Michigan State Appellate Defender Office and Criminal Defense Resource Center

Top Stories

Supreme Court Declares 2011 SORA Unconstitutional

The State Appellate Defender Office applauds the recent decision of the Michigan Supreme Court in People v Paul Betts, holding that the 2011 Sex Offenders 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. Read More

Join the MAACS Roster!

Applications accepted through September 3, 2021

The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) is accepting applications from conscientious criminal defense attorneys with all levels of criminal appellate experience. MAACS roster attorneys receive reasonable and reliable attorney fees, investigation and litigation support services, legal research assistance, and expanded resources and training. Read More

Check Out Project Reentry's, The Drum

The Drum: Articles, Stories, and Resources for the JLWOP Community

The July 2021 issue of The Drum is now available. The Drum is a publication, produced by SADO’s Project Reentry, featuring articles by and for former juvenile lifers returning to the community. The Drum also identifies a wide variety of resources for returning citizens, including financial budgeting, employment opportunities, and community tips. This month's edition features a compelling Citizen Spotlight on Gerald Merrell, a feature article on "Vaccinated Behind Bars," and much more! Read More

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.