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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September 02, 2025
LANSING – In the latest episode of Pantsuits and Lawsuits, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes discuss the unsettling reality of human trafficking in America with chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission and Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu. The conversation dismantles widespread misconceptions about what trafficking actually looks like and who it affects.
“Human trafficking is pervasive, and we all have a part to play in combating this crisis,” Nessel said. “Melissa Palepu does amazing work in my office for survivors, and I’m grateful she was able to come on the podcast to educate listeners on the realities of trafficking, the dangers facing children online, and the steps we can take to protect vulnerable people in our communities.”
The episode also exposes how traffickers now target children through video games and social media platforms. During the discussion, Palepu emphasizes why open conversations about online dangers are essential to protect kids against predators who have adapted to the digital world.
They also discuss how political realities have made this fight even harder. Increased immigration enforcement has silenced many victims who fear deportation more than their exploiters. Meanwhile, high-profile cases like Jeffrey Epstein's become political footballs while actual victims are forgotten and trafficking networks continue operating with impunity. For parents, educators, and concerned citizens alike, this episode provides crucial knowledge about trafficking's warning signs and how communities can respond. The prosecution of these cases faces enormous hurdles—from resource limitations to widespread misunderstanding of trafficking dynamics among judges and juries—yet remains essential to disrupting these criminal networks.
New episodes of Pantsuits and Lawsuits are released biweekly to break down complex legal topics in a way that is engaging, informative, and accessible to listeners. With their blend of expertise, humor, and straight talk, the attorneys general explore major legal cases, analyze state and national policy debates, and discuss how attorneys general help shape justice. Through these discussions, listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the work attorneys general do to serve and protect their communities.
The latest episode is available now on major podcast platforms.
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