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.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) reviews cases where someone is saying they did not commit the crime(s) of which they were convicted. There must be new evidence that shows they did not commit the crime. This new evidence must rise to the legal standard of "clear and convincing" evidence of innocence.
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.
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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June 24, 2026
LANSING – Barry Hopkinson, 61, of Cheboygan, was sentenced to 3-15 years’ incarceration on June 18 for threatening a 53rd Circuit Court Judge, the Cheboygan County Prosecutor, and a Cheboygan County Assistant Prosecutor, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Hopkinson was sentenced by visiting Judge Colin Hunter of the 46th Circuit Court after pleading guilty in March to one count of Attempt Making a Terroristic Threat as a Habitual 4th Offender.
After previously being sentenced to incarceration in the Cheboygan County Jail for stalking, Hopkinson repeatedly expressed that he was not treated fairly and planned to acquire firearms to harm Cheboygan County Circuit Court staff. Hopkinson was charged by the Department of Attorney General in January 2025.
The sentencing follows recent uncertainty regarding Michigan’s anti-terrorism law. A recent Michigan Court of Appeals decision initially misinterpreted Michigan’s anti-terrorism statute and deemed it unconstitutional. Attorney General Nessel filed an amicus brief in support of the emergency application filed by the Wayne County Prosecutor with the Michigan Supreme Court, which later vacated and remanded the decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals. While the Michigan Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the constitutionality of the law, it urged the Legislature to clarify and update the statute to prevent future challenges. The Michigan Supreme Court later granted leave in that same case on this issue, and that appeal remains pending.
Attorney General Nessel testified last year before the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee in support of Senate Bill 502, sponsored by Senator Sue Shink. The legislation would amend the Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act to specify that a person who threatens to commit an act of terrorism and communicates the threat with reckless disregard of a substantial risk would be guilty of a felony punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $20,000, or both. Senate Bill 502 unanimously passed the Michigan Senate in March and awaits a hearing before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee.
“My office will continue to uphold the law and prosecute those who threaten prosecutors and members of the judiciary as long as we have a legal avenue to do so,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Without this legislation, our anti-terrorism laws remain vulnerable. Terrorist threats are too dangerous to tolerate, and we must ensure we have the tools available to protect our public servants and our communities.”
Senate Bill 502 would clarify the standards of the anti-terrorism statute to ensure prosecutors can continue to charge individuals who make credible violent threats.
In 2019, Attorney General Nessel launched the Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit. Currently, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has five pending cases under this anti-terrorism statute. To report dangerous threats, please contact your local police department first and then the Department of Attorney General via email.
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