LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After a recent review of possible legal mishandlings of cases by several attorneys, the Michigan Attorney General has criticized the review board responsible. 

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The Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission reviews allegations of professional misconduct against attorneys, receiving criticism from AG Dana Nessel after two lawyers facing criminal charges for their involvement in the events leading up to the 2020 election still have not received any disciplinary action. 

Nessel critiqued the disciplinary process that holds attorneys accountable for the role they play in their profession in society. 

“It’s appalling that the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission refuses to move forward with disciplinary hearings against attorneys accused of election-related crimes,” Nessel wrote in a recent social media post. Nessel said it’s problematic to allow indicted attorneys to continue practicing law while their criminal cases remain pending. “The fact that they’re not suspended during the interim is mind-boggling,” Nessel told the Free Press.

In relation to other public professions such as law enforcement, namely police officers, Nessel said: “Just because you weren’t convicted of a crime, doesn’t mean you didn’t commit an offense that’s egregious enough that you don’t deserve to carry a gun and badge,” she said. “And I would say the same thing of attorneys.”

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Grievance Administrator for the commission, Michael Goetz called the AG Nessel’s actions “improper” especially “to criticize another state agency without having all the facts.” However, he refused to comment beyond stating that he was “not here to bash her, I’m here to do a job.” 

Moreover, Nessel expressed her disinterest in waiting for criminal convictions to see attorneys disciplined with another presidential election in the near future. 

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“Without the lawyers, none of this effort to undermine the 2020 presidential election occurs,” she said. And they could have the chance to do it again soon if allowed, she said.

In mid-July, AG Nessel announced felony charges against a group of Michigan Republicans who allegedly tried to award the state’s Electoral College votes to former President Donald Trump in 2020.

Each of the defendants has been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Forgery, a 14-year felony; two counts of Forgery, a 14-year felony; one count of Conspiracy to Commit Uttering and Publishing, a 14-year felony; one count of Uttering and Publishing, a 14-year felony;  one count of Conspiracy to Commit Election Law Forgery, a 5-year felony; and Two counts of Election Law Forgery, a 5-year felony following their roles in the alleged false electors scheme following the 2020 Presidential Election.