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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Brief of Amici Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, New York State Defenders Association, Immigrant Defense Project, Regional Immigration Assistance Center 1–Western NY, Regional Immigration Assistance Center 2–Central NY, Regional Immigration Assistance Center 3–Northern NY, Regional Immigration Assistance Center 4–Hudson Valley, Regional Immigration Assistance Center 5–Nyc, New York County Defender Services, the Legal Aid Society, and Brooklyn Defender Services in Support of Defendant-Appellant Marco Martinez and in Support of Reversing the Decision of the County Court
New York State has been moving towards making access to abortions easier. In 2019, through the Reproductive Health Act (2019), the legislature removed all penalties from the New York State Penal Codes for abortion, and made access to abortion a fundamental right. See Reproductive Health Act (Below).
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.
22nd Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 16-17, 2023 | Held Virtually
Despite assurances that, “[I]n our society, liberty is the norm, and detention prior to trial…the carefully limited exception,” over 75 percent of those detained in local jails have not been convicted of a crime.
20th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually
This session will focus on “Second Look Sentencing” reforms that seek to provide individuals with the opportunity for resentencing or a sentence reduction after they have served a certain amount of time in prison.
This panel highlights policing reforms adopted over the last year and what still needs to be done.
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Policing in America: Policing the Police
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Parole and Probation Reform
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually First Steps for State Sentencing Reform
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Lessons Learned: Combatting Misinformation Around Bail Reform- Case Study on the New York Bail Reform Pushback
Public defense issues and developments in New York.
The ‘trial penalty’ refers to the substantial difference between the sentence offered in a plea offer prior to trial versus the sentence a defendant receives after trial. This penalty is now so severe and pervasive that it has virtually eliminated the constitutional right to a trial. To avoid the penalty, accused persons must surrender many other fundamental rights which are essential to a fair justice system. [NYSACDL & NACDL] [Released March 2021]
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]
New York’s Clean Slate Act will help address the systemic barriers to jobs, housing and education posed by old conviction records. Under the current system, people who have successfully served their time are subjected to perpetual punishment long after their sentence is served. Doors that were once open – to jobs, a place to live, an education – can remain closed for a lifetime, and this impact reverberates across children, families, and whole communities, disproportionately impacting Black and brown New Yorkers and deepening already-existing inequalities in civic life.
NACDL advocated for reentry reforms and investment in reentry services.