SADO is hiring a General Clerk

Applications are due 6/12

The General Clerk will perform a variety of clerical tasks in support of the organization’s mission to provide legal representation for people who cannot afford their own attorneys to appeal their criminal convictions. Read more


Safe & Just Michigan

Criminal Defense Newsletter | May 2026

The Michigan Sentencing Commission held its inaugural meeting on May 7, 2026. This is a new body created by the state Legislature to review existing sentencing standards in Michigan and make recommendations for new standards to the Michigan House and Senate. While commissions like these exist in about half of all states, Michigan hasn’t had one in about 30 years. Read more


Ask an appellate attorney: Would Alex Murdaugh have been granted a new trial if he had been an indigent defendant in Michigan?

Criminal Defense Newsletter | May 2026

In light of the South Carolina Supreme Court’s highly publicized decision reversing Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions based on the court clerk’s improper communications with the jurors during the trial, we address how appellate counsel for indigent defendants can discover, present, and pursue similar claims in Michigan. Read more


What stability looks like in reentry

Criminal Defense Newsletter | May 2026

When people talk about reentry, the word “stability” comes up constantly. Stable housing. Stable employment. Stable routines. Stable compliance. On paper, it sounds simple enough. In reality, stability is rarely something a person suddenly reaches. Read more


Sentencing for horrific crimes short of murder

Criminal Defense Newsletter | May 2026

Some crimes are so horrific – think prolonged torture, serious maiming or brutal rape – that they leave you wondering whether the victim might have preferred to die. How does one persevere after suffering an unspeakable tragedy? Read more


Attempt penalties and other tricky research questions

Criminal Defense Newsletter | April 2026

A question was posed on the Criminal Law Section forum of the State Bar in late March: What is the maximum penalty for an attempt to commit an offense that, when completed, would have a five-year maximum penalty? Read more


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