From Research to Reform Our research sheds light on critical defense challenges. In 2025, NACDL released key reports shedding light on critical challenges in the criminal legal system:
EMPTY POCKETS AND EMPTY PROMISES: How Federal Restitution Law Fails Everyone
Cortney E. Lollar
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Empty Pockets and Empty Promises: How Federal Restitution Law Fails Everyone — Recommendations on reforms to ensure restitution better compensates victims and avoids over-punishing defendants. Read the report: NACDL.org/RestitutionReport
VIRGINIA EARLY REPRESENTATION MANUAL
₪ Virginia Early Representation Manual — A practical guide supporting public defense lawyers in Virginia in delivering zealous, effective early representation. NACDL.org/Document/VirginiaEarlyRepresentationManual
THE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT PAYMENT DELAYS A Report from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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The Impact of Criminal Justice Act Payment Delays —Stories from over 200 CJA panel members to raise awareness of the real-world impacts of the federal public defense funding shortfall. Read the report: NACDL.org/CJAPaymentDelayReport
THE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT PAYMENT DELAYS
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On July 3, the government ran out of money to pay CJA Panel members for their work. Earlier in the year, Congress approved an FY25 spending bill that froze funding for the judicial branch at 2024 levels, leaving hundreds unpaid. Congress passed a continuing funding resolution on November 12 and ended the payment deferrals. To prevent FY26 shortfalls, NACDL, in coordination with the federal defenders, organized a sign-on letter urging full funding that was joined by 45 national and state groups, including two dozen state affiliates. The final funding bill included a 22% increase over earlier proposals.
NFCJ.org/Support
NACDL & NACDL FOUNDATION FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE 2025 IMPACT REPORT 23
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