In July of 2013, two public acts were signed into law by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. These acts established the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and charged that commission with creating and enforcing uniform public defense standards throughout the state of Michigan. Michigan’s road to reform began when David Carroll and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association gave Michigan failing grades in a 2008 report, “A Race to the Bottom.” Over the next several years, legislation was drafted and ultimately the version that created the new commission was overwhelmingly approved by the Michigan House and Senate.
Funding to begin the MIDC’s work has already been appropriated for the current fiscal year and the next fiscal year that begins October 1, 2014. Governor Snyder appointed the members of the commission in June of this year. The commissioners come from a variety of backgrounds and include individuals that have worked on this issue since 2008. The MIDC will hold its first meeting on September 23, 2014 and members are eager for work to begin in earnest.
The MIDC is requesting TTA to obtain the Sixth Amendment Center’s (6AC’s) assistance in identifying best practices with indigent defense commissions and their development of standards. David Carroll has been involved in Michigan since the beginning of reforms and participated in legislative workgroups to provide a national perspective. His assistance, along with that of the 6AC, would provide information on what has worked throughout the nation. It would help the MIDC’s efforts get off of the ground and provide important advice on the approach the MIDC should take in the future. As the MIDC’s work progresses, the 6AC’s guidance in data collection and interpretation will be very helpful as the MIDC monitors counties throughout the state.
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Providers selected for consideration (previously 'Selected Providers' field):
Selected Provider 1: Sixth Amendment Center