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.
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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 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 letter to Senator Michael Miller in support of legislation to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.
NACDL letter to Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley in support of legislation to repeal the death penalty.
NACDL letter to Maryland Senate and House of Delegate members in support of SB 276/HB 295, legislation to repeal the death penalty.
NACDL worked with partners to oppose legislation that would have curtailed the right to counsel in Maryland.
Letter to the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 839, a proposal to terminate the Public Defender representation of an indigent client immediately after bail review, unless the client remains in custody.
NACDL is providing resources regarding the Criminalization of Pregnancy and Reproductive Health to the criminal defense community. Resources are provided without warranty or guarantee. Please consult the laws and rules of your state and local authorities. Please log in to access them. Membership is NOT required.
Maryland laws and regulations are relevant to abortion are below. Note that Maryland does not have any pre-Roe abortion statutes that would permit prosecution of abortion care prior to viability. In addition, Maryland does not have any trigger laws sprang into effect once Roe was overruled. Maryland criminal law specifically excludes any claim of fetal personhood. See Md. Code Ann. Crim. Law § 2-103.
See the various issues on which NACDL has conducted criminal justice advocacy in Maryland.
NACDL supported legislation to end juvenile life without parole sentences in Maryland.
NACDL advocated for legislation to allow individuals with criminal convictions to serve on juries.
NACDL successfully advocated for legislation to restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions who are on probation or parole.
NACDL is supporting legislation to end the automatic charging of youth in adult criminal court.
In Part II of the discussion on Race and Collateral Consequences, we explore how the use of “moral character” clauses, like those used in state bar licensing, can prevent individuals with convictions from participating in the legal profession. We also discuss a range of restrictions to entrepreneurial ventures that people with criminal convictions face that range from limiting a person’s ability to access capital through loans to barring participation in the legal, regulated cannabis industry.
20th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually
Hear from state and national experts who will explore a range of strategies adopted to account for the devastating impacts of the war on drugs, highlighting the most effective modes of providing relief for individuals with prior cannabis convictions.
NACDL advocated for legislation to bolster the due process rights of youth in Maryland.
