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Multiple positions open; application due dates vary by position

SADO is the oldest and only state-wide public defender office in Michigan. SADO staff works to fulfill our mission of fighting injustice in the criminal and youth legal systems through access, advocacy, compassion, and education. Read more


SADO attorney to argue before the Michigan Supreme Court

October 7, 2026 | Hall of Justice (Lansing, MI)

MAACS Youth Appellate Defense Counsel Joshua Pease will present argument before the Michigan Supreme Court on October 7, 2026 in the case of In re NDD, MSC No. 169064 (COA No. 370602). Read more


Chelsea Richardson earns the Emerging Leader Award!

Advancing Real Change Names its 2026 Award Recipients

Congratulations to SADO JLU Mitigation Supervisor Chelsea Richardson for receiving the 2026 Emerging Leader Award from Advancing Real Change (ARC)! Read more


A quick SORA update for trial attorneys

Criminal Defense Newsletter | September 2026

Earlier this month, in People v Smith, the Supreme Court held that the current version of the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA), MCL 28.721 et seq., is criminal punishment that, when applied to certain registrants, violates the Ex Post Facto Clauses of the federal and state constitutions. Read more


Safe & Just Michigan

Criminal Defense Newsletter | September 2026

On Thursday, September 17, the Michigan Sentencing Commission had its most recent meeting and Safe & Just Michigan, and other partners fought hard to create the Commission. About half of all states have a commission like Michigan’s, which reviews sentencing standards and strives to make sentencing more uniform across a state. Read more


Project Reentry: The 100% interest rate by Lorenzo Harrell

Criminal Defense Newsletter | September 2026

After nearly eight years of freedom, society constantly reminds me of my past in some way, shape, or form. Of course, telling my story is an important part of my profession, but I share it to educate, to advocate, and to demonstrate that people can change. Read more


Obligation to pay financial penalties after a conviction is set aside

Criminal Defense Newsletter | September 2026

The statutory language is clear that the setting aside of a conviction under the set aside statutes, MCL 780.621 et seq., does not eliminate the restitution obligation: “This act does not relieve any obligation to pay restitution owed to the victim of a crime nor does it affect the jurisdiction of the convicting court or the authority of any court order with regard to enforcing an order of restitution.” MCL 780.622(7). Read more


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