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MAACS is Hiring a Mitigation Specialist

Grant-funded one-year position. Apply by October 25.

The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), a division of the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) seeks to hire a full-time Mitigation Specialist to assist in legal representation of clients appearing for resentencing hearings.  Mitigation Specialists are a crucial part of the defense team and work with attorneys and clients to develop strategy for new sentencing hearings. The Mitigation Specialist will perform a variety of functions with the end goal of improving sentencing outcomes for clients.  This position is grant funded for one year with a salary of $54,465 and expected start date of November 15th. Read More


SADO and MAACS Annual Orientation and Training Underway

SADO's Criminal Defense Resource Center, in partnership with the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), invite court-appointed appellate attorneys to this year's fall orientation and training.  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.