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Bills would redact private information about crime victims and witnesses

Michigan Attorney General's Office

Bills to make it harder for Defense Attorneys to get private information about crime victims and witnesses is making its way through the Michigan legislature.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled earlier this year that prosecutors need to share information like addresses and phone numbers with the defense as part of the discovery process.

Law enforcement groups and the Michigan Attorney General argue that potentially puts victims and witnesses at risk.

“By and large, this process of providing unredacted reports has been going on for years.   And there hasn’t been this widespread rash of violence.” said Jessica Zimbleman who is with Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.

The House Judiciary Committee chairman expects his committee will act on the legislation soon.