Defender Support Unit

What it is 

Case consultations are a standalone service offered by the DSU. These are opportunities for attorneys to talk through a case with a social worker or advocate without us initiating direct contact with the client. We can help problem solve, identify relevant social or clinical issues, suggest community-based resources, or offer recommendations on potential experts to retain. 

When to use it 
We conduct an initial consultation on every case referred to the DSU, regardless of the service requested. But you can also request a consultation as the only service if you’re not looking for direct client involvement and just need some support thinking through the case. 

Examples of how we can help during a consultation: 

• Thinking through ways to build trust or engage with a client who’s difficult to reach or reluctant to talk 
• Identifying available community resources that you can share with your client directly 
• Exploring how social history or trauma may relate to the case 
• Recommending additional DSU services or outside experts to support your legal strategy and goals for the case
• Strategizing how to present your client’s story in a humanizing way 

We’re glad to partner with you in finding thoughtful, client-centered approaches, even if the DSU doesn’t become directly involved in the case. 

What it is

Mitigation is a core service of the DSU, where we explore the full context of a client’s life to support more just and humane legal outcomes. Our team conducts an individualized assessment of a client’s background, gathers relevant records, and interviews people who know the client to uncover strengths, struggles, and circumstances that may have led to the client’s current legal situation.  

Mitigation can be as comprehensive or as limited as needed, depending on the legal strategy in the case, timeframe, available collateral sources, and how forthcoming the client is in sharing their story. Reports may be tailored to fit a specific hearing or request, and can range from high-level summaries to in-depth narratives with supporting documentation. 

When to use it 
Mitigation may be useful at various points in a case and is most often used for plea negotiations, Cobbs evaluations, or at sentencing. DSU social workers prepare written reports that center the client’s humanity and provide context for their actions, with the goal of advocating for outcomes like reduced charges, shorter sentences, or alternatives to incarceration. Reports are authored by the social worker, and in some cases may be co-authored with the attorney. Even if not submitted formally to a prosecutor or judge, mitigation summaries can help defense attorneys learn more about their clients in preparation for trial.  

Examples of what mitigation may include: 

•  Client’s narrative life history based on multiple psychosocial interviews
•  Timelines, genograms, and other visual aids to help tell the client’s story
• Review and summary of records (e.g., medical, mental health, school, foster care)
• Information collected from interviews with people who know the client well, including family, friends, former teachers, employers, service providers, etc.
• Scientific evidence about trauma, disability, systemic barriers, or unmet needs
• Recommendations for alternatives to incarceration or release plans  

Note 
Mitigation work is time- and resource-intensive. Please submit your request as early as possible, ideally at least 30 days before the report is needed. More lead time generally allows for a more thorough and impactful report. If you’re unsure whether mitigation is appropriate for a case, feel free to start with a case consultation. 

What it is 

The DSU partners with clients to create individualized release or re-entry plans that support stability in the community and reduce the risk of future incarceration. These plans may include information about a client’s support system, housing arrangements, income or employment, treatment needs, and other relevant areas of their life. We also work with community-based organizations to identify realistic and accessible services that align with the client’s goals and court obligations. 

When to use it 
Release planning can support legal advocacy in several ways: 

• Strengthening requests for pretrial release 
• Supporting the imposition of a non-custodial or probationary sentence 
•  Preparing clients to be successful in complying with conditions of probation or supervision 

What it is 

The DSU helps connect clients to community-based services and resources that support their stability and wellbeing, including mental health and substance use treatment, healthcare, employment, education or training programs, civil legal aid, public benefits, and more.  

While we can provide information and resource ideas to the attorney during a brief case consultation, service connections involve direct work with the client. This service is best suited for individuals who need hands-on support navigating complex systems, completing paperwork, and following through with referrals. Our team can help guide the client step-by-step, advocate on their behalf when appropriate, and help troubleshoot barriers to access. 

We can also support clients in gathering documentation and completing applications for specialty court admission or other diversion opportunities. 

When to use it 
Service connection can be requested when a client is seeking help addressing challenges in their life or accessing resources. These referrals can: 

• Support a client’s stability either in or out of custody
• Demonstrate their motivation to make positive changes
• Bolster arguments for diversion, release, or a non-custodial sentence  

Important Limitations Regarding Housing Resources 
Housing is one of the most common service requests we receive. Unfortunately, due to coordinated entry policies, the DSU cannot directly place clients into emergency shelters or bypass waitlists. 

If a client needs emergency shelter, they must contact their local coordinated entry agency: 

• Detroit / Highland Park / Hamtramck 
  •  Call CAM at 313-305-0311
  • Visit an Access Point location listed on the CAM website
•  Out-Wayne County 
  • Call Wayne Metro at 734-284-6999 
  • Visit an Access Point listed on the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care website 

Please note that emergency shelter is never guaranteed, and availability is often limited, especially in colder months. If no beds are available, clients may be placed on a waitlist.