Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC)

About 

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) was created by legislation in 2013 after an advisory commission recommended improvements to the state’s legal system. The MIDC works to ensure the state’s public defense system is fair, cost-effective and constitutional while simultaneously protecting public safety and accountability. The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is composed of eighteen members appointed by the Governor. The MIDC meets multiple times throughout the year to create and implement standards for indigent defense delivery services. A full-time staff works in Lansing, Michigan under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Standards

Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4 were approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) on May 22, 2017. These standards cover training and education of counsel, the initial client interview, use of investigation and experts, and counsel at first appearance and other critical stages. Standard 5, which requires independence from the judiciary, was approved by LARA on October 29, 2020. The standard for determining indigency and contribution was approved by LARA on October 28, 2021. The standard covering attorney compensation (Standard 8) was approved on October 28, 2022. The standards covering workload limitations and qualification and review of attorneys accepting assignments in adult criminal cases were approved on October 24, 2023. All trial court funding units in Michigan are required to submit plans for compliance with these approved standards no later than Monday, April 22, 2024.

Download the complete packet of MIDC Standards here.

The 13th Circuit Court's regional MIDC Coordinator is Paul T. Jarboe (P34343). His office appoints court-appointed attorneys for Circuit Court cases in Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties for indigent defendants who request counsel. If you have questions or complaints regarding your court-appointed attorney, you can contact Jarboe & Pfeil here.