Tracking Abnormal Criminal Charges by the U.S. Department of Justice

In response to perceived irregularities in criminal charging practices, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) has launched a new tool called the Case Tracker. This initiative aims to monitor federal cases that exhibit unusual prosecutorial behavior, including aggressive legal theories and potential political motivations against opponents of former President Donald Trump. Steven Salky, a lawyer overseeing the project, emphasized the necessity of the tracker, stating, "You cannot defend against an enemy you cannot see."

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The Case Tracker includes a database of notable federal cases, such as those involving Sean Charles Dunn, who was acquitted after throwing a sandwich at a federal immigration officer, and Jacob Samuel Winkler, accused of directing a laser pointer at Marine One. The tracker also highlights instances where charges of resisting federal law enforcement have been contradicted by video evidence and eyewitness accounts. It features a map for tracking trends across states, a search function for specific statutes, and links to important court filings and judges' decisions.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed allegations of political motivations behind federal law enforcement actions during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. She asserted that her goal upon taking office was to refocus the Department of Justice on its core mission, which includes fighting violent crime and protecting the rule of law. Bondi stated, "While our work is never done, we have made tremendous progress to make America safe again."

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Despite the Justice Department's assertions, there is growing skepticism among judges and juries regarding its practices. Concerns have arisen about the department's compliance with court orders, particularly related to immigration issues central to Trump's agenda. This skepticism has led to grand juries across the U.S. rejecting indictments that were previously considered straightforward, indicating a shift in how federal prosecutors are perceived in the courtroom.

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The NACDL's Case Tracker is positioned as a vital resource in an environment where federal overreach is increasingly viewed as the norm. Lisa Wayne, the NACDL Executive Director, described the tracker as an essential tool for monitoring these trends, suggesting that it could play a significant role in advocating for accountability within the Justice Department.

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• “We created the Case Tracker because you cannot defend against an enemy you cannot see,” — Steven Salky, Lawyer

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• “This tracker is an essential tool for an era where federal overreach has become the standard operating procedure,” — Lisa Wayne, NACDL Executive Director

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• “The Department of Justice's core mission is to fight violent crime; protect the American people; and defend the rule of law above all else. While our work is never done, we have made tremendous progress to make America safe again.” — Pam Bondi, Attorney General

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