Public Defender

Since 2014, the Muskegon County Office of the Public Defender has helped people who cannot afford a lawyer and face serious government actions. If someone is at risk of jail, prison, institutionalization, or having their child taken away, a public defender will be appointed to defend them.

No one in Muskegon County will lose their freedom because they cannot pay for a lawyer.

ABOUT THE MUSKEGON COUNTY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

In 1963 the United State's Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright established the right to counsel for indigent individuals accused of crimes.

In 2013, the Michigan Indigent Defense Council introduced a statewide structure for public defense, leading to significant reforms. Many jurisdictions, including Muskegon County, have made strides to protect clients' rights. The Muskegon County Public Defender's Office, opened in 2014, operates under a Holistic Defense model, integrating social workers to address clients' legal and psychosocial needs.

Today, Director Amy Campanelli, appointed by the county board, oversees a team handling both criminal and family cases. Dedicated attorneys are available each day protecting clients' right and fighting for justice.

An inadequate criminal justice system can lead to wrongful convictions and a loss of public faith in justice. Competent defense teams are essential for protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair judicial process.

MISSION: To protect the rights, liberty, and dignity of each person entrusted to our care by providing the finest client-centered holistic representation.

VISION: To improve the lives of our clients and the communities we serve through high quality legal defense and client-centered advocacy that extends beyond the courtroom and creates pathways for clients to rebuild their lives.

CORE VALUES:
Client-Centered
Tenacious Advocacy
United in our Mission
Culture of Excellence
Outstanding Work Product
Excel at Teamwork