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.
Showing 1 - 15 of 28 results
Presented by John Albanes, Legal Director of the Return to Freedom Project, NACDL; and Sarah Gersten, General Counsel and Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project
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.
20th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually
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.
NACDL welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s proposed rule on the status of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. NACDL urges the DEA to reconsider its proposed rule and issue a new rule to deschedule marijuana. Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III will not end federal marijuana arrests, even for possession and use, it will not release anyone from prison, and it will not expunge previous marijuana arrests from individuals’ criminal records. NACDL contends that rescheduling marijuana is simply not enough, and marijuana should be federally descheduled.
Unopposed Motion of American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Illinois, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for Leave to File a Brief as Amici Curiae in Support of Defendant-Appellant Prentiss Jackson and Reversal of the District Court’s Order
For those whose lengthy incarceration is driven by cannabis related offenses, the injustice is particularly striking. As the United States moves away from the criminalization of cannabis, giving rise to a major new industry, there remains the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and the attendant consequences of those convictions.
Learn more and find resurces for your cannabis case-related issues here.
Amended Motion (Nov. 19, 2020)
Order (July 28, 2021)
Order Granting Compassionate Release
Motion (April 23, 2021)
Response (may 21, 2021)
Reply (June 3, 2021)
Order (June 23, 2021)
Opinion and Order
Motion for Compassionate Release (May 15, 2021)
Order Granting Motion to Reduce Sentence (June 7, 2021)
Amicus Brief
The Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition, of which NACDL is a member, is advocating for the passage of legislation to legalize cannabis in Delaware.
NACDL worked with the Yes We Cannabis RI coalition to successfully advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Rhode Island.
Written Testimony of Monica L. Reid, Senior Director of Advocacy, on behalf of NACDL to the Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee in Support of HB 371, which would legalize the use and possession of small amounts of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Submitted on May 3, 2022.
