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 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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May 02, 2025
LANSING — Today, Robert Allen DeClercq, 72, of Grosse Pointe, was convicted by an Oscoda County jury of two counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Person under 13, Defendant over 17, a potential life-sentence offense, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
In 2020, DeClercq assaulted a female minor relative in the bathroom of his secondary residence in Oscoda County’s Fairview Township.
“This very young victim of sexual assault showed great courage in telling a trustworthy adult in her life what had occurred,” said Nessel. “I am grateful for the jury, and the Michigan State Police for their investigative efforts, and those of my office’s prosecutors, who brought accountability and justice for this assault.”
The 2020 assault will carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years up to lifetime imprisonment. Sentencing will be held on August 18 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Cassandra Morse-Bills in the 23rd Circuit Court in Mio.
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