NACDL Launches Tracker for Alleged DOJ Political Prosecutions

New database maps cases where grand juries rejected indictments sought by Trump Justice Department.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) has launched an online tracker to document what some attorneys describe as unusual and unsuccessful prosecutions undertaken by the Justice Department during the Trump administration. The tool maps cases where grand juries have rejected indictments sought by the DOJ against critics of the administration, Democratic officials, and protesters.

Why it matters

The creation of this tracking tool signals a significant level of concern within the legal community regarding potential overreach and politicization of the Justice Department. By documenting these cases, the NACDL is providing a resource for defense attorneys and potentially raising public awareness about perceived abuses of power.

The details

The tracker includes instances of what the NACDL calls 'weaponized forum shopping,' such as attempts to secure an indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James by convening grand juries in multiple Virginia cities. The database currently contains 11 prosecutions where the Justice Department failed to secure an indictment, with several cases dismissed and one case involving Letitia James currently under appeal.

  • The NACDL launched the online tracker on February 23, 2026.

The players

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

A professional organization of criminal defense lawyers that has launched the online tracker to document unusual and unsuccessful prosecutions by the Justice Department.

Andrew Birrell

The president of the NACDL, who stated that the Bill of Rights was written to be a shield against tyranny and that jurors are 'reminding this government that the people — not the prosecutors — hold the ultimate power in our justice system.'

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General, who was the target of an attempt by the Justice Department to secure an indictment by convening grand juries in multiple Virginia cities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Bill of Rights wasn't written to be a polite suggestion; it was written to be a shield against tyranny.”

— Andrew Birrell, NACDL President

“Jurors are 'reminding this government that the people — not the prosecutors — hold the ultimate power in our justice system.”

— Andrew Birrell, NACDL President

What’s next

As the Justice Department continues to pursue legal action in a number of contested cases, this new tool may influence how defense strategies are developed and implemented.

The takeaway

The NACDL's Case Tracker serves as a significant check on the potential overreach and politicization of the Justice Department, providing a resource for defense attorneys and raising public awareness about perceived abuses of power.