The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created by PA 93 of 2013, signed into law by Governor Snyder in July of 2013. The Commission is housed within the judicial branch of state government and comprised of 15 members appointed by the Governor with recommendations from the Legislature, Supreme Court, and the State Bar, and representing interests from the criminal justice system. The Chief Justice or a designee serves as an ex-officio non-voting member. Commission members serve four-year terms.
The Commission is charged with the following:
Collecting and compiling data necessary for the review of indigent defense services in Michigan. Creating standards to ensure all systems providing indigent defense meet constitutional obligations for effective assistance of counsel. Submitting for approval any new standards to the Michigan Supreme Court, creating an added layer of review. Developing requirements by which a person may establish a claim of indigence so those truly in need of a public defender will have access to one. Working with counties to implement plans to meet the standards
Click here to access the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission homepage
Statute
Public Act 93 of 2013, MCL 780.987
Contact
Kristen Staley - Executive Director
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission
Phone: 517-657-3066
Email:
staleyk@michigan.gov
Web:
michiganidc.gov
200 N. Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933
Members
Tracey Brame, Grand Rapids
Represents members submitted by the chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Term expires April 1, 2023
Nathaniel Crampton, Jackson
Represents the general public
Term expires April 1, 2023
Andrew DeLeeuw, Manchester
Represents the Michigan Association of Counties
Term expires April 1, 2023
Christine Green, Ann Arbor
Represents the State Budget Office
Term expires April 1, 2023
James Krizan, Allen Park
Represents the Michigan Municipal League
Term expires April 1, 2023
Margaret McAvoy, Owosso
Represents the Michigan Association of Counties
Term expires April 1, 2023
Kimberly Buddin, Novi
Represents those whose primary mission or purpose is to advocate for minority interests
Term expires April 1, 2024
William Swor, Grosse Pointe Woods
Represents members submitted by the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan
Term expires April 1, 2024
John Shea, Chelsea
Represents member submitted by the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan
Term expires April 1, 2024
Joshua Blanchard, Greenville
Represents member submitted by the Criminal Defense Attorney Association of Michigan
Term expires April 1, 2024
Robert VerHeulen, Walker
Represents members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Term expires April 1, 2025
Thomas McMillin, Rochester Hills
Represents members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Term expires April 1, 2025
Debra Kubitskey, South Lyon
Represents members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader
Term expires April 1, 2025
Paul Bullock, Evart
Represents members submitted by the Senate Majority Leader
Term expires April 1, 2025
David Jones, Detroit
Represents members submitted by the State Bar of Michigan
Term expires April 1, 2026
Judge James Fisher, Grand Rapids
Represents members submitted by the Michigan Judges Association
Term expires April 1, 2026
Gary Walker, Marquette
Represents former prosecuting attorneys or former assistant county prosecuting attorneys
Term expires April 1, 2026
Judge Paula Mathes, Detroit
Represents members submitted by the Michigan District Judges Association
Term expires April 1, 2026
