"When there is a defender office, one function of the office will be to explore and advocate for programs that improve the system and reduce recidivism."
-The Eleven Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System
A public defense attorney is the first point of contact with an individual in the criminal justice system.
In Michigan, the prevalence of mental illness if 51%, yet only 7% of Michigan's 51,000 incarcerated individuals are receiving mental health services.
More than half of all individuals incarcerated in Michigan prisons indicate that they have substance abuse problems.
The revolving door of incarceration wastes taxpayer dollars.
75 percent of individuals with mental illness have been previously incarcerated - a practice that often exacerbates mental health conditions and increases the likelihood of re-offending.
Studies in Michigan reveal a cost savings of nearly $1 million in Kalamazoo and Barry counties in just 24 months by implementing drug courts.
Michigan's broken public defense system prevents public defense attorneys from effectively defending their clients - which includes ensuring they have access to treatment and services.
Excessive caseloads overwhelm defense attorneys to the point where they have little time to investigate the circumstances and life situations of their clients;
Public defense attorneys lack resources to work with service or treatment providers, use experts or identify appropriate referral recommendations to judges;
There is little, if any, training available to public defense attorneys about the impact of mental health, substance abuse or other issues affecting those in the criminal justice system.
Michigan's people deserve a justice system that works for all.
