About The Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) is the Pinellas County Affiliate of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), the only statewide organization in Florida dedicated solely to the criminal defense attorney.
In existence for over 40 years, PACDL was originally named “Criminal Defense Lawyers of Pinellas County.” At one meeting about 20 years or so ago, member (not elected Public Defender as yet) Bob Dillinger stood up and made a motion to rename our organization “Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.” He explained that it was in line with the statewide organization FACDL. With little discussion the motion was passed and the rest is history.
PACDL shares FACDL’s interest in promoting the ideals and interests of the criminal defense community. We strive to ensure that individuals accused of committing crimes are provided due process and all protections guaranteed to them under the Florida and United States Constitutions.
PACDL is comprised of both public defenders and private criminal defense attorneys practicing in Pinellas County, Florida. We provide our members with a wide array of resources, educational seminars, opportunities to earn continuing legal education credits (CLEs), and opportunities to network with other attorneys and members of the judiciary in our community through various events.