About Us

Our mission is to promote a fair, accurate and humane criminal justice system through education, advocacy and the development of effective and professional defense lawyers.  

Our Purpose

To protect and insure by rule of law those individual rights guaranteed by Louisiana and Federal Constitutions in criminal cases.

To resist any efforts which are being made to curtail these rights.

To encourage cooperation between lawyers engaged in the furtherance of these objectives through educational programs and other assistance, and through this cooperation, education and assistance to promote justice and the common good.

To assist the courts, legislature, and law enforcement agencies in accomplishing their legitimate functions consistent with the rule of law and the protection of individual rights guaranteed by the Louisiana and United States Constitutions.

Who is LACDL?

LACDL is comprised of attorneys in both private and public practice who are devoted to criminal defense.  In 2010, LACDL combined with the Louisiana Public Defenders Association with a unifying purpose: to preserve, protect, and secure the right to the effective assistance of counsel for our clients and every criminal defendant in the state.

LACDL honors the achievements of its members and the exceptional service of former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice and United States Fifth Circuit Judge Albert A. Tate, Jr. at its annual Albert A. Tate, Jr. Banquet in New Orleans. 

LACDL encourages all members to attend its quarterly and annual board meetings and to participate in its CLE and social events.