Since 1979, the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) has provided criminal justice services to defense attorneys, defendants, inmates, and court systems throughout the country. We have worked with more than 10,000 clients in all 50 states. When assisting defense attorneys or defendants facing sentencing, we provide assistance in understanding the applicable sentencing statutes or guidelines and design individualized sentencing reports or memoranda, which include specific sentencing proposals. When permitted by the applicable State or Federal law, our sentencing proposals frequently include the use of creative public service that draws on the offender’s strengths and background, substance abuse counseling, work-release, home confinement, and community confinement.

In addition to sentencing advocacy, we also provide capital case mitigation services, parole release advocacy, institutional designation and transfer, and release planning (See Prison Advocacy). When assisting court systems, NCIA has developed and implemented sentencing programs in 15 states and trained thousands of public defenders, probation officers, and other court staff. We have offices in Baltimore, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia and New York City.

NCIA criminal justice services staff are often sought out for their expertise. See what they have to say in our News & Events section.