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 28, 2026
LANSING – After more than 32 years of dedication to the State of Michigan, Deputy Attorney General Joe Potchen (PNG) will retire from the Department of Attorney General on April 30, 2026, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
“For three decades, Joe has been a tremendous advocate for the people of Michigan,” said Attorney General Nessel. “His leadership has helped shaped this Department and touched countless lives across our state. We will miss his wisdom and are incredibly grateful for the legacy of public service. I wish him well in his much-deserved retirement.”
Potchen joined the Department in 1994 after practicing law in Chicago. Potchen worked in the office’s Public Employment & Elections Division as a staff attorney, specialist, and Section Head focusing on employment law cases for 14 years. In 2008, he was promoted to First Assistant in the Health, Education and Family Services Division and was promoted again in 2013 to the Division Chief position in the Corporate Oversight Division. In 2015, he was assigned to be a Practice Group Manager and took on oversight of four other divisions in addition to managing the Corporate Oversight Division. In 2021, he was named Bureau Chief of the Consumer & Regulatory Enforcement Bureau, overseeing eight divisions and more than 200 employees.
In 2024, Attorney General Nessel appointed Potchen as a Deputy Attorney General for the Department. In addition to the Bureau Chief duties, in his Deputy role, Potchen oversaw the Department’s Office of Human Resources and the Department’s Ethics Officer. He was also one of the Department’s Emergency Management Coordinators and a member of the Department’s Professional Responsibility, Education, and Policy Board.
Potchen is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and Loyola School of Law in Chicago. He is married and has three children.
“Over the course of my career, it has been a source of pride to work alongside so many talented and committed public servants. I am pleased and honored to say I worked in the Department of Attorney General, and I am confident that the dedicated people who remain will carry its laudable mission forward.” Deputy Potchen said. “I am thankful that Attorney General Nessel allowed me to play a significant part in that mission.”
With Potchen’s retirement, Attorney General Nessel has also promoted the other Deputy Attorney General, Peter Manning (PNG), to Chief Deputy. He will now oversee the Department’s operations.
“Peter has defined what it means to be a true leader and civil servant,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I know in this new role, he will continue to serve our state with the same dedication he has shown throughout his entire career.”
Manning joined the Department of Attorney General in 1994 and worked in the Department’s Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Division (ENRA) for most of his career. He was promoted to manage a section in ENRA in 2002 and was appointed Division Chief in 2005, serving 17 years as the head of the division. In 2015, he was named a Practice Group Manager and was assigned to oversee four other divisions, in addition to managing ENRA. In 2021, Manning was named Bureau Chief of the Environment and Government Operations Bureau, overseeing nine divisions and nearly 200 employees, along with the Offices of Fiscal Management and Legislative Affairs.
He also serves as one of the Attorney General’s representatives on the Great Lakes Commission, is the Department’s Emergency Management Coordinator, and is a member of the Department’s Professional Responsibility, Education, and Policy Board.
Manning is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School. He is married and has four children.
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Coalition seeks final ruling after filing lawsuit earlier this month to challenge unlawful executive order