State Bar of Michigan Urges Additional Action on Juvenile Justice Reform

The State Bar of Michigan is leading a coalition of 13 organizations that are coming together to urge the Michigan Senate to vote on House Bill 4630, which would ensure that all young people in the juvenile justice system have access to an attorney, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

The effort to expand the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include juveniles was among a package of reforms heralded by the coalition as a “historic leap forward for juvenile justice in Michigan.” Other parts of the package are expected to be signed this week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but the Senate did not take action on HB 4630, which passed the House with a bipartisan 85-25 vote.

In a joint letter dated December 11, 2023, the coalition urged the Senate to vote on the bill — a cornerstone recommendation of the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform — when it returns to session in January.

“All Michigan residents have a constitutional right to effective legal representation, but our young people are being left to navigate the juvenile justice system with woefully inadequate legal representation, or no representation at all,” said State Bar of Michigan President Daniel D. Quick. “This bill would allow the MIDC to set minimum standards and was a key part of the comprehensive, data-driven recommendations of the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.”

The letter applauded the anticipated signing of the other 19 bills, but stated, “the State Senate’s work remains unfinished,” regarding House Bill 4630.

The coalition of organizations that signed the letter to the Senate included:

ACLU of Michigan
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
Detroit Justice Center
The Gault Center
Michigan Catholic Conference
Michigan Center for Youth Justice
Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration
Michigan League for Public Policy
Michigan Liberation
MOSES
Safe and Just Michigan
State Appellate Defender Office
State Bar of Michigan

Posted December 11, 2023