SADO seeks summer interns

Applications are due by 1/15/2027 at 5pm

The Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) seeks first- and second- year law students committed to public defense, racial equity, and social justice to join our Direct Appeals Unit, Juvenile Lifer Unit (JLU), Criminal Defense Resource Center (CDRC), or Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) summer internship programs. Read more


SADO's Project Reentry earns the Liberty Bell Award!

From the Ingham County Bar Association

Congratulations to SADO's Project Reentry team — Alexis, Anna, Lorenzo, and Marcus for receiving the 2026 Liberty Bell Award from the Ingham County Bar Association! This award recognizes outstanding service performed by a non-lawyer citizen who has given time and energy to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of justice. Read more


Improper uses of artificial intelligence at sentencing

Criminal Defense Newsletter | October 2026

A popular area of discussion in the legal profession right now is how to avoid the improper use of artificial intelligence (AI). When it comes to sentencing, guidance can be found from an Arizona case and a federal judge, and our own good sense as well. 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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