Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) is to foster the integrity, independence and expertise of criminal defense lawyers; to support the criminal defense community through education and the exchange of information; to promote the fair and just administration of criminal justice; and to ensure due process and defend the rights secured by law for all persons accused of crime.
- Income
- $314,557
- Spending
- $286,658
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 5.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 85%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $96,053, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 75 out of 100.
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.5 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 9% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2524 of 24 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $90,092 spent. Organized and presented continuing legal education (CLE) programs. Awarded four CLE scholarships to reduce financial barriers and support equitable access to professional development. Additionally, WACDL hosted 18 "WACDL Wednesdays," providing facilitated roundtable sessions where members shared advice and collaborated on defense strategies in an informal, supportive setting.
- $77,731 spent. Tracked legislation affecting criminal law and criminal defense practice and provided testimony and advocacy on key legislative priorities. Through the Rules Committee, reviewed and submitted feedback on proposed court rules impacting criminal practice. Filed amicus briefs in cases presenting issues of broad importance to the criminal defense community.
- $47,160 spent. Maintained a comprehensive library of legal briefs and motions and operated five practice-area email discussion lists used by members to exchange information on criminal law and defense practice. Published regular newsletters and case law updates to keep members informed of developments affecting criminal defense. Maintained an expert witness database and a Brady list identifying potentially impeachable law enforcement officers. Through the Ethics Hotline, provided guidance to members regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct. WACDL's Strike Force Committee remained available to consult with-and in some cases represent-members facing harassment or retaliation stemming from their defense advocacy.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 1995.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.