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SADO's Christine Pagac to Argue in Michigan Supreme Court

Argument set for December 8, 2021 at 10:00am

SADO's Christine Pagac will present argument in the Michigan Supreme Court on December 8, 2021, in People v John Antonya Moss, on the issue of what amounts to an "effective blood relationship" for purposes of MCL 750.520d(1)(d). Read More


SADO Seeks Summer Interns

The Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) seeks first and second-year law students committed to public service, racial equity, and social justice to join our Summer Internship Program. SADO provides representation to poor people who appeal their state criminal convictions and those sentenced to juvenile life without parole in resentencing proceedings pursuant to the United States Supreme Court’s decisions in Miller v Alabama (2012) and Montgomery v Louisiana (2016). Read More


SADO and the ACLU Prepare Information Packet on SORA

In People v Paul Betts, the Michigan Supreme Court held that the 2011 Sex Offender Registration Act is unconstitutional ex post facto punishment. With the Court’s decision, SORA’s many requirements cannot be imposed against those whose offenses requiring registration came before the enactment of the 2011 SORA. SADO and the ACLU have prepared an information packet to help members of the public navigate SORA. Get the info packet here.
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COVID-19 Pleadings and Resources for Attorneys and Advocates

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for the defender community to advocate for the release of incarcerated individuals. Keeping people unnecessarily incarcerated dangers public health and safety. SADO has created and gathered sample pleadings, information, and resources here. This page will be continually updated. 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.