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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Today’s criminalization of voting rights focuses on citizens who have been convicted of felony offenses. Voting laws are constantly changing, and people are understandably confused. Criminalization should not occur when mens rea is lacking. Citizens with felony convictions do not lose their right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, or the right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. Why should they lose the right to vote?
People with past felony convictions have been prosecuted for registering to vote, casting ballots, or seeking to register while ineligible. It seems that the purpose of these prosecutions is to intimidate eligible voters with past felony convictions and keep them away from the ballot box. Democracy needs champions to defend people who acted in good faith but are being prosecuted for violating election laws. Voting rights restoration expert Blair Bowie offers tips that may help build a strong defense.
Should criminal defense attorneys consider electoral and political stability to be a criminal justice issue?
