MIDC Seeks Public Comment on Minimum Standard
August 7, 2020 – Pursuant to its enabling statute, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) has proposed a minimum standard on eligibility for appointment of counsel. The MIDC Act requires that the Commission “promulgate objective standards for indigent criminal defense systems to determine whether a defendant is indigent or partially indigent” and “determine the amount a partially indigent defendant must contribute to his or her defense.” MCL 780.991, Sec. 11(3)(e)-(f).
The proposed standard can be read here.
Printer Friendly: MIDC Proposed Standard for Determining Indigency and Contribution
Following a 30-day public comment period, the MIDC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 15, 2020 by Zoom. Information regarding the public hearing will be made available on the MIDC website.
Written public comment for consideration by the Commission should be submitted before September 14, 2020 to LARA-MIDC-Info@michigan.gov. Alternatively, comments can be sent by that date to the MIDC’s Office, 200 N. Washington Square, 3rd Floor, Lansing, MI 48913. All comments will be posted and available on the MIDC website.
Every indigent defense funding unit in Michigan is required to submit an annual plan for compliance with the approved standards and a corresponding and cost analysis to the MIDC. Once a standard is approved, systems must submit a plan for compliance with the standard and a cost analysis within 180 days of approval by LARA.
The MIDC was created to improve legal representation for indigent persons charged as adults with criminal offenses. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution and the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.