About ACDLA
The Purpose of ACDLA
The Association is formed exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, including without limitation, the following purposes:
- To protect and ensure by the rule of law, those individual rights guaranteed by the Alabama and Federal Constitutions in criminal cases; to resist the efforts which are constantly being made to curtail such rights; to encourage cooperation between lawyers engaged in furtherance of such objectives through educational programs and other assistance, to promote justice and the common good;
- To promote study and research in the field of criminal defense law and the related arts;
- To disseminate by lecture, seminars, and publications, the advancement of knowledge of the law as it relates and is ancillary to the field of criminal defense practice;
- To promote and advocate in favor of the proper administration of criminal justice;
- To foster, maintain and encourage the integrity, independence, and expertise of defense lawyers in criminal cases; and,
- To foster periodic meetings of defense lawyers and to provide a forum for material exchange of information regarding the administration of criminal justice and thereby concern itself with the protection of individual rights and the improvement of criminal law, its practices and procedures.
Mission Statement
To promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and spearhead advocacy efforts, foster statewide membership collaboration, and provide specialized educational resources for our members to better serve our communities.
Vision Statement
To encourage and maintain distinction, integrity, and passion in defense lawyers representing individuals charged with violations of criminal laws in the State of Alabama.
Values
Advocate, Civility, Educate, Integrity, Protect & Service
Membership Benefits
- Membership on a password-protected listserv where members can post questions 24x7 to peer criminal defense attorneys.
- Reduced registration fees on ACDLA hosted 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 website. This library includes briefs, motions, and other documents submitted by members for use by other members.
- Access to a password protected experts list containing member recommended experts across verifying fields relevant in supporting a criminal defense case.
- 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 curiae activity, and other matters affecting the administration of criminal justice in Alabama.
Eligibility & Dues
(a) Membership in the Association shall be by application made on a form prescribed by the Board of Directors. Each applicant must be endorsed by one voting member of the Association.
(b) All applicants for membership must be accompanied by the payment of the appropriate dues and must be approved by the Board of Directors unless this responsibility has been delegated to the President or a Membership Committee.
(c) All memberships, with the exception of Life and Honorary Memberships are on a fiscal basis, which begins on January 1st and ends on the following December 31st.
Memberships and Annual Dues
Active Members
Admission to Alabama Bar for less than 3 years- $125
Admission to Alabama Bar for 4 years or more- $250
Life Members - $7,500 paid in seven (7) $1,000 installments with the first being $1,500 ($7,000 if paid in full)
Admission to Alabama Bar for 3 years or more
College/Law Student Members - $25
Must be a full-time college or law student
Associate and Honorary Members - $200
Professionals that support the field of criminal defense- experts, paralegals, vendors, etc.
