February 19, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of John Shea, of Chelsea, to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
The commission was created to improve legal representation for low-income criminal defendants. In October 2011, Snyder issued Executive Order 2011-12, establishing the initial Indigent Defense Advisory Commission, responsible for recommending improvements to the state’s legal system. These recommendations served as the basis for legislation to address this need as well as called for the 15-member Indigent Defense Commission that the governor signed into law in July 2013.
“A key principle of the judicial system is that every citizen has a right to competent legal counsel,” Snyder said. “I am confident John will serve our state well on this commission.”
Shea is a practicing attorney and owner of John A. Shea, Attorney at Law. He has worked as a criminal defense attorney for more than 25 years and has served on the Indigent Defense Advisory Commission. Shea earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a law degree from the University of Michigan. He represents members recommended by the Criminal Defense Attorneys Association of Michigan and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Kimberly Thomas.
Shea will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring April 1, 2016. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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