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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September 25, 2026
LANSING – This week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a letter to law enforcement agencies (PDF) across the State concerning enforcement of Personal Protection Orders (PPOs), and specifically PPOs issued by tribal courts. The letter provides guidance to state and local law enforcement agencies regarding their enforcement authority, including specific duties and obligations, concerning PPOs generally, and those authorized by other jurisdictions including tribal courts.
In 2024, Attorney General Nessel formed the Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Task Force to address the high rates of violence against Indigenous people in the State of Michigan. This interagency collaboration brings together tribal, federal, state, and local prosecutors, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and human services specialists to identify, develop, and implement solutions to the MMIP crisis. During the course of prosecutors’ work on the MMIP Task Force and around the State, with tribal representatives and law enforcement partners, it became apparent that questions persisted about law enforcement’s ability to enforce PPOs issued by tribal courts. The guidance letter issued by Attorney General Nessel addresses those questions for law enforcement officers and agencies.
“A personal protection order may be a person’s only surety of their safety,” said Attorney General Nessel. “We want to ensure our law enforcement officers are prepared and informed on handling all valid PPOs, and for Michigan residents everywhere to know their protective orders can be faithfully upheld by public safety officers in any jurisdiction. With this letter and guidance to agencies across the State, we hope to raise awareness of the various venues that can grant and enforce PPOs and assure full enforcement of orders issued by our state courts as well as the tribal courts.”
Michigan residents are able to petition the family division of a circuit court for any of the three available types of PPOs: a Domestic Relationship PPO, a Nondomestic Stalking PPO, or a Nondomestic Sexual Assault PPO. A PPO is effective and immediately enforceable anywhere in the State after being signed by a judge. Law enforcement can enforce each type of PPO as well as foreign PPOs. A foreign protection order is one ordered by a court of another state, Indian tribe, or United States territory; this section of law does not include an order issued in another country.
There are currently 12 federally recognized Indian tribes in Michigan and each has a court. Tribal courts may issue and enforce protective orders against any person— whether Indian or non-Indian, a tribal member or non-member— in matters arising in the Indian country of Indian tribes. Further, a tribe does not need to be located in Michigan for PPOs issued by its tribal court to be enforced. A valid foreign PPO, such as those issued by tribal courts, are subject to the same enforcement procedures and penalties as if they were issued by a state court. A respondent violating a foreign PPO may be charged criminally and prosecuted by either the state or federal courts.
Studies indicate (PDF) that a significant majority, nearly 85 percent, of Indigenous women experience violence in their lifetime. The MMIP Task Force focuses on improving the investigation and prosecution of MMIP cases, bridging gaps in the law enforcement systems, and identifying best practices. By examining the factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Indigenous individuals, particularly women, children, and two-spirit people, the Task Force aims to develop a holistic, victim-centered, and culturally honoring approach to prevention, response, and support.
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