The New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association provides support, education and training for attorneys who represent persons accused of crime. NMCDLA also advocates fair and effective criminal justice in the courts, the legislature and in the community.
What's New
40 years later, the system is not all right
40 years post-NM prison riot, conditions still cause brutality and call for attention. NMCDLA's past president, Matt Coyte, listened to the KANW and Albuquerque Journal panel of lawyers, corrections and journalists discussing the riot, its anniversary and current state of affairs and responded.
Read MoreGovernor backs measures to get ‘tough on crime’
After decades of supporting the same failed policies, no evidence shows proposed “tough on crime” legislation will reduce crime in New Mexico. NMCDLA and partners with the NMSafe Coalition, including NMCDLA Vice President, Jennifer Burrill, encourage lawmakers to look at alternatives and follow the trends in other states.
Read MoreIssues with the Santa Fe Police Department’s Evidence Room
The Santa Fe New Mexican recently reported on dozens of issues with the Santa Fe Police Department’s handling and storage of evidence. NMCDLA's vice president commented that "The problem is we still don't know how many cases are affected."
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“The assistance of counsel is one of the safeguards of the Sixth Amendment deemed necessary to insure fundamental rights of life and liberty.”
– Justice Hugo Black, United States Supreme Court
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