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.
Showing 1 - 15 of 508 results
"Pa.'s first-ever investment in public defense allowed offices to hire attorneys, improve case management," by Danielle Ohl, Spotlight PA, April 01, 2026
"San Francisco Must Protect Public Defense: Commentary," by Pamela Metzger, Lori James, and Lisa M. Wayne, Davis Vanguard, March 24, 2026
"‘Our attorneys are drowning’: Public defender’s office disappointed after court personnel bill dies," by Sarah Lehr, Wisconsin Public Radio, March 23, 2026
"Out of funds, Maine’s public defense agency can no longer pay contracted lawyers," by Eesha Pendharkar, Maine Morning Star, March 11, 2026
"US judiciary approves new public defender office focused on US Supreme Court advocacy," by Nate Raymond, Reuters, March 10, 2026
"San Francisco Public Defender Found in Contempt After Refusing New Cases," by Ayah Ali-Ahmad, KQED, March 10, 2026
"Booker, Durbin Reintroduce Legislation Aimed at Increasing Membership within the U.S. Sentencing Commission," Office of Senator Cory Booker, March 18, 2026
"New WA caseload standards cast doubt on future of public defense," Shauna Sowersby, The Spokesman-Review, February 04, 2026
"Wisconsin's shortage of public defenders means felony cases take longer to resolve," Margaret Schreiner, Wisconsin Watch, September 08, 2025
"Oregon must dismiss more than 1,400 criminal cases due to attorney shortage, court rules," Sam Levin, The Guardian, February 05, 2026
"In Focus: Wisconsin faces a public defender shortage, leaving thousands waiting months for defense," Ryan Burk, Spectrum News, October 12, 2025
"Federal defendants in Sacramento walked free. The reason: No paid lawyers," by Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, December 29, 2025
"Funding crisis and shutdown hit Sacramento court-appointed lawyers and defendants," by Nazy Javid, ABC 10 News (Sacramento), November 18, 2025
"New Mexico lawyers stop accepting new court-appointed defense work over funding shortfall," by Nate Raymond, Reuters, November 05, 2025
"Federal defense lawyers ‘face financial ruin’ after months without pay, memo says," by Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, November 12, 2025
