Services

Defense attorneys on the Wayne County managed assigned counsel roster can request services from the Defender Support Unit (DSU) for any cases that have been bound over to Third Circuit Court, at any point between the arraignment on the information (AOI) and sentencing. The DSU team does not currently work at the district court level, but we hope to be able to expand our services at this level in the future. We do not currently provide post-conviction services, except when a final session with the client is deemed appropriate to terminate services after sentencing.

Below is the menu of services we are currently providing. Click each service to view a description and examples of how the service could be used to improve legal and social outcomes for your client.

 

Case Consult

Description
The Defender Support Unit (DSU) can advise, problem solve, make recommendations to retain experts, or otherwise collaborate with the attorney on a plan to achieve the best legal and social outcomes on a case.

How it's used

If you're unsure whether or how the DSU can assist on a case, submit a request for a case consult and we will be happy to talk through ideas with you.

If you don't necessarily want the DSU to work directly with your client, but you still have questions about how to best support your client's needs as they navigate the court process, a request for a case consult would be appropriate.


Submit a Request for a Case Consult

 

Mitigation Report

Description
The Defender Support Unit (DSU) conducts a comprehensive assessment into client's life history and experiences, obtains relevant records, and contacts collateral witnesses to develop mitigating information.

How it's used
Can be used for purposes of plea negotiations, Cobbs evaluations, or sentencing. Social worker prepares comprehensive report to humanize client and advocate for improved legal outcomes on the case, which may include reduced charges, reduced sentence lengths, and/or non-custodial sentences. These reports will be authored by the social worker, or in some cases, co-authored with the attorney.

Note
Mitigation reporting requires significant time and resources to gather information/records and draft a report. Please submit your request for mitigation as early as possible, preferably at least 30 days in advance of when the report will be due. In most cases, more lead time means the DSU can produce a more comprehensive report.

Submit a Request for a Mitigation Report

 

Release Plan

Description
The Defender Support Unit engages with the client and available community resources to develop a comprehensive plan to support jail release and prevent future incarceration. Release plans may include information about the client's support network and their plan for housing, employment/income, treatment, or other relevant areas of the client's life.


How it's used
To help negotiate for pre-trial release or support imposition of a non-custodial sentence. Release/re-entry plans can also help ensure a client can successfully meet the terms of their probation.

Submit a Request for a Release Plan

 

Service Connection

Description

The Defender Support Unit (DSU) provides help connecting clients to available community resources for mental health and substance use treatment, healthcare, employment, education/training, civil legal aid, public benefits, and other needs identified by the client.

The DSU can also assist clients with completing applications and gathering supporting documents for admission into specialty courts or other diversion programs.



How it's used
To connect client with community-based resources and programs to improve their life circumstances, and in some cases, to demonstrate the client's motivation to change.
Note about Housing Resources
Due to coordinated entry policies within the emergency shelter system, social workers cannot currently coordinate emergency shelter placement on a client's behalf. If client is in need of emergency shelter placement, they must contact the appropriate Coordinated Entry Agency based on their location.

Detroit/Highland Park/Hamtramck
  • If client has access to a phone, they should call CAM at 313-305-0311.

  • If client does not have access to a phone, they can present in person at one of the Access Point locations listed on the CAM website.

  • Emergency shelter placement is never guaranteed, and shelter beds are often full, especially in colder months. If there is no availability for shelter, CAM will add the client to a waitlist and they will be contacted when space becomes available.


Out-Wayne
  • If client has access to a phone, call Wayne Metro at 734-284-6999
  • Clients can also walk-in to one of the emergency shelters listed on the Wayne Metro website.

Submit a Request for Service Connection

 

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