Nation’s Defense Bar Reiterates Opposition to Actions Against Law Firms – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) remains deeply concerned over recent executive orders targeting law firms, most recently Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie, and repeats its call to uphold the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. Despite a ruling blocking the action against Perkins Coie, the administration has continued to target law firms representing disfavored clients and positions, threatening the right to a zealous defense.

NACDL Condemns Attack on Judge and Erosion of Due Process in Deportation of Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expresses grave concern regarding the recent deportation flights of Venezuelan individuals accused of gang membership without due process.

Charlotte, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer Missy Owen Honored by National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Washington, DC (March 5, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) presented the Champion of Justice Award to C. Melissa “Missy” Owen at their Midwinter Board Meeting in Charlotte, NC. Champion of Justice Awards are bestowed upon those individuals who have staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of individuals in the United States and have endeavored to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime.

Reno, NV Defense Lawyer John Arrascada Elected to Serve on the Board of Directors of Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar – Washington, DC (March 4, 2025) – Reno, NV Defense Lawyer John Arrascada was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) at the Association’s Midwinter Board Meeting in Charlotte, NC. He joins those who are currently serving their terms on the NACDL Board of Directors.

Criminal Defense Lawyer David Rudolf Honored by National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers  –  Washington, DC (Feb 28, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) presented its Champion of Justice Award to criminal defense lawyer David Rudolf at a reception hosted by NACDL’s Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) in Charlotte, NC. David Rudolf is one of the preeminent trial lawyers in the country, specializing in high-profile and complex criminal and civil rights cases.

Beth Blackwood Honored by National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Washington, DC (Feb 28, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) presented its Defender of Freedom Award to Beth Blackwood at a reception hosted by NACDL’s Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) in Charlotte, NC. Beth was honored for her work as Counsel and Director for the First Step Act Resource Center at NACDL from 2020-2024.

Nation’s Defense Bar Concerned Over Actions Against Covington & Burling, Citing Right to Counsel – Washington, DC (February 26, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expresses its deep concern regarding the recent actions taken against Covington & Burling, specifically the revocation of a partner's security clearance and the reported attempts to terminate the firm's federal contracts.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Opposes Removal of Federal Police Misconduct Database – Washington, DC (Feb 21, 2025) – The Justice Department has deleted the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database following an executive order from President Trump. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) calls on this Administration to reconsider this decision, which undoes a critical initiative to monitor federal police misconduct and prevent officers from concealing disciplinary records from new departments, thereby perpetuating abuses.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Presents Champion of Justice Award to Victor Sherman and Stanley Greenberg – Washington, DC (Feb 3, 2025) – Christopher Wellborn, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, awarded the organization’s Champion of Justice Award to Victor Sherman and Stanley Greenberg during the 2025 Advanced Criminal Law Seminar in Aspen, Colorado.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Condemns Passage of the Laken Riley Act – Washington, DC (Jan 22, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) condemns the passage of the Laken Riley Act, a law which subjects undocumented persons to mandatory, prolonged detention based on mere arrest for theft-related offenses, including shoplifting. Under the Laken Riley Act, there is no opportunity to release those who present no danger to the community nor timely opportunity to challenge wrongful arrests.

National Defense Bar Condemns Executive Order Removing Safe Housing, Healthcare, and Rape Protections for Trans Individuals Incarcerated in Federal Prisons – Washington, DC (Jan 22, 2025) –The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) strongly condemn the recent executive order directing federal prisons to house transgender women in men’s facilities.

NACDL Calls for Comprehensive Review of Unjust Convictions and Harsh Sentences in the Criminal Legal System – Washington, DC (Jan 20, 2025) – As President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order granting clemency to 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Lisa Wayne, Executive Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), issued the following statement.

NACDL President Chris Wellborn Celebrates President Biden's Clemency for Leonard Peltier –  Washington, DC (Jan 20, 2025) – In a momentous act of justice, President Joseph R. Biden granted clemency to Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old Indigenous activist, member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and boarding school survivor who has spent nearly five decades in federal prison.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Commends President Biden’s Latest Clemency and Pardon Actions – Washington, DC (Jan 19, 2025) – President Biden made a bold and commendable use of his executive power in the last hours of his presidency to pardon five individuals and commute the sentences of two individuals who have made significant contributions to improving their communities.

The Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Applauds President Biden’s Commutations for Individuals Serving Harsh Sentences for Drug Crimes – Washington, DC (Jan 17, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) commends President Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared with the sentences they would receive today under current law and policies.