Author: Safe & Just MI

What the Police Practices STAT Package would do: Senate Bills 333-343 would make common-sense changes to how police officers handle interactions with community members to prevent the use of excessive force. Crafted through extensive work with community stakeholders and law enforcement, these common-sense reforms would ensure Michigan remains a leader in advancing policies that enhance…

Most Michiganders must drive to complete tasks of daily living. Losing driving privileges can result in lost jobs, income, and other opportunities. Policies regarding driver’s license suspension, revocation, and restoration should reflect this reality. Instead, it is a confusing and expensive process. Learn more by reviewing our one-page fact sheet below. Download>> Michigan Driver’s License…

Press Release KALAMAZOO — More than 280 West Michigan residents got free or low-cost help toward clearing old items off their criminal record at an expungement fair held Saturday in Kalamazoo. A total of 286 people received screening to determine if they were eligible for an expungement, and 119 people at the fair got help…

Hundreds of thousands of people have suspended licenses in Michigan Press Release LANSING — A few simple policy changes could enable thousands of Michiganders to safely restore suspended drivers’ licenses, according to a new report released by the Lansing-based nonprofit Safe & Just Michigan. Having a driver’s license is often essential to getting to work,…

Safe & Just Michigan’s report, “Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process,” looks at the hurdles between a suspended license and restoration and offers suggestions to make the process easier. Download>> Driving on a Suspended Livelihood The post Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process…

Event Advisory KALAMAZOO — People who struggle to find a good job or safe and affordable place to live because old items on their criminal record hold them back can get a chance at a fresh start at an expungement fair being held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Fetzer…

Event Advisory Lansing — People who struggle to find a good job or safe and affordable place to live because old items on their criminal record hold them back can get a chance at a fresh start at an expungement fair being presented by Ascend Wellness’ the CO-LAB for Social Equity from noon to 4…

Safe & Just Michigan sends this quarterly newsletter to over 600 incarcerated readers at the Michigan Department of Corrections. The newsletter reports on policy updates, outreach and educational activities. Download>> Spring 2025 Hard Copy Newsletter Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive the SJM e-newsletter on the latest legislative actions. Note: Due to a Michigan Department of…

While Michigan law allows for different variations of Operating While Intoxicated offenses,the most common offenses are for Driving/Operating Under the Influence (DUI/OWI) andOperating/Driving While Visibly Impaired (OWVI/DWVI). As seen below, Operating While Intoxicated offenses are generally prosecuted based onthe amount of DUI’s an individual has accumulated to that point (See MCL 257.625 atbit.ly/midui-mvc). DUI-1st offense…

Q: What is an expungement or “set-aside” under Michigan law? A: An expungement refers to the removal of a criminal conviction from an individual’s public record. An expungement is sometimes referred to as “record-sealing” or a “set-aside.” While most private employers, landlords, and the public in general, will not be able access the expunged conviction,…