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) 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 removes a conviction from public view. Most employers, landlords, and background checks will not see it. Law enforcement and some licensing agencies may still access it. This page will help explain who qualifies, how the process works, and where to get help.
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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August 14, 2026
LANSING – In recognition of Child Support Awareness Month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is recognizing the significant achievements of the Child Support Unit of the Financial Crimes Division, which has been instrumental in identifying parents throughout the State who are capable of paying child support but deliberately refuse to do so. Since its establishment in 2003, the Child Support Unit has made significant strides in combating the problem of unpaid child support through its partnership with the Friend of the Court. The division has successfully collected more than $470 million in unpaid child support, directly benefitting nearly 31,500 children statewide. This fiscal year alone, the division has recovered more than $22 million to date.
“The Child Support Unit does incredible work day in and day out to support Michigan families,” said Attorney General Nessel. “When parents who are able to pay refuse to do so, it’s the children who bear the burden and are deprived of essentials they need to thrive. We remain committed to working with our partners across the state to help kids receive the support they deserve and hold those who willfully disregard their responsibilities accountable.”
The Child Support Unit addresses financial disparities facing single-parent households, where 23.4% of single mothers and 11.4% of single fathers with children nationwide live below the poverty line according to 2020 Census data. The unit focuses on parents with a history of non-payment and significant arrearages of at least $5,000 or 24 months of substantial non-payment, whichever is greater. By focusing on those who are financially capable but unwilling to pay child support, the division upholds the integrity of the Court’s orders and reinforces the importance of parental responsibility. Failing to pay child support is a felony punishable by up to 4 years of incarceration or by a fine of not more than $2,000, or both.
The Child Support Unit is funded through an interagency agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Support with 66% federal funding and 34% State of Michigan funding. In addition to benefitting Michigan’s children, the unit’s efforts also provide financial relief to the State. By recovering funds that were paid as cash assistance provided to custodial parents, the unit not only covers its operating costs, but also returns revenue to the State. The unit recovers over $5 for every dollar spent.
Custodial parents who have experienced a history of non-payment and are owed significant back child support can file a complaint online with the Department of Attorney General’s Child Support Unit or call 517-335-7560.
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