Would you like to become more involved in the local defense community, exchange information with colleagues, and receive free monthly MCLE? Since 1981, the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association (CDBA) has been the bedrock institution for criminal defense practitioners in San Diego County—and we proudly continue that tradition today.

CDBA is dedicated to protecting the dignity and constitutional rights of the accused through education, communication, and advocacy. Membership offers unique value by bringing together a diverse community of private defense attorneys, public defenders, federal defenders, and investigators who work for criminal defense agencies or retained criminal defense attorneys. This broad coalition fosters an exchange of knowledge and experience across different areas of practice.

We invite you to become a member and take advantage of the many resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs that CDBA provides. Join us in strengthening the criminal defense community and ensuring the highest standards of representation for the accused.

Membership includes the following benefits:

Listserv Access: Perhaps the most valuable benefit, the listserv allows for instant communication with hundreds of like-minded local attorneys on matters spanning everything from emergency coverage to brainstorming legal arguments. You can also find important announcements regarding courthouse developments and CDBA events. 

MCLE Meetings: We provide ten free MCLE presentations per year, currently held in-person and virtually at lunchtime. All meetings offer at least 1.0 credit hours on a criminal defense topic and often include specialty credits such as elimination of bias, etc.

Newsletter: We publish six newsletters each year, which include columns about developments in the state and federal courthouses, recent appellate decisions, a member spotlight, "kudos", and grant opportunities.

Events: Opportunities to mix with fellow defense colleagues outside of court.

Awards & Judges Night: Our annual gathering includes awards for members who have shown outstanding advocacy and presentations from judges in the San Diego County state and federal courthouses. 


The cost of an annual membership from January 1 - December 31 is based on the following tiers:
 

If you would like to know more about CDBA membership, please contact:
CDBA Executive Director, Heather M. Boxeth, at sandiego.cdba@gmail.com.