The Michigan Department of Attorney General (DAG) works tirelessly to protect and serve the people of Michigan. The DAG handles a wide range of legal matters from civil and criminal cases, to providing legal counsel to state agencies and officers, to advocating for crime victims.
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 (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.
Elder abuse happens when someone hurts, ignores, or takes advantage of an older adult. This may be someone who is of advanced age or is vulnerable and unable to protect themselves due to a mental or physical issues.
An expungement is a way to remove past offenses from your public record. Expansions under the “Clean Slate” laws include eligibility for up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors, excluding certain assault or weapons offenses and felonies that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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 workers enjoy a wide variety of legal protections regarding issues at work. There are a number of state and federal statutes that protect their wages, safety, and well-being.
Opioid addiction knows no social or economic barriers; it doesn’t care about race or gender. It claims young and old alike. The Michigan Department of Attorney General is committed to fighting this crisis.
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 10, 2026
LANSING – In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sharing resources and initiatives of the Department of Attorney General to help victims of sexual assault receive justice and closure. The Attorney General has prioritized victims and expanded efforts to ensure survivors receive support through clearing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits, investigating clergy abuse, and extraditing fugitives with active sexual assault warrants back to Michigan. The Department has also accepted 34 additional criminal sexual assault cases for prosecution from counties across the state.
“Sexual assault survivors have long felt forgotten by the very legal system meant to protect them,” said Attorney General Nessel. “As Attorney General, I have prioritized a victim-centered approach and ensured it is at the heart of everything we do. From tracking down fugitives trying to outrun accountability to documenting the stories of clergy abuse survivors, our focus has been and will always be pursuing justice and supporting victims. We will continue to amplify their voices and foster an environment where they feel heard and believed.”
In 2024, Attorney General Nessel launched Operation Survivor Justice. The initiative, a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local County Prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service, works to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants. To date, Operation Survivor Justice has reviewed 109 cases and adopted 20 cases for full prosecution and extradition across Hillsdale, Osceola, Wayne, Wexford, Oceana, Branch, Dickinson, and Chippewa counties. Of the 20 cases adopted for prosecution, 15 have resulted in pleas, including 14 that led to prison sentences. The Operation has extradited more than 75 fugitives.
To investigate and prosecute sexual assaults related to previously untested sexual assault evidence kits, the State’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) was established in 2016. The SAKI project provides sexual assault victims with the opportunity to have their cases re-investigated in a comprehensive, trauma-informed manner. The Department of Attorney General currently oversees the administration of Special Assistant Attorneys General and projects arising from the previously untested sexual assault kits in Kalamazoo, Ingham and Washtenaw counties. The Department previously assisted with cases in Jackson and Wayne counties. Throughout all the counties, there have been more than 600 cases, resulting in 55 convictions, with 42 active investigations currently underway.
The Department of Attorney General has also released detailed reports concerning allegations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct that took place in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, the Diocese of Marquette, the Diocese of Gaylord, the Diocese of Kalamazoo, and the Diocese of Lansing. Reports regarding the Diocese of Saginaw and the Archdiocese of Detroit are expected to be released later this year. To date, the Department has:
In 2023, Attorney General Nessel launched the Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm. Today, the program protects 662 individuals across 325 households, keeping their physical addresses confidential and safe from abusers.
The Attorney General also recently launched a Crime Victim Rights webpage to educate crime victims about their rights and guide them through the legal process after a crime is reported. The webpage includes:
Sexual assault survivors seeking resources and information are encouraged to visit the Department of Attorney General’s website.
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