Michigan State Appellate Defender Office and Criminal Defense Resource Center

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ACLU Honors Leaders in the Campaign for Justice Coalition

SADO Director Dawn Van Hoek Among Honorees

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Metro Detroit celebrates Bill of Rights Day by honoring those in our community who are fighting for civil rights and liberties. “This year we are proud to honor grassroots leaders within the fight to reform Michigan's public defense system. These passionate advocates have worked to reform our state’s broken system for providing attorneys to those that can’t afford them. We will be honoring: John Shea (Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan) Dawn Van Hoek (State Appellate Defenders Office) Marcela Westrate (Campaign for Justice) Peter Cunningham (State Bar of Michigan) Noah Smith (Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan) and Shelli Weisberg (ACLU of Michigan)” The State Appellate Defender Office Read more

SADO Publishes Sentencing Guidelines Manual Annotated

The Latest Part of the Defender Series of Books Available for Purchase

We are always developing products to assist the Criminal Defense Community and are pleased to announce that we have developed the Defender Sentencing Guidelines Manual Annotated, a small companion to our Defender Plea, Sentencing, and Post-Conviction Book. The Defender Sentencing Guidelines Manual Annotated is a slim (7” x 8.5”), approximately 60 page (double-sided) soft-bound pamphlet, containing basic law about the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines, all applicable grids, and caselaw (published and relevant unpublished caselaw through July, 2013), organized by variable for quick reference.   The Manual is printed and ready to ship! Your cost is only $10.  Use our revised subscription form to order today, or contact the Crimin Read More

SADO Hosts Informational Session for Friends and Family

Next Sessions are January 22 in Lansing and January 23 in Detroit

Join SADO for an Informational Session on what to expect after a loved one is convicted of a crime and sentenced to the Michigan Department of Corrections. SADO staff will be on hand to address the process of a criminal appeal, visiting policies of the MDOC, how to communicate with an inmate housed in the MDOC, and will provide a list of basic resources for clients and their families. Read more

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This project was funded by the Byrne JAG grant #2010-DJ-BX-0003, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and administered by the Michigan state Police (MSP). Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the MSP or DOJ.