The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) was founded in 1974 by a group of criminal defense lawyers — William W. "Bill" Daniel, Rees Smith, Al Horn, Dick Rubin, Glen Zell, and Walter Henritze. Their objective was to bring community of individuals together to discuss the administration and legislature of the criminal defense practice in Georgia. Today the organization has grown to more than 1,800 members throughout the State of Georgia. GACDL advocates for the rights of the accused, adequate funding for the defense of the indigent, and a fair criminal justice system.
The membership application for GACDL requires the applicant to certify that he or she is actively engaged in the defense of criminal cases, a full time criminal defense investigator or a student attending law school. Membership in GACDL is not opened to prosecutors or full time members of the judiciary - only criminal defense attorneys in Georgia.
GACDL is the third largest statewide criminal defense association in the United States. The organization is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
Georgia lawyers who join the GACDL can enjoy the following benefits:
For Georgia criminal defense attorneys who practice primarily in federal court, GACDL also has a CJA Listserver. GACDL also hosts additional listserves for groups that concentrate on federal appointed cases, indigent defense, judicial nominations, and legislative activities.