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.
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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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September 24, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, the Michigan Court of Appeals (MCOA) upheld the 2024 Second-Degree Murder conviction of Thomas Olson (PDF) for the 2018 murder of Chong Yang, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Olson appealed his conviction, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. The MCOA panel found that Olson, in light of the evidence presented at trial, could not show any prejudice stemming from the allegedly deficient performance of his legal representation, writing that “the record contained substantial independent evidence linking defendant to the crime, including his presence near the scene, the discovery of his DNA on the plastic bag, his incriminating text messages, and his Internet searches,” before concluding that “considering the totality of the circumstances presented at trial, defendant has not demonstrated that any of counsel’s alleged errors undermine confidence in the verdict.”
“I am pleased, for public safety, the interest of justice, and the loved ones of Chong Yang, that the Court of Appeals upheld this long-sought conviction,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Cold case prosecutions can be incredibly difficult to bring before a judge and jury, but in this case, prosecutors established a strong evidentiary record, and I join the Court in their confidence in this verdict.”
In February 2024, Olson was found guilty by a Clinton County jury of one count of Second-Degree Murder and one count of Felony Firearm in the 2018 shooting death of Chong Yang, 68, at the Rose Lake State Park in Bath Township. Olson was sentenced in the 29th Circuit Court in April 2024 to 22.5 to 60 years’ incarceration for Second-Degree Murder, and to a consecutive 2-year sentence for his Felony Firearm conviction.
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