News Release

State prison populations level as federal count skyrockets

Federal system should follow state example on imprisonment 

Washington, DC (April 10, 2002) -- In response to the release of figures today by the Bureau of Justice Statistics showing that the federal prison population increased by 7,372 during the first six months of 2001, its largest six-month growth ever, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Corrections Committee Co-Chair Raag Singhal issued the following statement:

"Coupling the increase in the federal prison population with the smallest increase in state prison population in almost 30 years, it is clear that the states are far ahead in realizing that we must redirect our approach to criminal justice.

"Local authorities can much better handle particular issues of concern in criminal law than the federal government. For example, local jail systems are much more focused upon rehabilitative efforts such as work release programs, electronic monitoring, weekend reporting, and community-based residential drug facilities and restitution centers.

"Also, local state judges generally have more discretion in sentencing than federal judges and can treat our clients as individuals rather than simple guidelines computations.

"We are still faced with one of every eight African-American males in their twenties being incarcerated. This also relates to federal versus state policy on crack cocaine sentencing which unfairly impacts minorities and particularly African-Americans. Of course this eventually leads to minorities being disenfranchised.

"The period covered by these statistics is before September 11. With that in hindsight, ideally we will realize that a redirection of law enforcement resources would be advisable." 

Singhal is a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. He can be reached at (954) 527-0035.

Continue reading below

Contacts

NACDL Communications Department

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    March/April 2025 Cover

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
    March/April 2025 Cover

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release

    Nation’s Defense Bar Reiterates Opposition to Actions Against Law Firms – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025)

    The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) remains deeply concerned over recent executive orders targeting law firms, most recently Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie, and repeats its call to uphold the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. Despite a ruling blocking the action against Perkins Coie, the administration has continued to target law firms representing disfavored clients and positions, threatening the right to a zealous defense.

  4. Live Event
    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar Cover

    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar

    "Making Sense of Science: Forensic Science, Technology & the Law"

    LOCATION: Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
    DATES: April 24-26, 2025

  5. Trials, Technology, and the Fourth Amendment: Case Law Review [Engage & Exchange]

    EXCLUSIVE NACDL MEMBER BENEFIT
    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 29, 2:00-3:30pm ET / 11:00am-12:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free