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
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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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"Defending the White Collar Case: In & Out of Court" LOCATION: Washington Marriott Georgetown, Washington, DC DATES: September 17-20, 2025
"Defending Mayhem: Murder, Malice, and Crimes of Violence"
LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott City Center DATES: July 9-12, 2025
The Amicus Curiae Committee provides amicus assistance on the federal and state level in those cases that present issues of importance to criminal defendants, criminal defense lawyers, and/or the criminal justice system as a whole. It operates according to these program protocols, mission statement, and roster.
NACDL conducts elections annually. In 2025, NACDL will elect 13 directors as well as a President Elect, First and Second Vice Presidents, and Secretary.
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution Engaging with an External Audit Firm
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to amend the FY25 Budget.
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.
NACDL's membership met on July 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.
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NACDL's Board of Directors met in Nashville, TN on November 2, 2024, for its Fall Meeting.
NACDL's bylaws are the foundational governing documents of the association.
On March 1, 2025, at its 2025 midwinter Meeting, the NACDL membership vited to adopt the following amendment to the NACDL's bylaws. The amendments were proposed by the Board of Directors at its July 27, 2024 meeting in Seattle, WA. The amendments change articles IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII.
On February 15, 2020, at its 2020 Midwinter Meeting, the NACDL membership voted to adopt the following amendments to NACDL's bylaws. The amendments were proposed by the Board of Directors at its August 3, 2019 meeting in Philadelphia. The amendments change articles V, VI, VII, VIII, and XI.
On August 5, 2023, at its 2023 Annual Meeting, the NACDL membership voted to adopt the following amendments to NACDL's bylaws. The amendments were proposed by the Board of Directors at its March 4, 2023 meeting in New Orleans. The amendments change articles II, III, V, and VII.
