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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October 09, 2026
LANSING – On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan dismissed the Trump administration challenge to Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. In January 2026, the Trump administration sued the State of Michigan and sought to displace Michigan’s authority to ensure eggs sold within the state come from birds kept under humane conditions, arguing that the state Hen Enclosure Law was preempted by the federal Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA). The Michigan Department of Attorney General defended the State of Michigan against this lawsuit, and preserved Michigan’s right to enforce the Hen Enclosure Law.
The administration’s complaint alleged, without any factual support, that Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law and similar laws across the country contributed to the rising cost of eggs. U.S. District Court Judge Jane M. Beckering dismissed the federal challenge, holding that the Trump administration failed to establish standing to challenge Michigan’s Law. Specifically, Judge Beckering found that the federal government had failed to show it was harmed by Michigan’s enforcement of the Hen Enclosure Law and failed to “establish a concrete and particularized injury to [the United States’] enforcement of EPIA.”
“I am pleased the District Court dismissed the Trump administration’s flawed assault on Michigan’s authority to protect the health and welfare of Michigan residents, as well as the animals we rely on to feed our families,” said Attorney General Nessel. “This lawsuit was a thinly veiled attempt by the federal government to shift blame for higher costs at the grocery store from the President’s own failed policies to state laws that protect animal welfare.”
In 2019 the Michigan Legislature amended Michigan’s Animal Industry Act to set minimum standards for housing egg-laying hens, ensuring that eggs sold in Michigan come from animals housed in conditions that meet these minimum standards. The Hen Enclosure Law passed Michigan’s Legislature with bipartisan support, demonstrating the State’s commitment to the humane treatment of egg-laying birds. Michigan’s Hen Enclosure Law is broadly supported in the State; industry groups and animal rights groups alike intervened to defend the law against the federal lawsuit, including Michigan Allied Poultry Industries and Humane World for Animals and Animal Wellness Action.
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