The Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (RIACDL) is an affiliate organization of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). RIACDL was founded by the late Richard Casperian, former Public Defender of the State of Rhode Island from 1988 until his death in 1997. It was Richard's dream that the criminal defense bar have a voice at the executive, legislative, and judiciary levels of government.

RIADCL works hand in hand with the Department of Public Defender to promote progressive legislative changes and continuing education seminars. Each year, RIACDL awards two scholarships for members to attend the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia . RIACDL's website is a prime source for criminal defense practice materials and information.