The Meaning of Membership

If you practice or work in the criminal defense arena, the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ("UACDL") invites you to join Utah's largest group of defense lawyers and specialists. The Organization is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and shares it's mission to maintain the integrity and independence of criminal defense lawyers, and to protect fundamental individual rights that are guaranteed under the state and federal constitutions.

UACDL serves defense lawyers, investigators, law students, experts, and other persons involved in defending the accused throughout the state of Utah.

Eight Reasons Why You Should Join UACDL

CLE UACDL members benefit from four high-quality CLE seminars on cutting-edge criminal law and ethical issues, provided annually at no charge. Additionally, UACDL offers the Capital, Annual, DUI and New Lawyer seminars every year, which members can attend at a special members-only discounted rate.

Case Law Updates and Criminal-Law Related Literature

As a member of UACDL, you have access to a members-only Listserve that allows you to post inquiries to over 250 criminal defense practitioners throughout Utah. Through the Listserve, members can pose novel legal questions; get information about judges, prosecutors, and experts; swap motions and briefs; and share news.

Strike Force Representation

UACDL's Strike Force Committee steps in when members are persecuted, subpoenaed, or otherwise under attack for providing zealous representation. Members under siege are eligible for Strike Force Committee representation.

"The Defender" Newsletter

Only members receive this quarterly newsletter which includes timely articles on topical legal issues., news about upcoming CLE events, federal and state case law updates, and news from courts throughout the state. "The Defender" also reports on members' achievements and activities.

Brief Bank

UACDL has compiled a bank of motions and briefs that are available to members to copy and adapt to their individual cases. The brief bank is updated periodically with current issues and common motions that frequently arise. The brief bank alone will save members time and money normally needed to draft pleadings.

Amicus Filings

On important issues that affect the Association's membership, the amicus committee will file friend-of-thecourt briefs and motions. UACDL has, for example, filed a brief in an appeal questioning whether Utah's justice court system violates separation of powers principles. The amicus committee has also filed a memorandum in defense of three UACDL members who were accused of obstructing justice for interviewing witnesses in a capital case.

Legislative Voice

Together with the executive director, UACDL's Legislative Committee monitors criminal-law related legislation, attends the Sentencing Commission meetings, and appears on behalf of the organization before the legislature, throughout the year. The Legislative Committee also informs members of troubling bills and provides members an opportunity to contact their own representatives. Finally, the committee is arranging to track rule-making committees and other policy boards who regulate criminal law.

Vital Information

With your continued support, UACDL plans to upgrade its website to include information that is unique to criminal defense cases. These matters include jail visiting hours and rules, detailed information on expert witnesses, and a statewide list of language specialists.