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 22, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division sent notices to seven Michigan municipalities notifying them that DOJ monitors will be present at their polling places on Election Day. The letters were sent to the municipalities of Detroit, East Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Lansing, and Warren.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie issued the following statements:
"The law provides specific parameters that allow monitors, observers and challengers to witness elections at local polling places,” said Attorney General Nessel. “It’s important for residents to know that DOJ monitors are a standard part of our election process, and we anticipate they will comport with state and federal law just as they did in this year’s August Primary. But make no mistake, my office stands ready to hold accountable those who attempt to unlawfully interfere with or intimidate Michigan voters or election workers, regardless of who they may be.”
“Michigan elections are safe and secure,” said Governor Whitmer. “The presence of federal election monitors is an expected part of the process, as it has been for years. Election officials here work year-round to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and the same continues to be true ahead of November 3rd. In Michigan, we will continue to protect the fundamental right to vote.”
“Michigan has hosted federal election monitors in past elections, and we know clerks are well-prepared for this process,” said Deputy Secretary Edevbie. “State and local election officials have been in regular contact with DOJ about their plans for this election. As always, we will follow the law, and we expect all monitors, observers, and challengers to do the same. Voters can cast their ballots with confidence and know that our Department remains fully prepared to protect and defend their right to vote.”
DOJ monitors are typically federal attorneys and other DOJ staff. Federal monitors have been present in Michigan for several past federal elections, including 2024. Federal law does not expressly provide for monitors so their presence at polling places is akin to any other member of the public who may observe an election as a poll watcher. Like any other poll watcher, DOJ monitors cannot speak with voters, touch election equipment or ballots, or interfere with the administration of the election.
Michigan voters are encouraged to visit mi.gov/vote to view a sample ballot, learn more about election security in Michigan, and find their (early or election day) polling location.
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