MIDC Standards

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 MIDC develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent citizens receive effective and competent legal representation.  

To date, the MIDC has created eight standards to help ensure effective representation for indigent clients.  Six of those standards have been approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):

Standard 1 – Training and Education of Counsel

Standard 2 – Initial Client Interview

Standard 3 – Use of Investigators and Experts

Standard 4 – Counsel at First Appearance

Standard 5 – Independence from the Judiciary

Standard 8 – Attorney Compensation

For the complete packet of MIDC Standards, please click this link:

https://michiganidc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MIDC-Standards-Complete-October-2022.pdf