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Governor Whitmer appoints Paul Bullock to MIDC
On October 15, 2021 Governor Whitmer announced the appointment of Paul E. Bullock, of Evart, to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
Mr. Bullock is the controller and administrator for Mecosta County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Spring Arbor College. Mr. Bullock is appointed to represent members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing October 15, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. He succeeds Jeffrey Collins whose term expired April 1, 2021.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. 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, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Read the full press release here.
MIDC Meeting – October 19, 2021
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday October 19, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
See our meetings and minutes page for all upcoming Commission meeting dates and the materials for this meeting.
Note that this meeting will be held at the Michigan Bankers Association Building:
Michigan Bankers Association, 507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Free parking is available in the lot at the south east 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 south west corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
State of Michigan business is being conducted at this meeting. In an effort to keep the workplace safe, employees, staff and contractors working on behalf of the State of Michigan must wear a mask if attending the meeting in person regardless of vaccination status unless the normal exemptions apply.
In response to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health of Commissioners, MIDC staff, and members of the public interested in attending the meeting, access to the Commission will also be available remotely. For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Individuals wishing to provide input or ask questions on any business before the Commission may participate in person, by telephone or Zoom.
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Topic: MIDC Meeting October 2021
Time: Oct 19, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85927926945
Meeting ID: 859 2792 6945
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+13017158592,,85927926945# US (Washington DC)
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Note: Upon joining the meeting by Zoom, all participants will momentarily be placed in a waiting room and admitted by the host.
Governor Whitmer appoints Robert J. VerHeulen to MIDC
On Friday September 24, 2021 Governor Whitmer announced the appointment of Robert J. VerHeulen to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
Mr. VerHeulen, of Walker, is the district director for the 28th Senate District and a former state representative for the 74th House District. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Mr. VerHeulen is appointed to represent members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. He succeeds Joseph Haveman whose term expired April 1, 2021.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. 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, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Read the full press release here.
MIDC Special Meeting October 13, 2021: Selection of Executive Director Candidates to Interview
The purpose of this meeting is to select candidates to interview for the Executive Director position.
There will be an option for Commissioners to join by zoom if necessary and/or allowed pursuant to an exemption under the Open Meetings Act. All interested members of the public are strongly encouraged to join by zoom.
Location:
Michigan Bankers Association Building
507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Free parking is available in the lot at the south east 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 south west corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
State of Michigan business is being conducted at this meeting. In an effort to keep the workplace safe, employees, staff and contractors working on behalf of the State of Michigan must wear a mask if attending the meeting in person regardless of vaccination status unless the normal exemptions apply.
In response to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health of Commissioners, MIDC staff, and members of the public interested in attending the meeting, access to the Commission will also be available remotely. For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Individuals wishing to provide input or ask questions on any business before the Commission may participate in person, by telephone or Zoom.
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Topic: MIDC Special Meeting – Selecting Executive Director Candidates to Interview
Time: Oct 13, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84085462366
Meeting ID: 840 8546 2366
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,84085462366# US (New York)
+13017158592,,84085462366# US (Washington DC)
Note: Upon joining the meeting by Zoom, all participants will momentarily be placed in a waiting room and admitted by the host.
Public Comment Welcome: MIDC Guidelines for Trainers and Training Providers
Michigan Compiled Laws §780.991(4) provides that “The MIDC shall establish standards for trainers and organizations conducting training that receive MIDC funds for training and education. The standards established under this subsection must require that the MIDC analyze the quality of the training, and must require that the effectiveness of the training be capable of being measured and validated.”
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is proposing Guidelines for Trainers and Training Providers pursuant to this statutory requirement and seeks public comment on the proposal. After a 30 day comment period the MIDC will take action on these Guidelines at an upcoming public meeting.
Written public comment for consideration by the Commission should be submitted before September 30, 2021 to LARA-MIDC-Info@michigan.gov. Alternatively, comments can be sent by that date to the MIDC’s Office, 611 W. Ottawa, 4th Floor, Lansing, MI 48933. All comments will be posted and available on the MIDC website.
Background and purpose: Attorneys in Michigan accepting adult indigent criminal case assignments must annually complete continuing legal education relevant to their indigent defense clients. MCL §780.991(2)(e). Every trial court funding unit in Michigan must submit a plan for compliance with the Standards, including MIDC Standard 1 – Training and Education of Defense Counsel, and a cost analysis to ensure sufficient funding to comply with the Standards. Systems shall only employ attorneys who have attended the required training described in MIDC Standard 1. These Guidelines shall serve as a supplement to Standard 1 and provide guidance for compliance with Standard 1.
MIDC Meeting – August 17, 2021
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday August 17, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
See our meetings and minutes page for all upcoming Commission meeting dates and the materials packet for this meeting.
Note that this meeting will be held at the Michigan Bankers Association Building:
Michigan Bankers Association, 507 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Free parking is available in the lot at the south east 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 south west corner of Cherry at Lenawee.
State of Michigan business is being conducted at this meeting. In an effort to keep the workplace safe, the State of Michigan is implementing a mask policy for all state employees, contractors, and the public who enter state facilities. Please wear a mask if attending the meeting in person regardless of vaccination status unless the normal exemptions apply.
In response to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health of Commissioners, MIDC staff, and members of the public interested in attending the meeting, access to the Commission will also be available remotely. For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
Individuals wishing to provide input or ask questions on any business before the Commission may participate in person, by telephone or video.
To join by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81240704375
Meeting ID: 812 4070 4375
One tap mobile
+19292056099, 81240704375# US (New York)
Note: Upon joining the meeting by Zoom, all participants will momentarily be placed in a waiting room and admitted by the host.
Governor Whitmer appoints Kubitskey, reappoints McMillin to MIDC
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Debra Kubitskey and Tom McMillin to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
Debra Kubitskey, of South Lyon, is an assistant county administrator for Jackson County. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and a Master in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Kubitskey is appointed to represent members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. She succeeds Michael Puerner whose term expired April 1, 2021.
Thomas McMillin, of Oakland Township, is the owner of Michigan Community Auditors and a partner with March & McMillin, CPAs. He is a member of the State Board of Education and he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from the University of Michigan. Mr. McMillin is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing July 22, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. 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, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Read the full press release here.
Position Available: Executive Director
The MIDC is looking for its next Executive Director! In June, Loren Khogali advised the Commission that she will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director as of July 22nd to spend time with her family. The Commission has appointed Marla McCowan, MIDC’s Director of Training, Outreach and Support, as Interim Executive Director effective July 23rd for the duration of the search for a new Executive Director. If you are passionate about public defense and interested in leading an organization with a talented and committed staff and dedicated, mission-driven Commission, please consider applying.
Learn more about the work of the MIDC in this short 4 1/2 minute video.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 15, 2021
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Commission values the contributions that candidates bring with respect to their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, experience with the criminal legal system, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
LARA: Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Executive Director Loren Khogali Steps Down
July 8, 2021 – Today, the Michigan indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) announced plans to search for a new Executive Director following the resignation of current Executive Director, Loren Khogali.
“Under Loren’s Leadership, local public defense systems across the State have grown exponentially and some of the most important social justice reforms that Michigan has ever seen have been accomplished,” said LARA Director Orlene Hawks. “Her work helps ensure that those who cannot afford to hire an attorney have access to legal assistance when they need it. I want to thank Loren for her commitment, passion and for championing these initiatives.”
Khogali joined the MIDC in 2018 and led the MIDC staff and the Commission to many accomplishments. During her tenure, Khogali led the implementation of the State’s minimum standards, including mandated annual training for indigent defense attorneys statewide and creating pathways that provide indigent defendants access to experts and investigators. Recently, she oversaw the process of approving Standard 5, requiring all indigent defense programs to be independent from the judiciary. Under Khogali’s leadership, 20 new public defender offices, including regional defender offices, and 40 managed assigned counsel systems have been established and secured substantial funding each year from the Legislature to fund the submitted compliance plans from across the state. Khogali’s last day as Executive Director of the MIDC will be July 22, 2021.
“The MIDC thanks Loren Khogali for being a true Champion of Public Defense,” said MIDC Chair Jeffrey Collins. “Her vision, dedication and inspiring leadership has enhanced our state’s public defense system. In the midst of a global pandemic she took steps to ensure the rights of indigent defendants to receive effective representation was not compromised. Loren Khogali earned the utmost respect from the Commission, the MIDC staff and public defense stakeholders statewide.”
MIDC is committed to a smooth transition of leadership to ensure public defense in Michigan continues to improve. During a special Commission meeting today, the MIDC established guidelines for selecting a new Executive Director and named Marla McCowan, MIDC’s Director of Training, Outreach and Support to serve as Interim Executive Director, effective July 23, 2021
In her role as Director of Training, Outreach and Support, Marla worked with trial court funding units to facilitate implementation of new continuing legal education requirements for over 2,000 attorneys accepting assigned criminal cases in Michigan. Prior to joining the MIDC, Marla served as a public defender at the appellate level for over 16 years at the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office, nearly four of which included overseeing training for indigent defense practitioners around Michigan. Marla graduated from Eastern Michigan University and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
To learn more about the MIDC, please watch this 4 ½ minute video.
The full press release is available on LARA’s website.
MIDC Special Meeting – Online access July 8, 2021
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet online on Thursday July 8, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
In response to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health of Commissioners, MIDC staff and members of the public interested in attending the meeting, the Commission will be meeting remotely and consistent with City of Lansing Resolution #2021-081. If you have questions about how to join this meeting please contact Marcela Westrate at (517) 648-3143.
Use the following information to join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83812104771
Meeting ID: 838 1210 4771
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,83812104771# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,83812104771# US (Chicago)
Note: Upon joining the meeting, all participants will momentarily be placed in a waiting room and admitted by the host.
Persons who wish to contact members of the Commission to provide input or ask questions on any business that will come before the public body at the meeting should send an email to LARA-MIDC-Info@michigan.gov.