The Michigan Department of Attorney General utilizes the services of Special Assistant Attorneys General from time to time when the unique circumstances of a particular case create the need for specialized services not currently available within the department.
The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (the “CIU”) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort.
The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that requesters can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request.
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) took effect January 1, 1977. In enacting the OMA, the Legislature promoted a new era in governmental accountability and fostered openness in government to enhance responsible decision making.1 Nothing in the OMA prohibits a public body from adopting an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that requires a greater degree of openness relative to public body meetings than the standards provided for in the OMA. 2
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April 16, 2020
LANSING – Online tribal lender Sierra Financial LLC has agreed to an assurance of voluntary compliance with the state, months after Attorney General Dana Nessel filed Michigan’s first lawsuit alleging violations of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Act.
Sierra Financial, an online lending company incorporated under the laws of the California-based Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, has also been known as Tall Grass Finance and Sierra Lending LLC.
Nessel in October 2019 filed a lawsuit against Sierra Financial following complaints of predatory lending and offering or otherwise providing exorbitant interest rate loans in Michigan. That lawsuit has been dismissed as a result of the compliance agreement, which includes numerous assurances from Sierra Financial.
Under the agreement, the business will cease marketing and making new loans to Michigan consumers as of March 5, 2020, and will limit collection on any existing loans up to the principal amount, with all repayments being applied to the principal amount borrowed. If the company seeks to do business in Michigan again, it must give the Attorney General’s office 120 days’ notice of its intentions.
“Loans with excessively high interest rates are a clear violation of state consumer protection laws, and my office will not stand for predatory lenders that take advantage of people, especially those asking for help to pay their bills,” Nessel said. “Many people need financial assistance at one point or another, and companies that employ deceptive tactics and act in bad faith should not be permitted to operate in Michigan.”
Complaints indicated consumers were surprised by hidden terms and exorbitant interest rates and fees. Many of the complainants attempted to pay off their loans early and were told they could not or that they had to wait, resulting in additional fees and interest being owed, often exceeding interest rates of 300 percent. Michigan usury laws cap annual interest rates at 7 percent and interest rates exceeding 25 percent are subject to criminal charges under Michigan usury laws.
Click here to view an affidavit related to the business.
Michigan residents are urged to report any violation of the Consumer Protection Act online or by calling 877-765-8388.
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