The Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers was established in 1992 in Des Moines Iowa. The goals of the Association are:

To promote study and research in the field of criminal defense law and the related arts.

To disseminate and advance by lecture, seminars, and publications the knowledge of the law relating to criminal defense practice.

To promote the proper administration of criminal justice.

To foster, maintain, and encourage the integrity, independence and expertise of the defense lawyer in criminal cases.

To foster periodic meetings of the criminal defense lawyers.

To provide a forum for the exchange of information regarding the administration of criminal justice.

To protect individual rights and improve the criminal law, its practice and procedures.