Public Defenders

Pickleball, public defenders, the 2025 GR Remodeling and New Homes Show, Grand Rapids Public Library Teen Poetry Lab, and the Bank of America 2025 Student Leaders Program.

Julia Kelly, Nichole Derts, and Laura Joyce talk about challenges, surprises, and thrills of the profession.

Kent County is getting a new office of public defender, Cornerstone University is getting a new Dean, reactions to Biden dropping out of the presidential race and more state and West Michigan news.

The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted 13 to 6 in favor of establishing a new office of public defender, ending its contract with a local nonprofit public defense group.

A new state rule would set minimum rates for attorneys who represent indigent defendants. It complies with recommendations made by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected attorneys representing criminal defendants, including those who can't afford a lawyer. Donna Innes is the chief…