American Council of Chief Defenders

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Mission: The American Council of Chief Defenders (ACCD) is a national community of public defense leaders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom, or family.  A practice section of NLADA, ACCD draws from NLADA’s network of defenders to bring together chief and deputy chiefs of diverse indigent defense programs, including public defender offices, assigned counsel systems, and contract systems. ACCD members collaborate through a listserv and annual conferences. The ACCD Conference convenes a national community of public defense leaders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom, or family. Attendance at ACCD is restricted to Chief Public Defenders and Deputy Chief Public Defenders.

Who We Are

The American Council of Chief Defenders (ACCD) is a national community of public defense leaders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom, or family.  A practice section of NLADA, ACCD draws from NLADA’s network of defenders to bring together chief and deputy chiefs of diverse indigent defense programs, including public defender offices, assigned counsel systems, and contract systems. ACCD members collaborate through a listserv and annual conferences.

What We Do

  • Champion Indigent Defense: ACCD works to ensure that people who cannot afford an attorney receive strong, effective legal representation. 
  • Advance Policy Reform: We advocate for policies that create a fairer, more equitable justice system. 
  • Protect Defender Independence: ACCD promotes the independence of public defenders, safeguarding their ability to serve clients without undue influence. 
  • Raise Standards of Representation: Our commitment is to guarantee high-quality legal defense for all indigent clients. 

Become a Member ACCD: Visit the Learning Lab to become a member!

 

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