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.
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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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Featuring Wade Banium, Bail Division Chief, and Sarah Wood, General Counsel, Harris County Public Defender’s Office. Discussion moderated by Bonnie Hoffman, Senior Director of Public Defense, NACDL
Despite the evidentiary support for counsel at first appearance (CAFA), not all local officials are persuaded of its benefits. Trisha Trigilio summarizes wisdom from defenders who have implemented boundary-pushing CAFA and early representation programs without a statewide mandate or court order.
David v. Missouri 20AC-CC00093 (Cole County, MO)
Holding “the State fails in its obligation to provide counsel when it fails to provide counsel . . . within . . . [a] two week period, as such a failure falls below the minimal obligation placed upon the State to appoint counsel within a reasonable time after attachment.” The Court found delays of assigning counsel of more than 2 weeks violated the Missouri Constitution’s right to counsel.
NACDL is working with coalition partners in Virginia to ensure access to counsel at first appearance.
Below are links to social media graphics and accompanying language regarding the importance of ensuring counsel at first appearance.
Sample social media language to accompany CAFA (counsel at first appearance) graphics.
Coalition letter to the chairs of the Virginia State Crime Commission regarding the need to implement statewide counsel at first appearance and support public defense systems to ensure its effectiveness.
NACDL letter to the Virginia State Crime Commission regarding the need to implement statewide counsel at first appearance and support public defense systems to ensure its effectiveness.
