The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is a professional bar association founded in 1958 that represents criminal defense attorneys in the United States and internationally. It advances the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice, due process, and fair treatment for individuals accused of crimes, and works to promote a rational and humane criminal legal system.
NACDL advocates for criminal justice reform, protection of constitutional rights such as due process and effective assistance of counsel, fair sentencing practices, reduction of overcriminalization and over-federalization, racial equity in the legal system, and policies that strengthen the rights of the accused and support the criminal defense bar.
Primarily funded through membership dues, conference and continuing legal education fees, publications, and support from its affiliated charitable arm, the Foundation for Criminal Justice.
Foundation for Criminal Justice; approximately 90 state, local, and international criminal defense lawyer affiliate organizations; partnerships with groups such as the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the National Center for State Courts; past leaders have included prominent defense attorneys such as Drew Findling.
Non-profit professional association (501(c)(6))
