Statement by Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar on Texas Attorney General’s Response to Court Order Allowing Emergency Abortion – Washington, DC (Dec. 7, 2023) – In response to a Travis County, Texas, judge’s emergency order allowing a pregnant woman to receive an abortion due to fatal fetal abnormalities and a high risk of life-threatening complications, Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted a letter and issued a statement defying the court’s decision by threatening prosecution of anyone involved in the abortion.

Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Mourns the Loss of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor – Washington, DC (Dec. 1, 2023) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) mourns the loss of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor – the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court who was known as an independent jurist and the most powerful woman in America due to her decisive votes on issues including affirmative action, sex discrimination, and voting rights – who passed away in Phoenix at the age of 93 on December 1, 2023.

Chicago, IL Attorney Todd S. Pugh Sworn In as Treasurer of Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Oct. 24, 2023) – Todd S. Pugh was sworn in to serve as Treasurer of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the Association's Fall Meeting in Washington, DC. Mr. Pugh is the managing partner of the criminal defense firm of Breen & Pugh in Chicago. His firm focuses on defending all types of federal and state criminal cases, professional responsibility defense, and selective civil matters. 

Two Elected to Serve on the Board of Directors of Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Oct. 24, 2023) – Two individuals were elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the Association’s Fall Board Meeting in Washington, DC. The Board Members below join those who are currently serving their terms on the NACDL Board of Directors.

Nevada Federal Public Defender Rene L. Valladares Honored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Washington, DC (Oct. 23) – Attorney Rene L. Valladares, Federal Public Defender for the District of Nevada, was presented the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Legal Education Award at the association’s 2023 Redemption Gala.

Attorney and Racial Justice Activist Jeffery Robinson Honored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Washington, DC (Oct. 23) – Attorney and Racial Justice Activist Jeffery Robinson was presented the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Legal Award at the association’s 2023 Redemption Gala.

Last Prisoner Project Receives Champion of Justice Award from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Oct. 23, 2023) – Last Prisoner Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to cannabis and criminal legal reform, was awarded the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Rights Restoration Award at the 2023 NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) Redemption Gala in Washington, DC. Accepting the award for LPP were Sarah Gersten, Executive Director and General Counsel and Donte West, Advocacy Associate. Their full acceptance speeches appear below. 

NACDL Report Demonstrates Impact of Tracking Police Misconduct and Urges Every Defender to Join The Movement – Full Disclosure Project Report Marks Fifth Anniversary of the Police Killing of Anton Black – Washington, DC (Sept. 15) – A new National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) report demonstrates how defenders have transformed the legal system by tracking and exposing newly available police misconduct data. 

NACDL Partnering with Community Groups to Offer Marylanders Free Advice on How to Clear Criminal Records – Washington, DC (Sept. 6) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is partnering with Maryland organizations to offer free advice and resources on how to expunge, clear, or seal eligible criminal records. 

NACDL Applauds U.S. Sentencing Commission Vote on Retroactive Reduction for Many Incarcerated Individuals – Washington, DC, (Aug. 25, 2023) – The nation’s criminal defense bar applauds the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s August 24 vote to make retroactive the recent amendments to sentencing guidelines that permit targeted, evidence-based sentence reductions. As a result, beginning on February 1, 2024, courts can begin resentencing certain currently incarcerated individuals who could be eligible for reduced sentences.

Anthony Powers Receives the 2023 Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award From Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Aug. 17, 2023) – Anthony Powers, Reentry Program Director for the Seattle Clemency Project, was presented with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ (NACDL) Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award at NACDL's 22nd Annual State Criminal Justice Network (SCJN) Conference. The award recognizes an individual or group whose tremendous efforts have led toward progressive reform of a state criminal legal system. 

Desmond Meade Receives Champion of Justice Rights Restoration Award from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Aug. 14, 2023) – Voting rights activist and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) Desmond Meade was awarded the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Rights Restoration Award at the Association’s Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Alexandria, VA Attorney and NACDL Past President Nina Ginsberg Receives Prestigious 2023 Heeney Award from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Aug. 11, 2023) – Alexandria, VA attorney and NACDL Past President Nina Ginsberg received the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the Association's annual meeting. The Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award is given annually to the criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association and the legal profession.

The Hon. Milton Hirsch Receives the Judicial Recognition Award from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Aug. 8, 2023) – Judge Milton Hirsch of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida received the Judicial Recognition Award at NACDL’s board meeting in Chicago on August 5. 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.

2023-24 Officers and Newly-Elected and Re-Elected Members of the NACDL Board of Directors Installed at Annual Meeting – Washington, DC (Aug. 7, 2023) – NACDL installed newly-elected officers and directors at its Annual Board and Membership Meeting on August 5.

Noted Fort Worth Attorney Michael Heiskell Installed as President of Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (Aug.  7, 2023) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) swore in noted Fort Worth, Texas Attorney Michael “Mike” Heiskell as its 65th President at the Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.

Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Presents Champion of Justice Award to Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin L. Crump  – Washington, DC (Aug. 4, 2023) – Benjamin L. Crump was awarded the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Civic & Humanitarian Award during the Association’s Annual Meeting in Chicago on August 4.

NACDL Executive Director Lisa Monet Wayne Bestowed Colorado Criminal Defense Bar’s Lifetime Achievement Award – Denver, CO (May 12, 2023) – Lisa Monet Wayne, Executive Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), received the Alvin D. Lichtenstein Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (CCDB) at a ceremony at the University of Denver on May 12.

James Willis Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Nation’s Defense Bar – Washington, DC (May 11, 2023) – Criminal defense attorney and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Past President (1974-75) James R. Willis was awarded the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award on May 11 by NACDL President Nellie King during the Association’s 6th Annual Race Matters Seminar in Cincinatti, OH. NACDL’s Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented in recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a lifetime of distinguished leadership and service on behalf of the law.

Nation’s Defense Bar Decries Louisiana Bill to Create a Crime of Approaching Within 25 Feet of an On-Duty Law Enforcement Officer – Washington, DC (May 4, 2023) – Approaching a police officer on duty who orders otherwise or simply being within 25 feet of them could become a misdemeanor in Louisiana, punishable by a $500 fine or a jail term of up to 60 days, under legislation moving through the Louisiana House.

Broad Coalition Launches to Restore the Constitutional Right to Trial – Twenty-four national organizations, impacted people, community leaders, organizers, and legal reform leaders created the End the Trial Penalty Coalition to end the coercive elements of plea bargaining to restore fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to a jury trial.

NACDL Commends President Biden’s Commutations, Calls for Further Action – Washington, DC (April 28, 2023) – On April 28, President Biden commuted the sentences of 31 individuals convicted of drug offenses, including several for marijuana distribution, announcing the reprieve as part of a broader effort to help those who have completed federal sentences reenter society. The commutations leave their convictions in place but reduce or excuse any remaining sentences. 

NACDL President Calls Out Florida Prosecutor’s Office Memo on Seeking Tougher Penalties for Hispanic People as Racist and Unlawful – Washington, DC (April 23, 2023) – In the wake of Florida news reports about a policy statement in the Jefferson County State Attorney’s Office directing prosecutors to seek tougher penalties for “Hispanic” people who don’t hold a driver’s license, the nation’s criminal defense bar condemned the memo as racist and unlawful.

NACDL Remembers Past President Gerald S. Gold – Washington, DC (April 11, 2023) – Cleveland, Ohio attorney, member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and Past President (1977-1978) Gerald S. Gold passed away on April 3, 2023 at the age of 92. Gold was a passionate and active member of NACDL, especially during his tenure as President. His dedication to criminal defense and the mission of NACDL will be sorely missed.

Nation's Defense Bar Urges Caution in Wake of New York Indictment of Former President Trump – Washington, DC (March 30, 2023) – The Nation's Defense Bar urges caution in the wake of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment of former President Donald J. Trump over a combination of alleged violations of state law regarding the reporting of business records and federal law regarding the reporting of campaign finances.

National Criminal Defense Bar Partners with Community Groups to Offer Marylanders Free Advice on How to Clear Criminal Records – Washington, DC (March 10, 2023) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is partnering with Maryland organizations to offer free advice and resources on how to expunge, clear, or seal eligible criminal records.

Statement from Public Defense Advocates Calling for Commitment to the Right to Counsel in Guam and Across All US States and Territories – Washington, DC (March 8, 2023) – We are on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Gideon v. Wainwright – a reminder that a government that seeks to arrest, prosecute, and jail its citizens has a constitutional imperative to provide a defense counterpart to bring balance to the system and prevent miscarriages of justice.

Judge J. Thomas Marten Receives the  Judicial Recognition Award  from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar –  Washington, DC (March 6, 2023) – Retired Federal District Court Judge J. Thomas Marten of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas received the Judicial Recognition Award at NACDL’s board meeting in New Orleans on March 4, 2023. 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.

Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Presents  Champion of Justice Award to Milwaukee, WI Attorney Deja Vishny – Washington, DC (March 6, 2023) – Deja Vishny was awarded the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Champion of Justice Award during NACDL’s Midwinter Meeting in New Orleans on March 4. 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 American citizens and have endeavored to ensure justice and...

Baton Rouge, LA Attorney James Boren Presented with NACDL’s Champion of Justice Award –Washington, DC (March 2, 2023) – NACDL presented criminal defense legend James “Jim” Boren with the Champion of Justice Award at the Association’s 2023 Midwinter Meeting. 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 American citizens and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime.

Nation’s Defense Bar and LACDL Commemorate Billy Sothern at ‘Justice and Jazz’ Reception in New Orleans – New Orleans, LA (March 2, 2023) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), joined by the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (LACDL), posthumously honored Billy Sothern during “Justice and Jazz in the Quarter,” a charitable fundraiser at the historic Toulouse Theatre in New Orleans’ French Quarter on March 2, 2023. 

New Plea Bargain Task Force Report Highlights the Trial Penalty, Calls for Transparency – Washington, DC (Feb. 22, 2023) – NACDL applauds the release of a new report from the Plea Bargaining Task Force, a group convened by the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association.* The task force closely examines the role of plea bargaining in our criminal legal system and provides policy recommendations and goals for changes in the way plea bargaining operates.

On the 50 Year Anniversary of the Mass Incarceration Era, NACDL calls for Reflection and Reform – Washington, DC (Feb. 8, 2023) – In 2023, NACDL and advocates across the country are commemorating 50 years of America’s unjust, discriminatory, and ineffective policy of mass incarceration. Over five million people are under supervision by the criminal legal system. Nearly two million people, disproportionately Black, are living in jails and prisons  instead of their communities, a 500% increase since 1973.

Statement from the Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar on the Killing of Tyre Nichols – Washington DC (Jan. 28, 2023) – In the wake of the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols at the hand of the Memphis police, NACDL leaders issued the following statements.

"Slavery by Another Name": Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Decries Louisiana’s Prisons, Which Force Individuals to Work at Hard Labor Past Their Release Dates – Washington, DC (Jan. 27, 2023) – The Justice Department recently released a blistering report on its investigation into the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) and their practice of violating the due process rights of incarcerated individuals sentenced to hard labor by overdetaining them for months beyond their scheduled release dates.