This training program will aid those working to defend persons accused of homicide in drug-related overdose deaths. Each section of the program focuses on a different aspect of these cases. CLE is not available for this program.

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The judicial shift away from strict protection of Fourth Amendment rights has not been subtle, and the price for this diminution of rights has been severe.

An ongoing interactive webinar series regularly hosted by NACDL. Wednesdays at 2 pm ET / 11am PT. On this page, you can register for the series, volunteer as faculty, submit feedback, and watch past videos!

The presentation includes a brief PowerPoint presentation on topics from the Female Offender Manual. A panel discussion follows to address questions on the policy, medical treatment, special needs and challenges regarding the administration of female facilities. 

NACDL's Ethics Committee provides formal ethics advice on relevant issues as circumstances require. Current formal ethics opinions are available below.

The Resource Center Webinar & Video Library showcases many of the free webinars and information-packed training videos produced by NACDL on a wide variety of topics. This is only a small part of the training videos, resources manuals, and other products across all criminal defense practice areas that NACDL offers – visit the NACDL Store to find even more material to assist defense lawyers.

The First Step Act makes important changes to several federal drug and gun statutes. The Act reduces mandatory minimum enhancements for some drug defendants and also changes the definition of these enhancements.  It also modifies the existing federal safety valve, broadening its application to more drug defendants; changes the “stacking” penalty under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); and retroactively applies the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.

NACDLConnect provides opportunities to interact with other members, share knowledge and strategize together for the benefit of clients and the criminal defense profession. Members use NACDLConnect to refer cases to colleagues, request or share a brief, ask advice, or search the extensive history of member discussion, as well as  libraries containing hundreds of briefs, motions, and other documents that have been shared over the years.

Explore the recent amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines that took effect on November 1, 2023, in particular those that permit for a reduction in sentence. They will offer a comprehensive overview of the these amendments, the government’s latest position on them, and practice tips on making the most of them for your clients.

The government’s successful use of civil injunctions to halt the sale of fraudulent COVID-19 cures has put the Anti-Fraud Injunction Statute in the spotlight. The statute is a unique hybrid of civil and criminal law, and confusion exists as to the proper evidentiary standard. This confusion presents an opportunity for defense lawyers, but they must prepare themselves for the statute’s complexities and landmines.

That Is Part Judicial and Part Executive Yet All Vulnerable to Challenge

A dissent from the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in United States v. Donziger raised concerns with Fed. R. Crim. Proc. 42, which allows courts to appoint private attorneys as special prosecutors to handle criminal contempt cases. Andrew Boutros and Jay Schleppenbach discuss the constitutional separation of powers arguments that advocates can raise in defending against these prosecutions.

Although the rationale for impeaching with prior convictions is to shed light on an individual’s “propensity for truthfulness,” prior convictions have no connection to truthfulness or untruthfulness. Instead, this practice provides leverage for prosecutors because it deters vital witness testimony. How can defense attorneys push back against the practice of prior conviction impeachment right now?

When a witness gives an evasive answer, how can defense counsel put the witness back on track?

Michael Heiskell interviews a law school professor and former student who were part of a team that was instrumental in convincing the U.S. Army to overturn the 100-year-old convictions of 110 Black soldiers that stemmed from the Camp Logan riots.