Renewed War on Drugs, harsher charging policies, stepped-up criminalization of immigrants — in the current climate, joining the NACDL is more important than ever. Members of NACDL help to support the only national organization working at all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the defense bar is heard.
Take a stand for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system
Contact members of congress, sign petitions, and more
Help us continue our fight by donating to NFCJ
Help shape the future of the association
Join the dedicated and passionate team at NACDL
Increase brand exposure while building trust and credibility
NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights.
NACDL harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
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"Defending Mayhem: Murder, Malice, and Crimes of Violence"
LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott City Center DATES: July 9-12, 2025
"THE SCIENCE OF THE MIND: Decoding & Litigating Mental Health in Criminal Cases" LOCATION: Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel, Nashville, TN DATES: October 30-November 2, 2024
NACDL adopted the current investment policy in 2010.
These committees will be meeting in conjunction with 2024 NACDL Fall Board of Directors Meeting
The ‘trial penalty’ is the substantial difference between the sentence offered in a plea offer prior to trial versus the sentence a defendant receives after trial. This penalty has become so severe and entrenched that virtually eliminates the constitutional right to a trial. Our speakers discuss how “pleading out” contributes to an unjust system, creates a class of people restricted from participating in society, and how to combat it to save the right to a trial.
Incoming NACDL President MartÃn Sabelli (San Francisco, CA), Debevoise & Plimpton partner Judge John Gleeson (ret.), JaneAnne Murray (Director of the NACDL Trial Penalty Clemency Project and University of Minnesota School of Law Associate Clincal Professor of Law), Mudasar Khan (NACDL Trial Penalty Clemency Project volunteer attorney), and Steven Logan (Manager of NACDL's Return to Freedom Project) give an overview of the trial penalty and provide an introduction to the Trial Penalty Clemency Project.
Iris Eytan, Dru Nielsen, and special guest moderator MartÃn Sabelli discuss a recent jury trial in Colorado where they had to navigate the new litigation circumstances in this COVID-19 era and all of the challenges that poses for defense lawyers and the individuals facing charges and trials in courtrooms across the country.
Criminal defense lawyers stand as a bulwark against the forces that would seek to erase the rights and humanity of people accused of committing a crime. Standing as a fortress takes incredible courage, but the fearlessness of defense advocates is nothing new. History is filled with examples of defenders who risked their careers, reputations, and personal safety to stand up for their clients.
In additional to an Annual Election, from time to time, the NACDL Board of Directors fills officer and director vacancies through a special elections. Then a special election is called by the Board of Directors, that information will be posted here.
NACDL Past Presidents
The Board of Directors oversees the business and affairs of the organization and sets organization policy. It includes 35 elected directors, four Affiliate Representatives, the officers of the association, and an appointed parliamentarian.
NACDL's Executive Committee comprises the association's seven officers (President, President Elect, First and Second Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, and Immediate Past President); three Board Representatives; and an appointed Parliamentarian.
The affairs of the Foundation are managed by the Board of Trustees.
Voir Dire: Part I presented by MartÃn Sabelli, Law Offices of Martin A. Sabelli, San Francisco, CA
Race Matters I: The Impact of Race on Criminal Justice September 14-15, 2017 | Detroit, MI
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize and remember Neal R. Sonnett.
