue progressive prosecution addresses systemic racism and over-incarceration while focusing resources on serious crimes. Critics contend that reducing prosecution of lower-level offenses contributes to disorder and emboldens criminals. Philadelphia's experience under Krasner has become a test case for progressive prosecution, studied by advocates and opponents nationally. Rising homicide rates during his tenure have intensified debate, though causation remains contested.<ref name="phillyda"/>

== Impeachment Attempt ==

The Pennsylvania General Assembly voted to impeach Krasner in 2022, with Republican legislators arguing his policies contributed to Philadelphia's crime problems. The state Senate, which would have conducted the trial, ultimately did not remove him from office. The impeachment attempt illustrated the political polarization around criminal justice reform and raised questions about state legislative interference with locally elected prosecutors. Krasner characterized the effort as politically motivated and continued in office.<ref name="phillyda"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Philadelphia Police Department]]
* [[Philadelphia Courts]]
* [[Criminal Justice Reform]]
* [[Larry Krasner]]
* [[Lynne Abraham]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia District Attorney - City Prosecutor
|description=The Philadelphia District Attorney leads one of the nation's largest prosecutor's offices, with broad discretion over criminal prosecutions affecting thousands of cases annually.
|keywords=Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, prosecutor, criminal justice, progressive prosecution, Philadelphia courts, DA office
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Government]]
[[Category:Criminal Justice]]
[[Category:Law Enforcement]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Officials]]