MIDC Proposes Standard for Economic Disincentives and Incentives

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission met on October 17, 2017 and released for comment a standard on economic disincentives and incentives, pursuant to MCL 780.991(2)(b).  The standard is prefaced with language making clear that assigned counsel “must have the time, fees, and resources to provide the effective assistance of counsel guaranteed to indigent criminal defendants by the United States and Michigan Constitutions.”

Read the full text of the proposed standard here.

Download the complete packet of standards here.

Earlier this summer, the MIDC also proposed minimum standards for indigent criminal defense services addressing the need for independence from the judiciary, defender workload limitations, and qualification and review of attorneys accepting assignments in adult criminal cases.  The full text of all of standards can be found on the MIDC’s website.

The MIDC invites all stakeholders in the criminal justice community and the general public to provide feedback on the proposed standards through Februrary 1, 2018.  Comments on the newly proposed standards can be sent to comments@michiganidc.gov or mailed to the MIDC’s Lansing office.