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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20th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually
This session will focus on “Second Look Sentencing” reforms that seek to provide individuals with the opportunity for resentencing or a sentence reduction after they have served a certain amount of time in prison.
This panel highlights policing reforms adopted over the last year and what still needs to be done.
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Policing in America: Policing the Police
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Parole and Probation Reform
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually First Steps for State Sentencing Reform
NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually Lessons Learned: Combatting Misinformation Around Bail Reform- Case Study on the New York Bail Reform Pushback
Public defense issues and developments in New York.
The ‘trial penalty’ refers to the substantial difference between the sentence offered in a plea offer prior to trial versus the sentence a defendant receives after trial. This penalty is now so severe and pervasive that it has virtually eliminated the constitutional right to a trial. To avoid the penalty, accused persons must surrender many other fundamental rights which are essential to a fair justice system. [NYSACDL & NACDL] [Released March 2021]
NACDL issued a groundbreaking new report on restoring and reforming the grand jury system. This research reflects an in-depth study of grand jury reform in two states – New York and Colorado – and produces with four reform recommendations. [Released November 2011]
New York’s Clean Slate Act will help address the systemic barriers to jobs, housing and education posed by old conviction records. Under the current system, people who have successfully served their time are subjected to perpetual punishment long after their sentence is served. Doors that were once open – to jobs, a place to live, an education – can remain closed for a lifetime, and this impact reverberates across children, families, and whole communities, disproportionately impacting Black and brown New Yorkers and deepening already-existing inequalities in civic life.
NACDL is providing resources regarding the Criminalization of Pregnancy and Reproductive Health to the criminal defense community. Resources are provided without warranty or guarantee. Please consult the laws and rules of your state and local authorities. Please log in to access them. Membership is NOT required.
NACDL advocated for reentry reforms and investment in reentry services.
NACDL continues to work with state partners in support of discovery reform in New York.
NACDL continues to work to combat misinformation and pushback to key bail reforms enacted in New York.
NACDL supports legislative efforts to strengthen "good time" and "merit time" legislation in New York.