The Michigan Department of Attorney General utilizes the services of Special Assistant Attorneys General from time to time when the unique circumstances of a particular case create the need for specialized services not currently available within the department.
The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (the “CIU”) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort.
The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that requesters can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request.
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) took effect January 1, 1977. In enacting the OMA, the Legislature promoted a new era in governmental accountability and fostered openness in government to enhance responsible decision making.1 Nothing in the OMA prohibits a public body from adopting an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that requires a greater degree of openness relative to public body meetings than the standards provided for in the OMA. 2
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
April 11, 2025
LANSING – In recognition of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reaffirming her Department’s commitment to protecting, empowering and advocating for crime victims across Michigan. Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has prioritized crime victim services, expanding efforts to ensure survivors receive the support and resources they need to navigate the criminal justice system.
“Crime victims deserve to be heard and supported as they navigate the legal system,” Nessel said. “That's why my office has taken a victim-centered approach to everything we do, ensuring survivors have the resources, advocacy and respect they need at every stage of the process.”
In 2023, Attorney General Nessel launched the Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm. Today, the program protects 333 individuals across 165 households, keeping their physical addresses confidential and safe from abusers.
In 2024 alone, the Department of Attorney General’s Victim Advocate staff supported 378 victims involved in criminal prosecutions, not including additional survivors reached through the Department’s Catholic Church Clergy Abuse investigation or the more than 100 Michigan crime victims who reached out for resources in their home counties. The Department’s Felony Child Support Advocate was instrumental in supporting 1,500 cases, maintaining direct communication with victims in each case to ensure they understood their rights and the legal process.
Attorney General Nessel’s commitment to a victim-centered approach also extends to statewide and national leadership. The Department’s Victim Advocate staff serve on numerous boards and committees, including:
To further empower victims, the Attorney General recently launched a Crime Victim Rights webpage to educate crime victims about their rights and guide them through the legal process after a crime is reported. The webpage includes:
In the latest episode of their Pantsuits and Lawsuits podcast, Attorney General Nessel and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes discuss the alarming decline in federal funding for victim services. Since 2017, the Victims of Crime Act fund has dropped by 83%, leaving millions of vulnerable survivors without critical support.
The episode also dives into the trauma of post-conviction issues, such as unexpected paroles or pardons, and includes a discussion of the critical role that victim advocates play in helping survivors reprocess their pain with Kirstin Flores and Rebekah Snyder Cox, who lead victim services divisions in Arizona and Michigan, respectively.
The episode is available now on major podcast platforms.
###
Media Contact: