PACDL - Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

06/17/2026

Representing noncitizen clients has never been more complex—or more critical.

With immigration enforcement increasing across Pennsylvania and the collateral consequences of criminal convictions growing more severe, criminal defense attorneys must be prepared to navigate the intersection of criminal and immigration law. A conviction that seems minor in criminal court can trigger detention, deportation, or other life-altering immigration consequences.

In the latest issue of For The Defense, attorneys Lauren Leiggi, Sarah Hampton, and Isabella Bedard from the Allegheny County Public Defender office provide a practical roadmap for defending noncitizen clients, including:

1. Conducting comprehensive intake interviews to identify immigration concerns early
2. Understanding your obligations under Padilla v. Kentucky and Pennsylvania case law
3. Protecting client confidentiality and utilizing Pa.R.E. 413
4. Managing records and plea negotiations with immigration consequences in mind
5. Preparing clients for increased ICE activity and developing emergency safety plans

Whether you are a public defender, court-appointed counsel, or private practitioner, this article offers timely guidance and practical strategies to help ensure ethical, effective representation of noncitizen clients.

Read the full article in the latest issue of For The Defense and strengthen your advocacy.

Hampton

06/16/2026

Two Significant Criminal Justice Cases Headed to the U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases next term that could have far-reaching implications for criminal defendants nationwide.

Intellectual Disability and the Death Penalty
In Guerrero v. Johnson, the Court will consider whether a person sentenced to death may rely on updated medical and diagnostic standards to establish intellectual disability and avoid ex*****on. The case could determine how courts evaluate evolving scientific and medical evidence in capital litigation.

Are Six-Person Juries Constitutional?
In Kian v. Florida, the Court will revisit a long-standing question about the constitutional right to a jury trial. The case challenges Florida's practice of using six-person juries in non-capital felony cases and asks whether the Sixth Amendment requires the traditional 12-person jury. A ruling could impact jury trial procedures in several states and potentially overturn decades of precedent.

Both cases are expected to be argued this fall, with decisions likely by 2027.

06/15/2026

Is AI helping clients find you?

The way potential clients search for and hire criminal defense lawyers is changing rapidly, and the shift is significant.

In her latest article, "From Reputation to Relevance: Marketing Your Criminal Defense Practice in an AI-Driven Market," Meg Pritchard explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal marketplace and why traditional marketing strategies may no longer be enough.

Today's clients aren't simply searching for "criminal defense lawyer near me." They're asking AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI specific questions about grand jury subpoenas, federal investigations, DUI arrests, sentencing, and legal strategy—and then relying on those answers to identify attorneys worth contacting.

The article explains:

1. How AI has become a gatekeeper between potential clients and lawyers

2. What AI looks for when evaluating attorneys and law firm websites

3. How to optimize your bio, website, and online profiles for AI-driven search

4. Why answering client questions through articles, videos, and other content can increase your visibility

5. The importance of consistency across websites, legal directories, social media, and professional profiles

6. Practical steps criminal defense lawyers can take now to improve their "findability" in an AI-driven world

For criminal defense attorneys, this isn't just a marketing issue—it's a business development issue. Whether you're a solo practitioner, public defender transitioning to private practice, conflict counsel, or an established criminal defense firm, this article provides actionable strategies to help ensure your reputation is reflected in the digital spaces where prospective clients are increasingly making decisions.

Read the full article here: https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/PACDL/FORTHEDEFENSE_vol11_issue2_2026/index.php #/p/46

06/12/2026

New Webinar Added to PACDL's 2026 CLE Lineup!

AI for Criminal Defense Lawyers: Smarter Trial Preparation
October 29, 2026
Noon – 1:00 PM ET
1.0 PA Substantive Law, Practice and Procedure CLE Credit
Live via Zoom Webinar

Discovery is bigger than ever. More reports. More videos. More jail calls. More transcripts. More digital evidence. Less time.

Artificial intelligence is changing how criminal defense lawyers review and organize information, but success isn't about finding the latest AI tool. It's about building reliable workflows that help you identify issues, spot inconsistencies, develop impeachment, prepare motions, and get ready for trial.

Join criminal defense attorney and AI educator Felix Valenzuela as he demonstrates practical, lawyer-controlled systems for managing discovery and turning information into effective litigation work product. This program focuses on durable strategies that will remain useful as technology evolves.

Topics include:
✔️ Discovery review workflows
✔️ Video and transcript analysis
✔️ Witness tracking and impeachment development
✔️ Motion and hearing preparation

Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with legal technology, this webinar will provide practical tools you can begin applying immediately in your practice.

Speaker: Felix Valenzuela, founder of Valenzuela Law Firm in El Paso, Texas, focuses on federal and state criminal defense and has become a leading voice on the practical use of AI in criminal defense practice.

Registration information link: https://www.pacdl.org/ev_calendar_day.asp?date=10%2F29%2F26&eventid=178

06/11/2026

Understanding Walker: Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorneys

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Walker is already reshaping how criminal defense attorneys should think about Rule 404(b) challenges—and if you practice criminal law in Pennsylvania, this is a case you cannot afford to overlook.

In the June issue of PACDL's For The Defense, Professor Jane Campbell Moriarty breaks down the fractured Walker decision and explains what it means for defense lawyers moving forward. Her analysis cuts through a complex set of opinions to identify the key takeaways: the Supreme Court's rejection of the "logical connection" test, a much narrower interpretation of the common plan, scheme, and design exception, and emerging guidance on challenges to r**e kit evidence under the Confrontation Clause.

Most importantly, Professor Moriarty explains how defense attorneys can use Walker right now. This is more than a case summary. It's a practical roadmap for litigating some of the most important evidentiary issues facing criminal defense lawyers today.

Be sure to read Professor Moriarty's article in the June issue of For The Defense and consider how Walker may impact your current and future cases. Click on this link: https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/PACDL/FORTHEDEFENSE_vol11_issue2_2026/index.php #/p/6

Moriarty

Experience our interactive, profoundly engaging digital publication!

06/09/2026

In PACDL's June 2026 issue of For The Defense, Centre County Chief Public Defender David R. Crowley explores one of the most important recent developments in Pennsylvania criminal law: early termination of probation under Act 44.

Crowley traces the history behind probation reform and breaks down recent appellate decisions that are shaping how courts interpret and apply the law. Most importantly, he offers practical guidance on how defense attorneys can use these reforms to advocate for clients who have demonstrated success on supervision and may be eligible for early termination.

If you represent clients on probation, this article provides valuable insight into a developing area of Pennsylvania law and practical strategies you can put to work immediately.

Read David Crowley's article, "Early Termination of Probation Under Act 44: How We Got There and How We Can Use It to Benefit Our Clients," in the June issue of PACDL's For The Defense. https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/PACDL/FORTHEDEFENSE_vol11_issue2_2026/index.php #/p/24

06/04/2026

New in the June 2026 issue of PACDL's For The Defense

The SEC has released its first major update to the Enforcement Manual in nearly a decade—and the changes could have significant implications for attorneys representing individuals and entities facing SEC investigations.

In their article, "The SEC Updates Its Enforcement Manual—What You Need to Know," Mary P. Hansen and Michael J. Rinaldi break down the most important revisions, including:

✔️ New standards for criminal referrals to the Department of Justice,
✔️ Changes to self-reporting and cooperation credit,
✔️ Expanded Wells process protections and disclosure requirements,
✔️ Updated guidance on document preservation and messaging platforms, and
✔️ New procedures affecting settlements, waivers, and limitations periods.

Whether you regularly handle securities matters or simply want to stay informed about developments in federal enforcement practice, this article provides a practical roadmap for navigating the SEC's evolving investigative landscape.

Read the full article in the June 2026 issue of For The Defense: https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/PACDL/FORTHEDEFENSE_vol11_issue2_2026/index.php #/p/32

06/02/2026

The June 2026 issue of PACDL's For The Defense is here! Stay informed on the latest developments affecting criminal defense practice in Pennsylvania with insightful articles, practical guidance, and timely analysis from experienced practitioners and advocates.

This issue continues PACDL's commitment to providing members with the resources they need to effectively represent their clients and stay ahead of emerging legal issues.

Whether you're looking for litigation strategies, updates on case law, or perspectives on issues shaping the criminal legal system, you'll find valuable content in this edition.

Take a few minutes to explore the June issue and discover why For The Defense remains an essential resource for Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys. Here is the link: https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/PACDL/FORTHEDEFENSE_vol11_issue2_2026/index.php

05/14/2026

PACDL Webinar: Commonwealth v. Lee

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee has created major questions surrounding felony murder sentencing, pending cases, and potential relief for past clients. Join PACDL on June 4 at Noon for a timely 90-minute Zoom webinar featuring Bret Grote of the Abolitionist Law Center.

Topics will include:
⚖️ The impact of the Lee decision
⚖️ Potential implications for current and former clients
⚖️ Practice considerations for defense attorneys moving forward
⚖️ What defense lawyers should be doing now in pending and post-conviction matters

This is a rapidly evolving area of Pennsylvania criminal law that practitioners cannot afford to ignore. Register online at www.pacdl.org. The link is below.

June 4, 2026
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
🔗 Registration Link: https://www.pacdl.org/ev_calendar_day.asp?date=6%2F4%2F26&eventid=175

05/11/2026

Commonwealth v. Lee Webinar – June 4 at Noon - Register with PACDL

The fallout from Commonwealth v. Lee is already reshaping the conversation around felony murder sentencing in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Rob Kauffman is currently circulating a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would create a new sentencing framework following the Court’s ruling striking down Pennsylvania’s mandatory life-without-parole sentencing scheme for second-degree murder. His proposal would preserve strong penalties for the most culpable offenders while giving courts sentencing discretion in other cases.

Join PACDL on June 4 at Noon for an important discussion on:
• What the Lee decision actually means
• How the decision impacts pending and past cases
• What defense attorneys should be discussing with current and former clients now
• Potential legislative responses and what may come next
• Strategic considerations moving forward in felony murder litigation and negotiations

This is a rapidly developing area of Pennsylvania criminal law with significant consequences for practitioners and clients alike. Don’t miss this timely webinar. Here is the link to register: https://www.pacdl.org/ev_calendar_day.asp?date=6%2F4%2F26&eventid=175