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
Contact members of congress, sign petitions, and more
Help us continue our fight by donating to NFCJ
Help shape the future of the association
Join the dedicated and passionate team at NACDL
Increase brand exposure while building trust and credibility
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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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]
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.
New York State has been moving towards making access to abortions easier. In 2019, through the Reproductive Health Act (2019), the legislature removed all penalties from the New York State Penal Codes for abortion, and made access to abortion a fundamental right. See Reproductive Health Act (Below).
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, is advocating for second look sentencing reform in New York.
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, is advocating for reentry reforms and investment in reentry services.
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, successfully advocated for reforms to the parole system in New York.
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, is advocating for clean slate legislation in New York.
NACDL advocated for the passage of legislation to streamline the assignment of appellate counsel for indigent defendants appealing their convictions.
NACDL continues to work with a broad coalition of organizations to combat misinformation and pushback to key bail reforms enacted in New York.
NACDL worked with state partners in support of discovery reform in New York.
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, worked with state partners to successfully advocate for public access to law enforcement disciplinary records.
New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, advocated for reforms to the parole system in New York.
Resources for "Second Look = Second Chance: The Case for Reconsidering Lengthy & Other Extreme Sentences," a webinar that took place March 11th, 2021.
Recording of Legislating Freedom: The Importance of a Second Look, hosted by NACDL and The Sentencing Project during Second Chance Month 2022.
