Resources

Guides & Information

Finding Legal Help

How to find attorneys for civil rights cases, police misconduct, and government accountability matters in Michigan.

Whistleblower Protections

Michigan and federal laws protecting employees who report government misconduct, fraud, or illegal activity.

Know Your Rights

Your rights during police encounters, at public meetings, and when accessing government records in Michigan.

Michigan FOIA Guide

Complete guide to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act — how to request records, deadlines, fees, exemptions, and appeals.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Your right to access public records under Michigan law

Submit written request

Be specific about documents

Response within 5 days

Pay any applicable fees

Appeal denials if needed

Where to Send Requests

Law Enforcement

Sheriff's Office

1170 Michigan Rd
Port Huron, MI 48060

County Records

Clerk's Office

201 McMorran Blvd, #1100
Port Huron, MI 48060

Court Records

31st Circuit Court

201 McMorran Blvd
Port Huron, MI 48060

Legal Framework

Key statutes for government accountability

Michigan State Laws

MCL 750.491

Tampering with Evidence

MCL 15.231-246

Freedom of Information Act

MCL 600.1988

Spoliation of Evidence

MCL 750.478a

Misconduct in Office

MCL 750.120a

Witness Intimidation

Federal Laws

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Civil Rights Violations

18 U.S.C. § 242

Deprivation of Rights

18 U.S.C. § 1519

Evidence Destruction

Oversight Organizations

Agencies that investigate misconduct and protect civil rights

MCOLES

Officer Licensing

Officer licensing, training standards, and decertification complaints.

106 W. Allegan St., Suite 600
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: (517) 322-5610

Web: michigan.gov/mcoles

Judicial Tenure Commission

Judicial Conduct Oversight

Investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and disability.

3034 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 8-450
Detroit, MI 48202

Phone: (313) 875-5110

Web: jtc.courts.mi.gov

Michigan Attorney General

State Law Enforcement

Public integrity investigations and government misconduct.

G. Mennen Williams Building
525 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: (517) 335-7622

Web: michigan.gov/ag

Michigan State Police

Independent Investigations

Independent investigations of local law enforcement agencies.

7150 Harris Dr.
Dimondale, MI 48821

Phone: (517) 332-2521

Web: michigan.gov/msp

ACLU of Michigan

Civil Liberties Advocacy

Civil rights advocacy, legal assistance, and constitutional litigation.

2966 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201

Phone: (313) 578-6800

Web: aclumich.org

Michigan Press Association

Transparency Advocacy

FOIA assistance, open meetings advocacy, and press freedom.

827 N. Washington Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906

Phone: (517) 372-2424

Web: michiganpress.org

Legal Aid

If you cannot afford an attorney and believe your rights have been violated, these organizations may be able to help:

Legal Aid of Western Michigan — Free civil legal services
Michigan Advocacy Program — Legal assistance for low-income residents
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral — Find an attorney