NACDL - NACDL's 24th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference (2025)

Welcome to the 24^th Annual Conference Webpage!

Here you will find the agenda, recordings of each panel, session materials, speaker biographies, and additional state legislative advocacy resources provided by NACDL.

Across sessions, participants gain access to resources designed to equip legal advocates, policymakers, and impacted communities to both navigate the system and transform it. Whether in the courtroom or statehouse, we are engaged in the deliberate work of building a justice system that truly serves the people.

It is our goal that this year’s conference provides participants with new tools and insights to strengthen their advocacy and drive progress in criminal legal reform within their respective jurisdictions.

Speaker Biographies Conference Materials
State Criminal Justice Network State Advocacy Resources

Thursday, October 9
12:00 – 1:05 pm ET / 9:00 – 10:05 am PT Watch the Recording	Opening & Welcome Andrew Birrell, President, NACDL, Lisa M. Wayne, Executive Director, NACDL & Tamara V. Lewis, J.D., Director of State Government Affairs, NACDL Trans Lives, Criminal Laws: Challenges Facing Trans People in the Criminal Legal System This panel examines the systemic challenges and criminalization confronting the transgender community. Nationwide, issues ranging from bathroom legislation and sports’ participation are systemic pitfalls that may lead to incarceration or further marginalization. Once incarcerated, they are often subjected to unsafe and degrading conditions of confinement, including a heightened risk of violence and isolation and barriers to appropriate health care. Drawing on the expertise of advocates, practitioners, and directly impacted voices, the discussion explores the intersection of trans identity and criminalization. Panelists analyze current legal frameworks and policy strategies, identify gaps in protection and accountability, and highlight emerging strategies to safeguard the dignity, health, and rights of trans individuals. The session seeks to equip participants with a deeper understanding of how structural inequities operate within carceral institutions and to present actionable approaches for advancing reform at the levels of policy, litigation, and advocacy. Moderator: Deborah Lolai, Clinical Instructor, LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and Lecturer-in-Law, Harvard Law School Panelists: Alana Jochum, State Policy Director, Advocates for Trans Equality Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Advocate, ACLU Whit Washington, Senior Attorney, Nonbinary & Transgender Rights Project, Lambda Legal
1:05 – 2:05 pm ET / 10:05 – 11:05 am PT Watch the Recording	Power, Policy, and Public Defense: Safeguarding Independence in State Defender Systems As public defense systems across the country face increasing scrutiny, budget constraints and systemic inequities, the question of independence has become more urgent than ever. This panel brings together leading voices in public defense, policy, and legal reform to explore the factors that shape the operation and effectiveness of state defender systems, and what can be done to protect their integrity. Panelists examine the structural threats to defender independence, while highlighting models of governance and policy that promote autonomy and accountability. The discussion illuminates how defenders can navigate complex landscapes while remaining steadfast in their mission to provide zealous, client-centered representation. Moderator: Bonnie Hoffman, Director of Public Defense, NACDL Panelists: Sharlyn Grace, Deputy Public Defender for Policy, Cook County Public Defender Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender of Philadelphia Pamela Metzger, Director, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center and Professor of Law
2:05 – 3:05 pm ET / 11:05 am – 12:05 pm PT Watch the Recording	Updates and Modernization in State Probation and Parole Systems Across the country, states are rethinking the role of probation and parole as practical opportunities to improve public safety, reduce incarceration, and support successful reentry. This panel explores how bipartisan efforts are leading to meaningful reforms and modernization in supervision systems and promoting evidence-based practices. Panelists highlight policy changes and innovations that have gained support from across the country. The conversation also examines how states are working to make supervision more proportionate, rehabilitative, and fiscally responsible, while maintaining accountability and public trust. Moderator: Premal Dharia, Executive Director, Institute to End Mass Incarceration Panelists: Kendra Bradner, Director, Probation and Parole Reform Project, The Justice Lab at Columbia University Dr. Cecelia Klingele, Director, University of Wisconsin School of Law Lauren Krisai, Executive Director, Justice Action Network Dr. Ebony Ruhland, Associate Professor, University of Rutgers-Newark School of Criminal Justice
3:05 – 4:05 pm ET / 12:05 – 1:05 pm PT Watch the Recording	The Last Loophole: Amending State Constitutions to Abolish Slavery & Involuntary Servitude More than 150 years after chattel slavery, a loophole still exists in many state constitutions: language that permits slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This panel examines the growing movement to confront and close this loophole by amending state constitutions to fully and unequivocally abolish slavery. This discussion explores the historical roots of the exception clause, its modern-day implications in prison labor and mass incarceration, and the legal and advocacy strategies being used to advance constitutional amendments at the state level. Moderator: Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney, The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman Panelists: Dennis Febo, Lead Organizer, Abolish Slavery National Network Max Parthas, National Campaign Coordinator, Abolish Slavery National Network

Thursday, October 9

12:00 – 1:05 pm ET / 9:00 – 10:05 am PT

Watch the Recording

Opening & Welcome

Andrew Birrell, President, NACDL, Lisa M. Wayne, Executive Director, NACDL & Tamara V. Lewis, J.D., Director of State Government Affairs, NACDL

Trans Lives, Criminal Laws: Challenges Facing Trans People in the Criminal Legal System

This panel examines the systemic challenges and criminalization confronting the transgender community. Nationwide, issues ranging from bathroom legislation and sports’ participation are systemic pitfalls that may lead to incarceration or further marginalization. Once incarcerated, they are often subjected to unsafe and degrading conditions of confinement, including a heightened risk of violence and isolation and barriers to appropriate health care.

Drawing on the expertise of advocates, practitioners, and directly impacted voices, the discussion explores the intersection of trans identity and criminalization. Panelists analyze current legal frameworks and policy strategies, identify gaps in protection and accountability, and highlight emerging strategies to safeguard the dignity, health, and rights of trans individuals.

The session seeks to equip participants with a deeper understanding of how structural inequities operate within carceral institutions and to present actionable approaches for advancing reform at the levels of policy, litigation, and advocacy.

Moderator: Deborah Lolai, Clinical Instructor, LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and Lecturer-in-Law, Harvard Law School

Panelists:

Alana Jochum, State Policy Director, Advocates for Trans Equality
Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Advocate, ACLU
Whit Washington, Senior Attorney, Nonbinary & Transgender Rights Project, Lambda Legal

1:05 – 2:05 pm ET / 10:05 – 11:05 am PT

Watch the Recording

Power, Policy, and Public Defense: Safeguarding Independence in State Defender Systems

As public defense systems across the country face increasing scrutiny, budget constraints and systemic inequities, the question of independence has become more urgent than ever. This panel brings together leading voices in public defense, policy, and legal reform to explore the factors that shape the operation and effectiveness of state defender systems, and what can be done to protect their integrity.

Panelists examine the structural threats to defender independence, while highlighting models of governance and policy that promote autonomy and accountability. The discussion illuminates how defenders can navigate complex landscapes while remaining steadfast in their mission to provide zealous, client-centered representation.

Moderator: Bonnie Hoffman, Director of Public Defense, NACDL

Panelists:

Sharlyn Grace, Deputy Public Defender for Policy, Cook County Public Defender
Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender of Philadelphia
Pamela Metzger, Director, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center and Professor of Law

2:05 – 3:05 pm ET / 11:05 am – 12:05 pm PT

Watch the Recording

Updates and Modernization in State Probation and Parole Systems

Across the country, states are rethinking the role of probation and parole as practical opportunities to improve public safety, reduce incarceration, and support successful reentry. This panel explores how bipartisan efforts are leading to meaningful reforms and modernization in supervision systems and promoting evidence-based practices.

Panelists highlight policy changes and innovations that have gained support from across the country. The conversation also examines how states are working to make supervision more proportionate, rehabilitative, and fiscally responsible, while maintaining accountability and public trust.

Moderator: Premal Dharia, Executive Director, Institute to End Mass Incarceration

Panelists:

Kendra Bradner, Director, Probation and Parole Reform Project, The Justice Lab at Columbia University
Dr. Cecelia Klingele, Director, University of Wisconsin School of Law
Lauren Krisai, Executive Director, Justice Action Network
Dr. Ebony Ruhland, Associate Professor, University of Rutgers-Newark School of Criminal Justice

3:05 – 4:05 pm ET / 12:05 – 1:05 pm PT

Watch the Recording

The Last Loophole: Amending State Constitutions to Abolish Slavery & Involuntary Servitude

More than 150 years after chattel slavery, a loophole still exists in many state constitutions: language that permits slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This panel examines the growing movement to confront and close this loophole by amending state constitutions to fully and unequivocally abolish slavery.

This discussion explores the historical roots of the exception clause, its modern-day implications in prison labor and mass incarceration, and the legal and advocacy strategies being used to advance constitutional amendments at the state level.

Moderator: Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney, The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman

Panelists:

Dennis Febo, Lead Organizer, Abolish Slavery National Network
Max Parthas, National Campaign Coordinator, Abolish Slavery National Network

Friday, October 10
12:00 – 1:05 pm ET / 9:00 – 10:05 am PT Watch the Recording	Presentation of the Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award Tamara V. Lewis, J.D., Director of State Government Affairs, NACDL & JoEllyn Jones, Practitioner in Residence at Seton Hall Law School and Co-Chair of the State Legislative Affairs Committee State Level Perspectives on Trial Penalties: The Price of a Trial In criminal courts across the country, the vast majority of cases never make it to trial. One major reason is the trial penalty – the significant difference between the sentence offered in a plea deal and the much harsher sentence that often follows a conviction at trial. This dynamic places immense pressure on individuals to waive their constitutional right to trial, even when they may have a viable defense or claims of innocence. This panel explores how the trial penalty plays out in state courts, where most criminal cases are handled. Panelists examine the legal and systemic factors that drive plea-driven outcomes, including prosecutorial leverage, mandatory minimums, and limited resources for defense. Attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how trial penalties impact fairness and justice at the state level, and what policy and practice changes could help protect the right to trial and ensure more equitable outcomes. Moderator: Nathan Psyno, Director of Economic Crime & Procedural Justice, NACDL Panelists: Deborah Del Prete Sullivan, Legal Counsel & Director, Connecticut Office of the Chief Public Defender Lucian Dervan, Founding Director, Plea Bargaining Institute Preston Shipp, Director of Advocacy and Policy, Fair and Just Prosecution
1:05 – 2:05 pm ET / 10:05 – 11:05 am PT Watch the Recording	Across the Aisle: A Blueprint for Bipartisan Wins In statehouses and communities across the country, lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders are finding common ground on key issues such as criminal justice reform. This panel highlights successful bipartisan initiatives and examine what made them work. Panelists share practical strategies for building trust across party lines, framing policy goals in ways that resonate with broad audiences, and navigating political and procedural challenges. The conversation focuses on how to identify shared values, maintain open communication, and move from agreement to action. Moderator: Kevin Ring, Vice President of Advocacy, Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures Panelists: Timothy Head, President & CEO, Unify.US Marc Levin, Chief Policy Counsel, Council on Criminal Justice Brianna Nuhfer, Chief Operating Officer, Americans for Public Safety Vikrant Reddy, Senior Fellow, Charles Koch Institute
2:05 – 3:05 pm ET / 11:05 am – 12:05 pm PT Watch the Recording	Confronting Surveillance Tech at the Local Level – Community Responses to State Repression Across the country, local law enforcement agencies are rapidly expanding their use of surveillance technologies such as license plate readers, facial recognition, predictive policing algorithms, and real-time crime centers, often with minimal public oversight. This panel explores the growing surveillance infrastructure in cities and towns, how these tools disproportionately impact marginalized communities, and the broader implications for civil liberties and racial justice. Panelists examine how surveillance technology is funded, deployed, and justified under the banner of public safety and how communities are organizing, legislating, and litigating in response. From grassroots campaigns to city council fights to data privacy legislation, this conversation highlights both the risks of unchecked surveillance and the power of local resistance. Attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the surveillance landscape at the local level, real-world examples of community-led advocacy, and concrete strategies for challenging harmful technologies in their own cities. Moderator: Jumana Musa, Director, NACDL Fourth Amendment Center Panelists: Selinda Guerrero, Human Rights Community Organizer and Activist, ShotSpotter Coalition Edith Romero, Eye on Surveillance Devren Washington, Organizing Director, People’s Tech Project Sarah Whittington, Advocacy Director, ACLU of Louisiana

Friday, October 10

12:00 – 1:05 pm ET / 9:00 – 10:05 am PT

Watch the Recording

Presentation of the Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award

Tamara V. Lewis, J.D., Director of State Government Affairs, NACDL & JoEllyn Jones, Practitioner in Residence at Seton Hall Law School and Co-Chair of the State Legislative Affairs Committee

State Level Perspectives on Trial Penalties: The Price of a Trial

In criminal courts across the country, the vast majority of cases never make it to trial. One major reason is the trial penalty – the significant difference between the sentence offered in a plea deal and the much harsher sentence that often follows a conviction at trial. This dynamic places immense pressure on individuals to waive their constitutional right to trial, even when they may have a viable defense or claims of innocence.

This panel explores how the trial penalty plays out in state courts, where most criminal cases are handled. Panelists examine the legal and systemic factors that drive plea-driven outcomes, including prosecutorial leverage, mandatory minimums, and limited resources for defense.

Attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how trial penalties impact fairness and justice at the state level, and what policy and practice changes could help protect the right to trial and ensure more equitable outcomes.

Moderator: Nathan Psyno, Director of Economic Crime & Procedural Justice, NACDL

Panelists:

Deborah Del Prete Sullivan, Legal Counsel & Director, Connecticut Office of the Chief Public Defender
Lucian Dervan, Founding Director, Plea Bargaining Institute
Preston Shipp, Director of Advocacy and Policy, Fair and Just Prosecution

1:05 – 2:05 pm ET / 10:05 – 11:05 am PT

Watch the Recording

Across the Aisle: A Blueprint for Bipartisan Wins

In statehouses and communities across the country, lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders are finding common ground on key issues such as criminal justice reform.

This panel highlights successful bipartisan initiatives and examine what made them work. Panelists share practical strategies for building trust across party lines, framing policy goals in ways that resonate with broad audiences, and navigating political and procedural challenges. The conversation focuses on how to identify shared values, maintain open communication, and move from agreement to action.

Moderator: Kevin Ring, Vice President of Advocacy, Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures

Panelists:

Timothy Head, President & CEO, Unify.US
Marc Levin, Chief Policy Counsel, Council on Criminal Justice
Brianna Nuhfer, Chief Operating Officer, Americans for Public Safety
Vikrant Reddy, Senior Fellow, Charles Koch Institute

2:05 – 3:05 pm ET / 11:05 am – 12:05 pm PT

Watch the Recording

Confronting Surveillance Tech at the Local Level – Community Responses to State Repression

Across the country, local law enforcement agencies are rapidly expanding their use of surveillance technologies such as license plate readers, facial recognition, predictive policing algorithms, and real-time crime centers, often with minimal public oversight. This panel explores the growing surveillance infrastructure in cities and towns, how these tools disproportionately impact marginalized communities, and the broader implications for civil liberties and racial justice.

Panelists examine how surveillance technology is funded, deployed, and justified under the banner of public safety and how communities are organizing, legislating, and litigating in response. From grassroots campaigns to city council fights to data privacy legislation, this conversation highlights both the risks of unchecked surveillance and the power of local resistance.

Attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the surveillance landscape at the local level, real-world examples of community-led advocacy, and concrete strategies for challenging harmful technologies in their own cities.

Moderator: Jumana Musa, Director, NACDL Fourth Amendment Center

Panelists:

Selinda Guerrero, Human Rights Community Organizer and Activist, ShotSpotter Coalition
Edith Romero, Eye on Surveillance
Devren Washington, Organizing Director, People’s Tech Project
Sarah Whittington, Advocacy Director, ACLU of Louisiana