Daily Briefs

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission seeks public comment on minimum standards


 The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), now housed in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), has submitted proposed standards to LARA and is seeking public comment on the first set of minimum standards for indigent defense delivery systems. The minimum standards involve education and training, the initial client interview, experts and investigators, and counsel at first appearance and other critical stages in front of a judge. Following a public comment period, LARA Director Shelly Edgerton will thoroughly review the information provided and make a decision on whether to approve the standards.

On Jan. 4, Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation to ensure the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission meets state constitutional obligations and maintains independence from the judiciary while continuing its work to maintain a fair indigent criminal defense system in Michigan. The legislation moved the commission from the judicial branch to LARA.

This set of minimum standards was conditionally approved by the Michigan Supreme Court on June 1, 2016.

• Education and Training of Defense Counsel

• Initial Interview

• Investigation and Experts

• Counsel at First Appearance and Other Critical Stages

Pursuant to MCL 780.985 as amended, opposition to a proposed minimum standard should be submitted before March 9, 2017 by email to comments@michiganidc.gov. All comments will be posted on the MIDC website at: www.michiganidc.gov.

Every indigent defense delivery system in Michigan is required to submit a plan for compliance with the standards together with a cost analysis to the MIDC.  If the standards are approved, these submissions must be made to the MIDC within 180 days from the date of approval.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was established to create and enforce uniform public defense standards throughout the state.

 

 

Report: Cost of upgrading Flint’s water plant rises to $108M
 

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A consultant says the cost of upgrading Flint's water treatment plant is estimated at $108 million, up slightly from an earlier estimate.

The Flint Journal says the recent report by engineering and construction company CDM Smith includes $37 million for the construction of two, 21-million gallon water storage tanks and more than $34 million for pump and transfer station upgrades.

A December draft report put the cost at $105 million.

Flint will treat Lake Huron water from a new pipeline. The plant improperly treated water from the Flint River in 2014-2015, leading to the city's crisis with lead-tainted water.

The report estimates work on the plant can be completed in 2019-2020. The state Department of Environmental Quality must agree to the final version of the consultant's report.

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