The MIDC website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OKCookies Policy Privacy PolicyWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
MIDC Meeting – April 30, 2024
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday April 30, 2024 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Location:
Michigan Bankers Association Building
507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Online Access: For members of the public who wish to join the meeting online, please request a Zoom link by contacting Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or text or call (517) 648-3143 and leave a message with your email address. The link will be provided in the morning before the meeting begins.
Free parking is available in the lot at the southeast corner of Grand and Lenawee. Free, handicap-accessible parking and an accessible entrance to the building is available in the same lot but enter at the southwest corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Resources for Calculating Caseloads
Updated November 2024
The MIDC’s Staff has prepared resources to assist funding units in tracking caseloads of attorneys assigned in adult criminal cases. The MIDC Caseload Tracker spreadsheets provide local indigent defense systems with tools to track attorney workloads and calculate attorneys’ proximity to Standard 6 workload maximums. Use of these resources is optional and provided upon request and for the convenience of stakeholders in the criminal legal system.
Note: The Individual Assignment Entry and Quarterly Entry – 4Q Rolling Average sheets were updated in November 2024 to add new features and improve functionality for users with older versions of Excel.
MIDC Meeting: February 20, 2024
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday February 24, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Location:
Michigan Bankers Association Building
507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Online Access: For members of the public who wish to join the meeting online, please request a Zoom link by contacting Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or text or call (517) 648-3143 and leave a message with your email address. The link will be provided in the morning before the meeting begins.
Free parking is available in the lot at the southeast corner of Grand and Lenawee. Free, handicap-accessible parking and an accessible entrance to the building is available in the same lot but enter at the southwest corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Position Available: MIDC Administrative Assistant
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 29, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply online by clicking here.
Administrative Assistant
Summary
This position provides secretarial and executive support to assist the Executive Director, Deputy Director and staff of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. This position provides technical assistance and guidance to office staff and to members of the Commission. The position serves as a management assistant and handles sensitive information and must maintain a high degree of confidentiality especially when working with sensitive issues.
Education and Experience
Education
Education typically acquired through completion of high school.
Experience
Six years of administrative support experience where use of a personal computer to prepare correspondence, reports, charts, etc., or to enter/retrieve/update information is an essential part of the work, including three years equivalent to an advanced, 8-level, administrative support worker, Secretary E8, or Legal Secretary E8; two years equivalent to a Secretary 9, Legal Secretary 9, or Senior Executive Management Assistant 9; or, one year equivalent to the Division Head Legal Secretary 10 or Executive Secretary E10.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
February 29, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply online by clicking here.
[link to Michigan NEOGOV website]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Position Available: Regional Manager, Lapeer Macomb Oakland and St. Clair Counties
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 20, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply online by clicking here.
Regional Manager: Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties
Summary
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) is seeking a Regional Manager to facilitate the creation of superior systems for representation of indigent clients charged with crimes. Regional Managers provide direction and guidance to indigent defense delivery systems around the state on compliance with MIDC-enacted standards. They serve as the liaisons between local systems and the MIDC.
This challenging and rewarding opportunity will require the skills of a diplomat and knowledge of indigent defense systems and models. Regional Managers must have a thorough working knowledge of the MIDC Act and a wide variety of models of indigent defense delivered locally in Michigan and nationwide. Successful candidates will work with criminal justice stakeholders to design the most appropriate plans for meeting minimum standards for indigent defense in a particular county or system.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Education and Experience
Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law; a minimum of five years of progressively more responsible work experience working in court, public, or business administration, or representing indigent clients is desired.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Membership in good standing in the Michigan State Bar.
Due to significant travel within the region, an individual with a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle is also required.
Work Location:
The ideal candidate should be based in a county in the region or have the ability to travel regularly to the locations indicated in the position description.
Periodic travel to the MIDC Office in Lansing, Michigan is expected.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
February 20, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply online by clicking here.
[link to Michigan NEOGOV website]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MIDC Meeting – December 19, 2023
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday December 19, 2023 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Location:
Michigan Bankers Association Building
507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Online Access: For members of the public who wish to join the meeting online, please request a Zoom link by contacting Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or text or call (517) 648-3143 and leave a message with your email address. The link will be provided in the morning before the meeting begins.
Free parking is available in the lot at the southeast corner of Grand and Lenawee. Free, handicap-accessible parking and an accessible entrance to the building is available in the same lot but enter at the southwest corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Position Available: Regional Manager, Mid Michigan
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply online by clicking here.
Regional Manager: Mid Michigan
Counties covered: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola.
Summary
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) is seeking a Regional Manager to facilitate the creation of superior systems for representation of indigent clients charged with crimes. Regional Managers provide direction and guidance to indigent defense delivery systems around the state on compliance with MIDC-enacted standards. They serve as the liaisons between local systems and the MIDC.
This challenging and rewarding opportunity will require the skills of a diplomat and knowledge of indigent defense systems and models. Regional Managers must have a thorough working knowledge of the MIDC Act and a wide variety of models of indigent defense delivered locally in Michigan and nationwide. Successful candidates will work with criminal justice stakeholders to design the most appropriate plans for meeting minimum standards for indigent defense in a particular county or system.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Education and Experience
Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law; a minimum of five years of progressively more responsible work experience working in court, public, or business administration, or representing indigent clients is desired.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Membership in good standing in the Michigan State Bar.
Due to significant travel within the region, an individual with a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle is also required.
Work Location:
The ideal candidate should be based in a Mid Michigan county or have the ability to travel regularly to the locations indicated in the position description.
Periodic travel to the MIDC Office in Lansing, Michigan is expected.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.
Apply here [link to Michigan NEOGOV website]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
LARA approves remaining Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards to better ensure Michiganders right to a fair trial
OCTOBER 24, 2023 – Today LARA has formally approved the two remaining minimum standards submitted by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), known as Standard 6 and Standard 7. The full approval of these new Standards will continue the MIDC’s mission of ensuring quality defense is provided to all eligible adults facing criminal charges.
Standard 6 limits an individual public defender to 150 felonies or 400 misdemeanor cases per year, so that attorneys have adequate time to prepare and effectively represent each client.
Standard 7 establishes a minimum standard of qualifications and review for public defenders consistent with the MIDC Act’s requirement that “Defense counsel’s ability, training, and experience match the nature and complexity of the case to which he or she is appointed.”
“We all benefit from a justice system that provides a fair trial to every person facing criminal charges” said Marlon I. Brown, Acting Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “It is critical that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has access to an experienced attorney who can properly prepare and argue their case. These new Standards help us deliver on the promise of a right to counsel for all. I applaud the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission for advancing common-sense, evidence-based guidelines that will improve public defense and strengthen our justice system.”
“A fair and effective justice system needs attorneys who are properly trained and have the capacity to appropriately represent their clients,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. “With implementation of these standards, Michigan takes another significant step toward making our justice system a model for the nation that is trusted by all.”
The MIDC estimates the new standards will cost $12.8 million to implement. The MIDC Act requires that every indigent defense delivery system in Michigan submit a plan for compliance with these standards once they are approved by the Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which oversees the MIDC. These submissions must be made to the MIDC within 180 days from the date of approval.
“In the ten years since the creation of the MIDC, we have transformed our state’s system of public defense” said MIDC Chair Christine Green. “Before our standards existed, lawyers were underpaid and overworked, often struggling to find time to file motions, thoroughly investigate a case, or meet clients before their first day in court. But because of the collaboration and hard work of the MIDC and our local systems, we are making a positive impact in our communities. The adoption of Standards 6 and 7 is another step toward establishing Michigan as the leader for providing quality legal counsel for all Michiganders.”
The MIDC was established in 2013 to ensure that criminal defense services are delivered to all indigent adults in this State consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and with the MIDC Act. The MIDC was appropriated $220 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget to provide grants to local indigent defense systems as they come into compliance with minimum standards of providing public defense.
MIDC Meeting – October 17, 2023
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday October 17, 2023 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Location:
Michigan Bankers Association Building
507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Online Access: For members of the public who wish to join the meeting online, please request a Zoom link by contacting Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or text or call (517) 648-3143 and leave a message with your email address. The link will be provided in the morning before the meeting begins.
Free parking is available in the lot at the southeast corner of Grand and Lenawee. Free, handicap-accessible parking and an accessible entrance to the building is available in the same lot but enter at the southwest corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Key Changes to MIDC Quarterly Reporting in FY2024
The MIDC staff has prepared a summary of key changes to quarterly reporting for FY24 so that systems can make necessary changes to their data collection processes before the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1.
The MIDC is committed to supporting a smooth transition for funding units as systems implement the attorney compensation standard during the upcoming fiscal year. Please reach out to your Regional Manager with any questions or concerns and check our grants page regularly for additional information. Training materials and EGrAMS tutorials will be available in December.