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SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (NMCDLA) has named Dan Cron the recipient of its highest honor, the Driscoll Award, recognizing a distinguished career of unwavering commitment to justice and excellence in criminal defense. The award will be formally presented on June 13 at the State Bar Center in Albuquerque.
Established in 1992, the Driscoll Award commemorates the legacy of Charles Driscoll, a legendary New Mexico defense attorney known for his dedication to the rights of the accused and the integrity of the legal system. The award honors legal professionals who demonstrate the same courage, service, and professionalism that defined Driscoll’s career.
Cron, who arrived in Santa Fe in 1980 to oversee a federal court order following the infamous Penitentiary of New Mexico riot, quickly gained national recognition for his work uncovering systemic deficiencies within the state’s prison system. Since opening his private practice in 1982, he has built a reputation for tenacious advocacy, deep compassion, and an unyielding defense of his clients’ rights. His legal work spans criminal law, national security clearance issues, professional licensure, and child welfare cases involving the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).
“I am deeply honored to receive the Driscoll Award,” Cron said. “This recognition is shared with the mentors, colleagues, and clients who have taught me what it truly means to serve.”
Ahmad Assed, last year’s Driscoll Award recipient and a recognized authority in national and international law, praised the selection.
“Dan represents the best of our profession — fierce in the courtroom, compassionate with clients, and tireless in the pursuit of justice,” Assed said. “This award is a testament to a career spent fighting for those whose voices too often go unheard.”
NMCDLA continues to champion the work of criminal defense attorneys across New Mexico, and the Driscoll Award remains a powerful symbol of the profound impact a single dedicated advocate can have on the pursuit of justice.