May 4,
2011
LANSING - Michigan
Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced he has created the new position
of Crime Victims' Advocate in the Attorney General's office to serve as a
statewide voice and resource for Michigan crime victims, fulfilling a pledge he
made upon taking office this year. To fill the post, Schuette has appointed
John H. Lazet.
"Too often,
the victims of crime are forgotten. But that is going to change," said Schuette.
"Victims of crime need an aggressive champion on their side to ensure they
receive the support they deserve and that is what the Crime Victims' Advocate
will do."
As the
Attorney General's Crime Victims' Advocate, Lazet will ensure that the office
serves as a resource for crime victims and law enforcement in Michigan. For
example, Lazet will work to uphold Schuette's commitment that crime victims are
informed about their rights to object to the parole of violent criminals who
remain a danger to society. Lazet will also coordinate efforts to assist crime
victims by working closely with the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of
Michigan (PAAM) and other state and local law enforcement agencies, and advocate
for legislative changes that can help victims.
Lazet, of
Mason, brings years of experience working to protect the rights of crime victims
in the Michigan State Senate. While working there, he assisted with the
drafting and passage of public safety legislation, including refinements to the
nationally recognized William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim's Rights Act. Lazet
also assisted the Michigan Judicial Institute in editing a book to provide
Michigan judges guidance on crime victim's rights. And, he is a founding Board
Member of The Crime Victim Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization
founded in 1992 to provide financial assistance to Michigan crime victims.
Lazet comes to the Department of Attorney General from Sen. Mike Green's office,
where he served as Chief of Staff. Lazet previously served as Chief of Staff to
former Michigan State Senators William Van Regenmorter, Alan Cropsey, and Harmon
Cropsey.
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