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Governor Whitmer Appoints Mathes, Reappoints Fisher, Jones, and Walker to MIDC
On September 19, 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission:
James H. Fisher, of Grand Rapids, is of counsel for Dickinson Wright, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from General Motors Institute and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Fisher is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
David W. Jones, of Detroit, is a partner with Allen Brothers, PLLC. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Corporation Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Jones is reappointed to represent members submitted by the State Bar of Michigan for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
Paula B. Mathes, of Muskegon, is a judge with the 60th District Court of Muskegon County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School. Judge Mathes is appointed to represent members submitted by the District Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026. She succeeds Judge Kristina Robinson Garrett whose term expired April 1, 2022.
Gary L. Walker, of Marquette, is retired after serving as the prosecutor for Marquette County and the township supervisor for Chocolay Charter Township. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Walker is reappointed to represent former prosecuting attorneys or former assistant county prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
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.
MIDC Meeting – August 23, 2022
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday August 23, 2022 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: Research Associate
We’re hiring! The MIDC is seeking a Research Associate.
Apply online via the NEOGOV website: here.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on August 1, 2022.
Summary
The employee will service as a point of contact for indigent defense systems that need assistance with data collection or reporting. The Research Associate will interpret data results for the Research Director, Executive Director, and staff.
Required Education and Experience:
Education
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in any major.
Experience
No specific type or amount is required.
One year of professional experience.
Two years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the intermediate (10) level in state service.
Three years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the experienced (P11) level in state service.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
table
together in a format that is easily understandable
using programs such as R, Stata or SAS
typography, color, interaction design and fluency in advanced Excel and other visualization
programs (Tableau, Canva, etc.)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 1, 2022 by 5:00 pm.
Apply online via the NEOGOV website by clicking here.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MIDC Meeting – June 21, 2022
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday June 21, 2022 beginning at 9:00 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.
MIDC 2021 Annual Report
The MIDC is required to publish an annual report pursuant to M.C.L. §780.999. The 2021 Impact Report by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission covers all activities of the Commission and Staff, our budget and expenditures, and recommendations for legislative action pursuant to M.C.L. §780.989(h).
Prior annual reports can be found on our policies and reports page.
MIDC Meeting – April 19, 2022
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday April 19, 2022 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.
Regional Manager Assignments – Updated Spring 2022
We have a full time staff working under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, including Regional Managers working statewide. Our primary office is located in Lansing, Michigan. Regional Managers are based in their region. Visit our “Meet the Staff” page for biographical and contact information for our team, including our new Regional Manager for South Central Michigan, Nicole Walter.
Regional Manager Assignments Spring 2022
MIDC Meeting – February 15, 2022
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission will meet on Tuesday February 15, 2022 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 email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143 to request a Zoom link. This link will be provided on the morning of the 24th 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.
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.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
MIDC Special Meeting: Strategic Planning January 24, 2022
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the MIDC’s Strategic Plan. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time at the Michigan Bankers Association Building.
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 email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143 to request a Zoom link. This link will be provided on the morning of the 24th 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.
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.
For any questions or concerns or to contact the Commission, please email Marcela Westrate at WestrateM1@michigan.gov or call (517) 648-3143.
MIDC 2021 Highlights/Year in Review
At the December 2021 Commission meeting, the MIDC’s accomplishments for the year were highlighted through this infographic presentation:
Download .pdf here.
The Commission will publish a formal annual report in 2022. For prior annual reports, please see our annual reports page.