Bail Jumping

NACDL worked with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to reform Washington’s bail jumping statute.

In 2020, NACDL worked with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) to mobilize constituents to reach out to their lawmakers and urge them to support HB 2231, which addresses Washington’s harsh and indiscriminate felony bail jumping statute. HB 2231 establishes an affirmative defense to prosecution under the statute and makes violation of the statute a misdemeanor, rather than a felony. In response to a legislative action alert issued by NACDL, individuals shared powerful stories about their experience defending individuals coerced into guilty pleas in the face of felony charges for forgetting a court date, fearing losing their job, managing childcare responsibilities, or lacking access to transportation. HB 2231 was signed into law March 2020.

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RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
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    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
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    Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release
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    News Release ~ Law Enforcement Executive Order

    NACDL Warns Executive Order's Dangerous Overreach Undermines Community Safety and Trust in Police – Washington, DC (April 29, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed deep concern regarding the Executive Order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," cautioning that several of its proposals represent a dangerous overreach that undermines these goals by jeopardizing individual rights and the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community.

  4. Event
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    Trial Tactics for Pregnancy-Related Cases: Skills for Every Defender

    LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
    DATE: May 16-17, 2025
    COST: FREE (registration is required)
    CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits 

  5. Webinar
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    Collaborative Approaches to Appellate Defense: Recognizing Clients' Legal Expertise

    WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 3:00-4:30pm ET / 12:00-1:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free

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