Would you like to become more involved in the local defense community, exchange information with colleagues, and get free monthly MCLE? Since 1981, the San Diego Defense Criminal Defense Bar Association ("CDBA") has been the bedrock institution for criminal defense practitioners in San Diego County and proudly continues that tradition today.
The CDBA aims to protect the dignity and constitutional rights of the accused through education, communication, and advocacy. Membership is uniquely valuable because the CDBA includes private and public defense agency attorneys in both state and federal practice, allowing an exchange of ideas and information between members of different experience.
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:
Regular: $75.00;
Sustaining: $150.00;
(receives special recognition in newsletter and website)
Public Defense: $50.00.
(Level I and II for the first year or any part of the first year of CDBA membership)
1st Year Lawyer: Free while still in law school.
Student: Free while still in law school.
If you would like to know more about CDBA membership, please contact our Executive Director, Heather M. Boxeth, at sandiego.cdba@gmail.com.