This training program will aid those working to defend persons accused of homicide in drug-related overdose deaths. Each section of the program focuses on a different aspect of these cases. CLE is not available for this program.

Coalition letter to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee regarding a proposal to repeal mandatory minimums and allow for more judicial discretion in sentencing for certain drug offenses, as outlined in SB 73 (2020).

Resources related to drug overdose homicide, including training materials to educate defenders on the legal, scientific, and cultural issues surrounding drug overdose homicide prosecutions. 

Coalition letter to members of the Senate regarding the federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses and the plan to eliminate them as addressed in the Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act (S. 79/H.R. 1693, 2021).

of Drug Offenses

When a criminal defense attorney sees a drug or drug-related charge alleged against a noncitizen client, the attorney should immediately think of immigration consequences. The main defense strategies for drug cases are as follows, in order of preference: (1) avoiding a drug conviction entirely through dismissal or negotiation; (2) if a drug conviction is unavoidable, avoid an aggravated felony; (3) plead to a substance that is not federally controlled; or (4) create a vague record of conviction as to the substance if the state law is overbroad.

Letter to Senate leadership regarding federal sentencing reform proposals that begin to address shortcomings and disparities. See the COVID-19 Safer Detention Act of 2021 (S. 312), the First Step Implementation Act of 2021 (S. 1014), the Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act of 2021 (S. 601), the EQUAL Act (S. 79), the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act (S. 2502), and the Driving for Opportunity Act (S. 998).

Example of an amended judgement and compassionate release grant. 

Amicus Brief filed by the Last Prisoner Project in the case of U.S. v. Scarmazzo urging the judge to grant compassionate release after he was sentenced to 21 years for operating a medical marijuna dispensary in California.

NACDL calls upon the federal and state governments to end the War on Drugs by declaring all drug use to be a health rather than a criminal problem and immediately repeal all laws criminalizing the possession, use and delivery of controlled substances. NACDL fights the discriminatory enforcement and disproportionate impact of drug laws on marginalized communities.

20^th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually

Hear from state and national experts who will explore a range of strategies adopted to account for the devastating impacts of the war on drugs, highlighting the most effective modes of providing relief for individuals with prior cannabis convictions.

Comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines.

Comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines.

Comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines.

Comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding proposed amendments to the sentencing guidelines.

NACDL President Jim Lavine's written statement to the U.S. Sentencing Commission regarding making permanent previous emergency amendments to the sentencing guidelines, and their applicability, related to the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.