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 26, 2025
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that two long-time prosecutors at the Department of Attorney General, Robyn N. Liddell (JPG) and Melissa Palepu (JPG), have been recognized with distinguished awards honoring their outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the people of Michigan.
“Robyn and Melissa exemplify the very best of the Department of Attorney General,” Nessel said. “Their tireless work to protect Michigan residents and uphold the law makes a real difference every day, and these honors are well deserved.”
Lidell, Division Chief of the Criminal Trials Division, has been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2025 “Influential Women of Law." This recognition honors women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, their commitment to community service, and their leadership in the profession.
Liddell joined the Department of Attorney General in 2014 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division and was promoted to First Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Trials and Appeals Division in 2020 before her appointment to Division Chief in 2023. In her current role, she handles the investigation and prosecution of a broad array of criminal matters, including multi-jurisdictional or complex cases involving sexual assaults and intimate partner violence, police misconduct, and public integrity.
Before joining the Department, Liddell served as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office where she handled domestic violence, sex crimes, and child abuse cases. She also provided support and crisis intervention at Ann Arbor's Domestic Violence Project. Liddell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies from Oberlin College before graduating from Michigan State University Law School.
Palepu, Attorney Specialist in Human Trafficking and Child Abuse with the Department, has been honored with the International Association of Prosecutors Special Achievement Award (PDF) for her work to combat child sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Michigan. The award recognizes prosecutors who demonstrate special dedication in the face of adversity and whose contributions warrant special recognition on the global stage.
Palepu has played a pivotal role in prosecuting human trafficking cases for the Department. She also serves as the Chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission.
Palepu previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and was the General Counsel for the Wayne County Land Bank. She is an alumna of the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and History. She then received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
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