Poor Budgeting Lands Michigan Public Defense Among the Worst
Poor Budgeting Lands Michigan Public Defense Among the Worst
Enacting a better-funded and more effective public defense system would not only lower correction costs statewide, but also reduce wrongful-conviction lawsuits and keep innocent people out of jail. Legislation, such as the pending Michigan Public Defense Act, would ensure appropriate state funding, as well as the creation of a specialized office, creating uniform standards and providing training to ensure a functional system. If passed, the bill would increase the quality of the link between defendants and experienced criminal defense lawyers in Michigan, capable of using tactical legal advice and representation to uphold the basic constitutional rights of each person, regardless of economic status.