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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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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers adopted Ethics Opinion 12-02
The question presented is whether it is ethical for a criminal defense lawyer to participate in a plea agreement that bars collateral attacks on convictions under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 in the absence of an express exclusion for claims based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and NACDL filed a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) seeking public records detailing the Department of Justice’s implementation of December 2022 memoranda establishing new policies for all federal prosecutors’ charging and sentencing practices.
Comments to the U.S. Courts Administrative Office on the consequences of allowing public access to electronic criminal case files.
NACDL President Chris Adams' letter to the New York state legislature regarding proposals to truly implement review of excessive sentences, suppression rulings, and streamlining the assignment of counsel in appeals as outlined in A5687/S1280, A5688/S1281, and A5689/S1279, respectively (2021).
Comments with FAMM to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco regarding U.S. Attorney offices requiring waiver of the right to seek compassionate release during plea negotiations.
"Plea Bargained vs. Open Pleas: What the Data Reveal," Westlaw Journal White Collar Crime, March 2017.
Brief of the Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner.
Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers As Amicus Curiae In Support of the Petition for Rehearing by the Panel or by the En Banc Court.
Brief Amici Curiae of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Federal Defenders in Support of Petitioner.
