For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 3 - 4

OPENING
STATEMENT
Patrick A. Casey, PACDL President
W
e all have our own reasons for joining
PACDL. This magazine is incredibly helpful
in reducing research time on issues we face
daily in our practices. The CLE's are exceptional and
serve greatly to enhance skills in defending clients. I
became convinced of the tremendous value of PACDL
because of one stressful event I experienced.
I was litigating a matter out of town, in an unfamiliar
courthouse, and before judges whom I did not know.
The litigation became more and more adverse and
migrated into a challenge of me regarding grand
jury secrecy and contempt. When the wrath of the
government turned toward me, I felt the pressure. It
was hard not to cycle through emotions related to my
own career and personal standing. At the same time,
I felt duty-bound to not be cowed out of aggressive
advocacy on behalf the client. In dealing with contempt
issues, Lincoln's adage, " a person who represents
himself has a fool for a client, " rings true. I called Art
Donato of the PACDL Strike Force, and that afternoon
a highly respected member of the local bar interceded,
explained the facts, and the episode was quickly in my
rearview mirror. Now, when I go out of town, I have
my AAA card for the road, and Art's number for the
courtroom. Both are necessary when it's least expected.
For those of you who are not sure how to plug into
PACDL, I recommend that you consider volunteering
to write an article in For The Defense. Doing so will
reward you over and over. You will come to know
other amazing lawyers who are on the Publications
Committee. Your work product will be recognized in
a respected publication. Your peers will observe your
knowledge and experience in criminal defense. It will
support your career in the short and long term.
4 For The Defense l Vol. 7, Issue 3
Currently, PACDL is active on several fronts. The
Advocacy Committee works with the Executive
Director to review pending legislation that relates to
PACDL's platform and provides comments. Legislation
reviewed so far this year addressed a variety of issues
including the conflict between the state enforcement
of criminal laws related to marijuana and the Medical
Marijuana Act. It is an area frequently addressed on
the PACDL listserv, particularly as it relates to DUI's.
The Rules Committee responded to proposed rule
changes regarding a change in plea colloquies to better
inform non-citizen criminal defendants, a change to
standardize and streamline procedures for waiving
costs and fees for indigent defendants, and detention
policies for both minors and adults. The Committee
provided written testimony to the Pennsylvania
Sentencing Commission expressing concerns with
proposed changes to the State Parole Recommitment
Ranges and State Parole Guidelines.
The White Collar Practice seminar is back " in
person " for the first time since COVID. It will be held
on November 17 and 18, 2022 at The Ritz Carlton in
Philadelphia which is a spectacular location. The two
days fulfill the annual Pennsylvania CLE requirement.
The presentations are sophisticated and delivered by
highly experienced speakers on critical issues in White
Collar Practice. We look forward to the seminar's
social events that will bring our community together
in person for the first time since 2019. It is a prime
opportunity for board members, officers, and vice
presidents of PACDL to seek sponsorships. Companies
and law firms obtain concentrated exposure that can't
be had anywhere else.
For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 3
