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Landmark Michigan Supreme Court Ruling for 19- and 20- years olds with LWOP
Earlier this month, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in People v. Czarnecki and People v. Taylor, holding that mandatory life without parole (LWOP) sentences for people who were 19 or 20 at the time of the offense are unconstitutional—and that this decision applies retroactively.
Combined with the People v. Poole ruling (affirming resentencing rights for 18-year-olds sentenced to mandatory LWOP), this means that over 800 individuals are now entitled to resentencing under Michigan law.
WHAT’S NEXT: Key Information from SADO- SADO has identified all 582 impacted individuals from the Czarnecki and Taylor rulings.
- An informational sheet is being sent to each person via MDOC (likely through JPay).
- A detailed letter outlining next steps and including the full court opinion will follow shortly.
- Attorneys will be appointed. If they don’t have one yet, they will.
- Please do not file anything on your own. It’s best for them to wait for the appointed attorney to guide the process.
- Be patient. This is a large group, and many have been waiting for decades—help is coming.
- Prepare for success. Stay misconduct-free, participate in programming, and take care of your health.
We will continue to share updates and resources as this process unfolds.
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You’re Invited: Join Us for the First In-Person Michigan Statewide Incarceration & Violence Prevention Learning Community Event!
We are thrilled to invite you to the first-ever in-person gathering of the Michigan Statewide Incarceration & Violence Prevention Learning Community! This is an exciting opportunity to connect with advocates, leaders, and changemakers from across Michigan as we come together to share knowledge, learn from each other, and strengthen our collective efforts.
Event Details:
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Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: LOVE Building, 4731 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48208
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Investing in a Safer Michigan Budget Recommendations
Today a coalition of organizations released their 2026 Michigan Budget Recommendations to Invest in Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Reentry.
Tell your lawmaker to support the budget recommendations.
With Michigan seeing record low rates of violent crime and low rates of recidivism, the FY2026 budget is an opportunity to double down on the programs that prevent violence, support rehabilitation, and promote successful reintegration of people as they exit the criminal legal system.
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Attend “Life After Overcoming Trauma” on April 5 to Uplift Survivors of Domestic Violence
Violence at the hands of an intimate partner affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. each year. For incarcerated women, the numbers are even more staggering—over 77% have experienced intimate partner violence, and 86% have survived sexual violence. These deep, lasting traumas are directly connected to the cycle of punishment and incarceration we work to end.
MI-CEMI is proud to stand with survivors and support our partners at the National Lifers of America, “Life After Overcoming Trauma,” a powerful event hosted by Minister Mary Marshall to raise awareness about domestic violence.
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MI Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community: Specialty Courts Discussion
This month, the MI Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community continues our deep dive into incarceration prevention by exploring specialty courts. These courts—such as drug courts, veterans courts, and mental health courts—offer alternatives to incarceration by connecting participants to services and support.
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST
But do they truly deliver on their promises? Are they effective in reducing incarceration and recidivism, or do they create new challenges? How can local activists and advocates engage to push for meaningful improvements?
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