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
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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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Dr. Cheryl Paradis and lawyer Susan J. Walsh, of Vladeck Raskin & Clark, PC, join us for Helping Clients Manage the Psychological Impact of Incarceration and Detention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies for Defense Attorneys and Mental Health Clinicians.
The first installment of NACDL Engage & Exchange, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Including "Asperger's Syndrome") and Child Pornography Cases: What You Need to Know. Featuring Mark Satawa of Satawa Law, PLLC, and Mark Mahoney of Harrington and Mahoney.
Presented by Dr. Ifetayo Ojelade, PhD, licensed psychologist and expert on trauma recovery, Atlanta, GA
Race Matters II: The Impact of Race on Criminal Justice January 10-11, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA
NACDL's statement to the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice regarding the need for more accountability and transparency in policing to effect meaningful, much-needed reforms.
Presented by: Ariel Simms, Criminal Justice Attorney Fellow, National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD), The Arc
In 2007, NACDL established a Problem-Solving Courts Task Force to examine the operations of courts such as drug and mental health courts. The Task Force was charged with conducting a thorough analysis of these courts, specifically focusing upon the ethical implications for the defense bar and the constitutional implications for society at large. The culmination of this project is a comprehensive report and recommendations that for the first time provide the perspective of the nation’s criminal defense bar. [Released September 2009]
How does a defense lawyer proceed when a defendant has been found incompetent to stand trial and refuses medication? Should defense counsel defend the client’s refusal in all cases (notwithstanding the client’s possible incapacity to make treatment decisions)? Or should counsel second-guess the refusal? No perfect options exist. Professor Fredrick Vars examines a relatively recent case that illuminates an underappreciated option.
Presented by Michael L. Perlin
This training is supported by Grant No. 2013-MU-BX-K014 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
A template document for a court notice of intent to present evidence of insanity at the time of offense.
"When a client has a mental impairment, it is critical for counsel to understand the client and how the impairment affects the client’s ability to functionally participate in the legal proceedings."
-John Matthew Fabian, "How to Deal With Difficult Clients From a Mental Health Perspective," The Champion (June 2007).
Mental health and neuroscience can also be critical when building a criminal defense or considering what your client may be entitled to (or excluded from) under law. This page contains materials and information related to mental health.
This month Matthew T. Mangino reviews Butterfly in the Rain by James L. Neibaur.
Reviewing Mental Health Assessment And Testing-Related Literature and Test Manuals Is a Key to Effectively Preparing And Examining Mental Health Experts
In Miller v. Alabama, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to automatically sentence individuals to life without the possibility of parole for a crime committed before their 18th birthday. A defense attorney has numerous strategic decisions to make when a defendant will be resentenced pursuant to Miller, such as whether to retain a mental health expert. Dr. Antoinette Kavanaugh explains the benefits of a forensically trained mental health expert, and she offers pointers to help prepare the clinician, defendant, and defendant’s family for the clinician’s evaluation.
President Lisa Wayne's letter to Representative Russ Carnahan regarding the use of criminal charges for those who need substance abuse treatment, as addressed in the Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 2012 (H.R. 5711).
