Sacks to head up Michigan Indigent Defense Commission
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) this week announced the appointment of Detroit attorney Jonathan Sacks as the agency’s founding executive director.
First established by the Legislature in 2013, the 15-member commission works to ensure the state’s public defense system is fair, cost-effective and constitutional while simultaneously protecting public safety and accountability.
“Mr. Sacks brings an impressive mix of administrative leadership, legal knowledge and field experience to the commission,” said MIDC Chairperson Judge James Fisher. “He will provide aggressive leadership as we establish standards, systems and policies that address the challenges that have plagued Michigan’s indigent defense system for decades.”
Fisher noted longstanding concerns with indigent defense, including the waste of taxpayer dollars, threats to public safety, and more.
“For too many years, our public defense system has not provided adequate representation for indigent defendants or good value to taxpayers,” Fisher said. “With the active support of talent individuals like Jonathan Sacks, we take a major step forward in ensuring a stronger, healthier legal system for all.”
Sacks, who will begin work in February, comes to the commission from the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office in Detroit, where he has served as Deputy Director. His past achievements include the establishment of units to support indigent clients through evidence reviews involving the now closed Detroit Crime Lab, investigation of possible wrongful convictions, and social worker mitigation and reentry support. Prior to the Appellate Defender Office, Sacks worked as a felony trial supervisor and major trials unit attorney at the Defender Association of Philadelphia.
“This work becomes even more impressive when one considers the fact that Sacks also managed his own caseload of indigent clients,” Fisher said. “He has a passion for justice that will serve the people of Michigan very effectively.”
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is housed within the judicial branch of state government. Its members are appointed by the Governor with recommendation of the Legislature, Supreme Court, the State Bar, and representing interests from the criminal justice system.
Trott sworn in as Michigan’s 11th District Congressman
U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11) released the following statement after being sworn in to the 114th Congress as Congressman for Michigan’s Eleventh Congressional District:
“It is truly an honor to take the oath of office and become Congressman for Michigan’s 11th District. Our state and our nation are facing enormous challenges and it will require all of us—working together—to put in place the important reforms we need to get America moving again.”
Trott is a lifelong resident of Oakland County. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Duke University. Trott, his wife Kappy, and their three children live in Birmingham.
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