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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
July 03, 2025
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert highlighting what consumers need to know if their vehicle is towed. The alert follows a presentation delivered last week by Jason Evans, chief of the Corporate Oversight Division at the Michigan Department of Attorney General, to the City of Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Towing Committee. The alert and presentation focus on Michigan’s towing laws and consumer protections offered to vehicle owners.
“It’s important Michigan drivers understand their rights when it comes to towing,” Nessel said. “This alert gives people the information they need to know how to get their vehicles back and challenge unauthorized and unreasonable fees.”
When Vehicles Can Be Towed
Vehicles may be towed from public or private property. In cases of private property, the property owner must have a clearly visible notice posted before towing a vehicle without the owner's consent.
After a Vehicle is Towed
After a vehicle is towed, towing companies are required to share the vehicle’s new location with local police. Within 24 hours, the police will determine if the vehicle was reported stolen. The vehicle will then be entered into the law enforcement information network as an abandoned vehicle, and the police will notify the Secretary of State.
Owners of vehicles involved in accidents must claim their vehicles within 20 days. After that, it is labeled as an abandoned vehicle.
Notification to Vehicle Owners
The Secretary of State must notify owners by mail within seven days of a vehicle being classified as abandoned. The notice will include:
Locating a Towed Vehicle
The location of the vehicle and custodian can be found online on the Secretary of State's Michigan Abandoned Vehicle Search using the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. Vehicle owners can also contact the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234.
Rights Regarding Towed Vehicles
The company storing the vehicle must allow the owner to inspect the vehicle and to get their items out for free, for the first visit. After that, they can’t charge the owner more than $25 per time. Attorney General Nessel encourages vehicle owners to bring their title or registration, as proof of ownership may be required.
Understanding Towing and Storage Fees
Vehicle owners are responsible for any storage fees. If a vehicle is towed after an accident or from public or private property, daily storage fees will apply while the vehicle remains at the facility. Towing and storage fees are normally set by the agreement between the police agency and the towing company. Residents can contact the police agency involved in the towing to verify fees.
Challenging a Tow or Fees
Owners have the right to challenge whether a vehicle was properly towed and the reasonableness of towing and storage fees. This must be done in a timely manner and in an appropriate district court.
Towing complaints may be filed with the Department of Attorney General, the local police agency, or the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED). Towing companies must submit active liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, or an approved exemption. Residents may check operating authority by visiting the CVED's Intrastate Carrier Authority Registration System website.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
###
Media Contact: