One of #D4D 's many innovative pleadings is this motion: It applies social science to show that automated text programs improve court attendance and negate flight risk concerns. Use this to beef up your bail motion practice! #PublicDefenderTwitter datafordefenders.org/wp-content/u...
We spy MDefenders member Ruben Pinuelas on the defense team here. Amazing work by @umichlaw.bsky.social Innocence Clinic!
I have a new article “Waiting for Justice: Unconstitutional Delays in the Appointment of Criminal Defense Counsel” up on ssrn in which I talk about how long defendants are being forced to wait for attorneys and what courts are doing and can do to fix these problems: 🧵 papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Attn Public Defenders: Social science says distance from the jury contributes to bias against your client. Check out @umichlaw.bsky.social's #DataforDefenders database for a sample motion to help you move your client closer to the jury. #PublicDefenderTwitter #D4D datafordefenders.org
Congratulations!
It's clearly established in the CA6 that "pain compliance techniques like a half nelson and twisting of a wrist to a handcuffed individual who offered no voluntary physical resistance" was excessive force, and no QI here b/c it's disputed if that happened. www.opn.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf...
This report does a fantastic job of documenting a ridiculous crisis - there are only two ways out, arrest fewer people or hire more public defenders. Jdxs are going to have to do one or the other and continuing to drag their feet is only going to make the situation worse.
Attention defenders: If you want to see some sample motions to help you get discovery on and challenge the use of Flock, check out #MDefenders Data for Defenders database datafordefenders.org
NEW: We filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to ban police from using geofence warrants, which forces tech companies to hand over location data for everyone in a certain area during a certain time.
These invasive searches ensnare innocent people and violate our Fourth Amendment rights.
Public defense is a calling—and a craft. Michigan Law’s MDefenders program trains student defenders to be client-centered, zealous advocates who can raise the level of representation wherever they go. michigan.law.umich.edu/mdefenders #PublicDefense #MichiganLaw
No QI at the dismissal stage for officer who made warrantless inspection of a bar, allegedly for pretextual reason of investigating employee's DUI. There's a clearly established right to be free of pretextual admin inspections. (CA6, 2-1, unpublished) www.opn.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf... #N
No QI for officers who allegedly released dog to subdue fleeing suspect without first giving suspect a warning they would do so and an opportunity to surrender, CA8 rules.
ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/02... #N
A rare instance of a court concluding that a drug detection dog's alert did not create probable cause under Florida v. Harris: United States v. Mickens, __ F.Supp.3d__, 2025 WL 3537838 (D.D.C. 11/25/25) (Ali, J.)
caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-dis... #N
The defense never rests but it does retreat. The aspiring public defender community @umichlaw.bsky.social had a wonderful winter retreat filled with fun games, good food, and great friends. #MDefenders #PublicDefenderTwitter
Drug and alcohol testing is almost always a condition of probation. For most, this doesn't aid rehabilitation - it can be detrimental to it. Use this brief to urge the court to take a more individualized approach to your client's supervision! datafordefenders.org/wp-content/u...
Future public defenders: There’s an intensive, skills-based immersion into indigent defense at Michigan Law—taught by current/former defenders (plus alumni in the field). To learn more, check out michigan.law.umich.edu/public-defen.... #PublicDefense #MichiganLaw
Aspiring public defense students in #MDefenders @umichlaw.bsky.social learned about trauma-informed lawyering from @michigansocialwork.bsky.social Prof. Rick Barinbaum
Attention public defenders: Check out this new study showing that ALPR cameras are used primarily in Black and high-poverty neighborhoods: osf.io/preprints/so.... Useful for challenging ALPR and Flock Cameras! #PublicDefenderTwitter
Check out this motion from Las Vegas asking for sanctions due to failure to disclose exculpatory evidence. It calls for dismissal or a curative jury instruction. Use this motion in your JX to demand equitable discovery remedies! #PublicDefenderTwitter
Improving indigent defense isn’t simply a criminal justice issue; it's a matter of civic trust, fiscal responsibility & democratic integrity. Universities play a unique role preparing effective lawyers, producing evidence-based policy guidance & helping systems adopt best practices #mdefenders
Looks like a fascinating read about public defending in US
"Eight years in, this work has eliminated almost 9,000 years of potential incarceration" by @galvinalmanza.bsky.social
Image of MDefenders meeting on public defender ethics
The #MDefenders program @umichlaw.bsky.social started this semester with a discussion abt public defender ethics & how to stand up for clients & withstand pressure from courts to compromise on duty of loyalty to clients and duty to zealously advocate for clients. #PublicDefenders #indigentdefense
Thanks to Tamar Lerer @opd_nj & Kathy Pezdek for introducing #MDefenders to noneyewitness identifications. With so many identifications from videos, these kinds of IDs need to be more heavily scrutinized. For this motion and so many more, check out datafordefenders.org
#D4D 's trove of pleadings includes this motion which argues for the exclusion of unreliable, non-eyewitness identification. The only thing less reliable than eyewitness ID is non-eyewitness ID. Make sure the jury knows that! #PublicDefenderTwitter
We spent the past week sharing MDefenders 5 components. We are excited to connect with you and strengthen a national network of lawyers committed to high-quality public defense #indigentdefense #publicdefenders #mdefenders #umichlaw michigan.law.umich.edu/mdefenders
MDefenders Data for Defenders curates a public database to promote evidence-based advocacy & provide defenders with model briefs & motions that incorporate cutting-edge social science research into criminal defense advocacy #d4d datafordefenders.org
MDefenders Alumni Network more than 400 alumni working in indigent defense in 30+ different states. With alumni listerv, monthly newsletters, annual reunions & Zoom sessions, we keep our alumni connected & help them grow as advocates & raise level of representation nationwide
MDefenders Career Support with job resources & mentorship to Michigan Law students interested in public defense. 1on1s with faculty with public defender experience to discuss types of indigent defense & application strategy for specific offices & roles, & a PD OCI recruiting week
MDefenders Public Defender Training Institute 3L course immersion IRL of public defense & trains trial ready defenders. Intensive simulations with PDs & focus on selfcare PDTI teaches essential skills to disempower unjust punishment systems & to care for self while helping others
First up, MDefenders has a faculty sponsored student org that hosts weekly events designed to create community and introduce students to public defense and criminal legal system reform through speakers, panels, faculty and student-led discussions, social gatherings, and trainings
