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 justice system
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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 justice system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal justice system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal justice 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 issued a groundbreaking new report on restoring and reforming the grand jury system. This research reflects an in-depth study of grand jury reform in two states – New York and Colorado – and produces with four reform recommendations. [Released November 2011]
NACDL's work on pretrial advocacy in Colorado induding the publication of the Colorado Bail Manual. [Released September 2015]
Policies and rulings on lengthy imprisonment terms in Colorado.
In the instant case, the lack of a causal link between the defendant's actions and murder committed by third-party after defendant was already in police custody does not support felony murder conviction; causation must be an element of proof for felony murder because it restricts the reach of the felony murder rule to those cases where defendant's liability is consistent with established principles of criminal responsibility.
Public defense issues and developments in Colorado
Information on the policy and history of recording custodial interrogations in Colorado.
Colorado Restoration of Rights, Pardon, Expungement & Sealing
One of the most important factors in reducing unnecessary pretrial confinement is the presence of an effective and zealous attorney to advocate on behalf of the accused at the initial appearance and bail review hearing. The presence of a skilled advocate improves case outcomes and enhances the sense of fairness vital to a healthy criminal justice system.
Brief of Amici curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Colorado Criminal Defense Bar in Support of Petitioner.
Argument: Applying Crim. P. 16 in post-conviction proceedings ensures that post-conviction counsel can fully investigate the case and thereby render effective assistance of counsel. Applying Crim. P. 16 in post-conviction proceedings provides certainty, consistency, and efficiency.
Complaint in Colorado Criminal Defense Bar v. Hickenlooper*
Public defense issues and developments in Colorado