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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NACDL's staff is committed to the association's mission and to serving the association's membership.
Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who – through legislative, journalistic, philanthropic, or humanitarian pursuits – have staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of individuals in the United States and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime.
Submit your nominations for 2024 Affiliate Representatives below. The nomination deadline is 5:00pm ET, Friday, April 5, 2024. Ballots will be distributed to each Affiliate organization on April 19, 2024. Ballots must be returned to, and received by NACDL by May 3, 2024.
NACDL's Fourth Amendment Center offers direct assistance to defense lawyers handling cases involving new surveillance tools, technologies and tactics that infringe on the constitutional rights of people in America. The Center is available to help members of the defense bar in bringing new Fourth Amendment challenges, providing a range of support: from training and resources to expert consultation and direct litigation, all free of charge.
The NACDL Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award recognizes an individual or group whose exceptional efforts have led toward progressive reform of a state criminal justice system.
NACDL's staff headquarters is located in Washington, DC and can be reached by phone at (202) 872-8600. Extensions for departments and individuals are listed in the Staff Directory. Current officers of the Association can be found in the Officers Directory. Current members of the Board of Directors can be found in the Board of Directors Directory.
The Champion of Public Defense Award recognizes an individual or group (lawyers and non-lawyers) for exceptional efforts in making positive changes to a local, county, state, or federal public defense system. Nominations are currently open for the 2023-24 award cycle.
NACDL's renowned journal, The Champion® magazine, offers timely, informative articles written for and by criminal defense lawyers, featuring the latest developments in search and seizure laws, DUI/DWI, grand jury proceedings, habeas, the exclusionary rule, death penalty, RICO, federal sentencing guidelines, forfeiture, white collar crime, and more. The Champion® is published ten times per year. The Champion® provides you with the opportunity to reach, communicate with, and influence over 14,000 readers.
Advertise with NACDL and Reach Thousands of Criminal Defense Lawyers!
NACDL is a member organization of legal professionals involved in criminal defense. This group of specialized lawyers offers your company or organization a unique marketing opportunity to reach over ten thousand potential new customers.
Align your organization with the nation's preeminent criminal defense organization, and you will have access to numerous benefits and opportunities.
NACDL presents its Judicial Recognition Award to acknowledge judges who demonstrate a continuing dedication to protecting democratic principles and the fundamental rights of individuals within American society.
The prestigious Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award is given annually to the one criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association and the legal profession. The award was established in 1981 to honor NACDL’s 18th President, the late Robert C. Heeney, of Rockville, MD.
In recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a lifetime of distinguished leadership and service on behalf of the law, NACDL has presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is currently accepting proposals from individuals to serve as an independent contractor for various projects related to NACDL's Capital Case Litigation Initiative (CCLI).
