Gov. Snyder names Stacia Buchanan to 54-A District Court
Gov. Rick Snyder this week announced the appointment of Stacia Buchanan to the 54-A District Court in Lansing.
“Stacia has routinely demonstrated her legal skill set and compassion while representing clients in courts throughout Ingham County,” Snyder said. “I am certain her extensive experience with specialty courts and her diverse practice will provide a smooth transition to the bench.”
Since 2003, Buchanan has been in private practice in Lansing, handling matters ranging from criminal defense to family law issues. She is assigned counsel for the Mental Health Court in 55th District Court and was previously assigned counsel for the Sobriety Court. Buchanan has taught at Thomas M. Cooley Law School since 2012.
Buchanan is the past president of the Ingham County Bar Association, director of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Model Jury Instruction Committee and the Lansing Education Achievement Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000 from Oakland University and her law degree in 2003 from Michigan State University – Detroit College of Law.
Buchanan fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Patrick Cherry. She must seek election in Nov. 2018 for the remainder of the term.
Ex-state lawmaker wins appeal over run for Detroit council
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan appeals court won’t stop a former state lawmaker from seeking a seat on the Detroit City Council.
Virgil Smith had agreed not to seek elective office for five years when he pleaded guilty to shooting at his ex-wife’s car. But that part of the deal was thrown out by a judge, who said it was unconstitutional.
In a 2-1 decision Tuesday, the appeals court says the judge made the right call. Judges Deborah Servitto and Michael Kelly say it would be “coercion” to allow prosecutors to try to negotiate a politician’s future as part of a plea deal.
In dissent, Judge Michael Riordan says the plea deal should have been set aside at the prosecutor’s request after Wayne County Judge Lawrence Talon stripped some key conditions.
Court Hours
The Michigan Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court and the 36th District Court will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.
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