The Purpose of ACDLA

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1. To provide an appropriate state organization representing those lawyers who are engaged in the defense of criminal cases;
    

2. To resist proposed legislation or rules which would curtail such rights and to promote sound alternatives;
    

3. To promote educational activities to improve the skills and knowledge of lawyers engaged in the defense of criminal cases;
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4. To improve the judicial system and to urge the selection and appointment to the bench of well-qualified and experienced lawyers;
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5. To improve the correctional system and to seek more effective rehabilitation opportunities for those convicted of crimes;
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6. To promote constant improvement in the administration of justice

Membership Benefits

ACDLA’s own publications, including bi-monthly issues of The Guardian, which highlights recent Alabama and Federal decisions, current activities of the ACDLA, and other practice aids.

Reduced registration on outstanding educational programs featuring recognized experts on practical aspects of defense of criminal cases.

Access to a password protected Members-only Legal Documents Library on the ACDLA web page. This library is a searchable database of briefs, motions, and other documents submitted by members for use by other members.

An organization through which criminal defense lawyers can formulate and express their position on legislation, court reform, important cases affecting rights of defendants through Amicus curi³ activity, and other matters affecting the administration of criminal justice in Alabama.  

Eligibility and Dues

A member in good standing of the Alabama State Bar who is interested or who is engaged in the defense of criminal cases is eligible for membership upon approval of his or her application and receipt of the annual membership dues. Members of the judiciary and those regularly employed in a prosecutorial office are not eligible.

Membership Categories and Annual Dues

Lifetime Membership:  One-time dues: $7,500.  Payment method:  Lump sum payment of $7,000 or $1,000 per year for six years with $1,500 first installment.  Benefits:  No dues again, FREE seminars, listing in the Guardian, Lifetime Membership certificate, Guardian subscription, full access to the ACDLA website, and Listserv membership. 

President's Club: Dues:  $600 per year.  Benefits:  Summer Seminar FREE, listing in the Guardian, President's Club certificate, Guardian subscription, full access to ACDLA website, Listserv membership.

Regular:  Dues:  $185 per year for members of Bar for 3 years or more.  Benefits:  Early-bird discounts for seminars and other events, FREE admittance to annual "Four Corners" workshops, membership certificate, Guardian subscription, full access to ACDLA website, Listserv membership.

New Lawyers: Dues: $100.  New lawyers are a member of the Bar for less than three years.  After first year, member must renew as a Regular, President's Club, or Lifetime member.  Benefits:  Early-bird discounts for seminars and other events, FREE admittance to annual "Four Corners" workships, Guardian subscription, full access to ACDLA website, Listserv membership.

For additional information or questions regarding membership in ACDLA please e-mail the Executive Director at annscooper@acdla.org

Click here to apply for membership in ACDLA.

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2010-2011 Board Members

President: Don Colee, 604 38th St. South, Birmingham, AL 35222  (205) 592-4332, (205)591-6765 fax,  email: dcolee@bham.rr.com 

Past President: Kathryn King, 409 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055, (256) 734-0400, fax: (256) 734-0417, email: kaking@hiwaay.net

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for list of current Board Members,  Officers and District Vice Presidents

2010-2011 Committees

Awards Committee - The Awards Committee recommends to the Board of Directors certain awards given at the annual meeting of ACDLA. 

• It formulates the criteria for each award.

• Makes recommendations to the Board regarding the recipients of the awards (all except the President's Award) which will be awarded by the President at his sole discretion.)

• Assists in the wording, format and graphics of each award.

• Receives and considers recommendations for nomination from the membership.

Awards: 

Roderick Beddow Award - Awarded to that lawyer in recognition of a lifetime achievement in the practice of criminal law.

President's Award - Awarded annually by the President of ACDLA to that member for outstanding contribution to ACDLA.

Pursuit of Justice Award- Awarded to the criminal defense lawyer whose case has had a major impact on criminal justice. (Criteria: Obtained a decision from the Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeals which changed, altered or affected substantially the law in criminal cases.)

ACDLA Merit Award - Presented to four criminal defense attorneys (one for each quadrant of the state) for their outstanding representation and performance in a criminal case. Criteria:

• Must be a member of ACDLA

• Recommended by area vice presidents

• Represented a defendant in a difficult criminal case and did a great job

• Was an appointed lawyer (optional)

Amicus Curiae Committee

CLE Committee

Legislative Committee

Long Range Planning Committee

Membership Committee

Publications Committee