The New Hampshire Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NHACDL) is the voluntary, professional organization of the criminal defense bar in New Hampshire. NHACDL is the largest - and only – independent, statewide organization devoted to criminal defense. Our 300 members include almost half of all practicing public defenders and virtually all members of the private bar who do any significant criminal defense work in New Hampshire. Collectively, our members practice in every courthouse in the state and handle every type of criminal case. NHACDL is a local affiliate of the National Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

NHACDL's ultimate mission is to ensure, safeguard and promote the effective assistance of counsel in criminal cases and, more generally, to preserve the fairness and integrity of the criminal justice system. NHACDL works towards this goal in seven ways:

First, NHACDL sponsors a 300-member email discussion group, or listserv, devoted to criminal practice in New Hampshire. This gives every member immediate access to every other member. As a result of the listserv, detailed information about practice issue that would otherwise remain known only to local practitioners are spread statewide. Members obtain advice and insight from their peers on a variety of substantive issues.

Second, we strive to improve the proficiency and professionalism of the defense bar through training, CLEs, and workshops. NHACDL typically sponsors two full day CLE's each year along with one or more shorter workshops. We have brought nationally recognized stars of trial advocacy to this state for the benefit of our members and the defense bar. We regularly teach advanced practice CLEs devoted to specific topical areas of the law. We host workshops on criminal ethics and, when the need is there, we schedule "emergency" training seminars on short notice.

Third, we host a special website for members which includes a motions bank, a depository of unpublished trial court orders, lists of experts and other resources. The software allows any member to upload and share virtually any type of file.

Fourth,  NHACDL monitors pending legislation and maintains a small but visible lobbying presence in Concord during the legislative session. 

Fifth, from time to time NHACDL appears as amicus curiae (or "friend of the court") in appellate cases involving questions of general importance in the area of criminal practice.

Sixth, we maintain a "strike force" of attorneys who may provide free representation to any member who is subpoenaed, threatened with criminal prosecution or subjected to a disqualification motion as a result of providing proper representation in a criminal case.

Seventh, we provide mentor attorneys to any member who requests one. A mentor can prove invaluable to new attorneys who are just starting out as well as experienced attorneys who are new to criminal practice.