Director -Indigent Defense Services-099600

Purpose/Description

Wayne County’s Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trial-level criminal defense representation for indigent defendants and ensuring equal access to justice. The Department is funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and is responsible for the administration of the county’s entire indigent defense system. Approximately 50% of felony case assignments are managed by a roster of more than 200 private assigned counsels who have been qualified by the IDSD Attorney Assignment Committee and categorized into four tiers based on case complexity. The remaining 50% of assignments are handled by Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), the County’s public defense vendor.

The Director of Indigent Defense Services provides leadership and oversight of the Department, which serves as a central component of Wayne County’s administrative framework for indigent defense services. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Department, including supervision of Department personnel, administration and management of funding, policy development, and leadership of a comprehensive county-wide criminal defense system designed to ensure the effective assistance of counsel for indigent individuals charged with felony offenses.

The Director leads and oversees policies and procedures (development, implementation and adherence) to ensure compliance with MIDC Standards and applicable law, as well as collaborates closely with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and its staff; the Wayne County Commission; other County departments; Third Circuit Court, 25 district and municipal courts within Wayne County.

Workday Activities