State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) – Detroit, MI

Guardians of Justice on Appeal

The State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) is a critical component of the criminal justice system in Detroit, Michigan. Established to provide legal representation to indigent criminal defendants in post-conviction proceedings, SADO represents individuals who cannot afford to hire their own appellate attorneys. The office is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their financial status, receives a fair review of their conviction and sentence. SADO’s team of highly skilled attorneys handles cases in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and federal courts. They are not just lawyers; they are investigators and advocates who dig deep to uncover errors in trial proceedings, fighting to overturn wrongful convictions and correct unjust sentences. Through their Wrongful Conviction Project, they have successfully exonerated numerous innocent individuals who were serving time for crimes they did not commit.

• Criminal Appeals – Challenging convictions and sentences in higher courts.
• Exoneration – Investigating claims of actual innocence and DNA evidence.
• Resentencing – Advocating for fair sentencing under current laws.
• Juvenile Lifer Defense – Representing individuals sentenced to life without parole as minors.

Located in New Center One

SADO’s Detroit headquarters is located at 3031 W Grand Blvd, within the prominent New Center One building. This modern office complex is situated in the historic New Center district, directly connected via skywalk to the iconic Fisher Building and the Hotel St. Regis. The location is a hub of professional activity, sitting just west of Woodward Avenue. The office’s position in New Center ensures it is accessible to families and community members, distinct from the immediate bustle of downtown courts but close enough for efficient legal work. The building itself features a light-filled atrium and offers a dignified environment for the serious work of appellate defense.

Public Service and Training

Beyond direct representation, SADO manages the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), which oversees the roster of private attorneys appointed to handle indigent appeals. This role positions SADO as a leader in setting standards for appellate defense across the state. They provide extensive training and resources to the legal community, ensuring that the quality of justice is elevated statewide. Their Project Reentry program also assists clients in successfully returning to the community after incarceration, demonstrating a holistic commitment to their clients’ lives. SADO is a government agency, and its services are generally appointed by the court for those who qualify as indigent.

We fight to correct the errors of the past and secure a just future for our clients.

Contact and Access

As a public defender office, SADO primarily accepts cases through court appointment. However, they are a vital resource for information regarding the appellate process in Michigan. If a loved one has been convicted and needs to file an appeal, understanding the role of SADO is the first step. The office is open during standard business hours to assist appointed clients and their families. With a track record of winning difficult cases and setting important legal precedents, the State Appellate Defender Office stands as a bulwark against injustice in the Michigan legal system.