Listserve
Worth twice the price of admission, the NMCDLA listserve is a “Members Only” online, bulletin board where participants can post inquiries about judges and prosecutors, swap motions, exchange information about experts, and share news with fellow criminal defense lawyers—all with the touch of a button. To join the listserve, members must be current on NMCDLA dues. Contact NMCDLA at (505) 992-0050 or info@nmcdla.org. Technical advice on the listserve is provided by Lee Carter at lee@nmcdla.org.

 

CLE
NMCDLA members stay current with changes in criminal law and practice through the Association’s five-star, skill-sharpening CLE seminars designed especially for criminal defense lawyers. Members get substantial discounts to four CLE seminars per year that feature top criminal defense lawyers from around the state and country. Partial scholarships are available through the Carlos Vigil Memorial Scholarship Fund. Association members also provide training to the Public Defender Department.

Our national speakers are well respected, as well as being specialists in thier field.
Contact Jackie Robins at jrobins@nm.net or Sheila Lewis at sheila.lewis@state.nm.us.

 

Strike Force
The Association's Strike Force is ready to step in when member attorneys are prosecuted, harassed or subpoenaed for their vigorous defense of their clients. Members under siege can have legal services provided at no cost; recipients are responsible for copy, travel and other attendant costs. Contact John Robbenhaar at (505) 242-1950 or john@robbenhaarlaw.com.

 

Police Practices
The Association maintains a comprehensive database of questionable practices by law enforcement—whether human, canine, mechanical or electronic. Members can obtain information on questionable cops and also provide information they have of incidents that should be added to the store of data. One page reporting forms are available for the addition of material into the database. Contact Peter Schoenburg at 243-1443 or rothlawabq@aol.com.

 

Newsletter
NMCDLA’s quarterly publication features practical and insightful articles on criminal law topics and practice. it is written by and for criminal defense lawyers and keeps members informed about association aNMCDLA’s quarterly publication features practical and insightful articles on criminal law topics and practice. it is written by and for criminal defense lawyers and keeps members informed about association activities. Contact NMCDLA at info@nmcdla.org or 992-0050 to contribute an article or news story.

 

Legislative
Bills related to criminal law and defense practice are analyzed, proposed and supported (or not) by the Legislative Committee and Coordinator. Members are informed about priority bills and encouraged to contact their own legislators during and between sessions.
Contact Legislative Coordinator Joan Gauche at joangauche@aol.com, 473-7496; or Mellissa Hill at mhcorrals@sandia.net.

 

Court Rules & Instructions
NMCDLA members willing to dedicate time, interest, and relevant skills are needed to represent the criminal defense perspective on participating on and drafting proposed rules for key Supreme Court and other committees on topics such as Evidence and Uniform Jury Instructions. Contact Michael Stout at (575) 524-1471 or mlstout@nm.net.

 

Indigent Defense Funding
Public Defenders, contract attorneys and other lawyers representing indigent clients are often stymied in their efforts to provide vigorous defense because of the limited budget of the Public Defender Department. Members who wish to advocate on behalf of quality representation for poor defendants can become involved in this effort. Contact Roger Bargas at 461-1156 or barlaw@plateautel.net.

 

Amicus
The Amicus Committee reviews requests for amicus briefs and solicits committee members to write briefs in cases of importance to the criminal defense bar. Amicus briefs represent the views of the NMCDLA and members are encouraged to contact the committee regarding cases at the appellate level in which NMCDLA involvement might be appropriate.
Contact Todd Wertheim at 982-0011 or todd@thejonesfirm.com.