NACDL State Advocacy Resources

NACDL is committed to serving as a  partner with our state affiliates, state advocacy groups and partner organizations to promote criminal justice reform at the state level. See the resources below to learn how NACDL can assist with preparing your membership for legislative relationship building, planning & executing legislative outreach events, advocacy day prep, online advocacy issue support and more! 

State Criminal Justice Network

Legislative Action Alerts: As an affiliate or partner organization, you have the opportunity to utilize NACDL's advocacy platform to disseminate legislative action alerts to prompt our network of advocates to contact their elected officials. See NACDL's Action Center for current legislative alerts. 

Grassroots Advocacy Training: Give your members the knowledge and tools to become vocal and effective advocates for criminal justice issues. Visit NACDL's Advocacy Resource Library for a host of information on how to engage with your elected officials. 

Issue Advocacy Strategy: NACDL can assist and provide input for your legislative battle plan. NACDL's involvement can be as visible or invisible as your organization desires.

Logistical Support for Advocacy Events: This can include lobby day preparation and execution and other community events.

State Legislative Tracking: NACDL tracks criminal justice issues congruent with NACDL's strategic goals. See NACDL's state bill map for active criminal justice legislation that NACDL is tracking. 

NACDL can also support your advocacy efforts by:

  • Submitting a letter of support or opposition on from NACDL;

  • Organizing a sign-on letter of other state and national criminal justice organizations;

  • Authoring op-eds or recruiting other organizations to submit op-eds; and

  • Assisting with legislative meeting coordination.


Please feel free to contact NACDL for any kind of advocacy question or need! Assistance can generally be in the form that will best serve your needs.

Featured Products

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/StayInformed/Champion/ChampionCovers/March-April-2025.jpg?ext=.jpg

    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
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/amicus.png

    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
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/newsrelease.png

    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
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Learn/nacdlcleinstitute/2025_Post-Dobbs_Trial_Tactics_2025-02-26_v02_Event-Listing_2.jpg?ext=.jpg

    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
    /assets/img/nacdl_og.png

    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