"I pledged during the campaign that we would not be seeking cash bail, and I'm proud to make good on that. Complete coverage and commentary on Michigan politics from Chad Livengood, Beth LeBlanc and Craig Mauger. The morning of Eli Savit's first day in office, January 1, 2021, he announced the removal of zero tolerance policies. The victim alleges that she provided the names of four individuals who would corroborate her claims of sexual assault, including two licensed psychotherapists. All rights reserved (About Us). After Hiness October 21 court appearance, Savit went on the offensive and in his statement shifted blame onto the victim, claiming to be transparent about why the Smith prosecution had so spectacularly imploded. Prosecuting Attorney in Michigan Announces New Interpretation of As anti-abortion opponents ramp up ads against Proposal 3, supporters Eli Savit - Wikipedia She asked for advice and tips on the clerkship and then they moved on to other topics. He does so by his initiation of problem-solving courts that send individuals to programs designed to tackle mental health or drug use rehabilitation. Prosecutor Drops All Charges Against Jeffrey Dwayne Smith, $3M Bond Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. [35], Savit faced no Republican opposition in the November general election. Burton-Harris, the woman says, asked her to stop commenting on the Prosecutors Facebook post. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This is what the people of Washtenaw County have wanted and we have a sheriff who is also committed to fairness and public safety.. With only a signed release, obtaining medical records can take even longer. ANN ARBOR - Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit has made his mark in his first 21 days in office. At the City of Detroit, Eli has been a steadfast fighter for criminal-justice reform. He is running for Washtenaw County Prosecutor to ensure equitable justice for all Washtenaw County residents. While the wave of policy changes may appear unusual on the surface, legal experts say the issuing of policy directives is nothing new since its impossible for a prosecutor to pursue charges on every incident presented to the office. The Detroit News. Washtenaw County prosecutor rolls out new policy to end use of cash bail. The evidence in question stemmed from surveillance video in which Johnsons father positively identified his son. At the couples wedding, Justice Kagan and Justice Ginsburg, who are quite used to issuing opinions regarding the law of the land, this time affixed their signatures to a more personal document the ketubah, the Jewish wedding contract. The reason he wanted expungement was he said he was running for PTA of my kids school, and I want to be more involved. In fact, every avenue *was* pursued in this case.. You have to make the best decision you can.. Professor Eli Savit serves as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County. Eli Savit: The criminal system needs to do a much better job of promoting rehabilitation, not pursuing punishment for the sake of punishment.. Now, months after their elections, Real Justice PAC prosecutors in Los Angeles, San Francisco and in Loudon County, Virginia, are the targets of recall efforts. Eli has also earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for children and families. [34] Savit's campaign attracted national attention,[35][36][37][38] and he secured endorsements from such high-profile national figures as Senator Bernie Sanders[39] and musician and activist John Legend. Savit sworn in as Washtenaw County prosecutor, begins work to reshape justice system. In addition to serving as Washtenaw County's Prosecuting Attorney, Savit is a faculty member at the University of Michigan Law School. Eli Savit's policies - like his campaign - will be guided by a team of local activist advisors and other feedback from the communities most affected by his new office. Amanda Kelly Rice and Eli Noam Savit were married on June 25 at the National Press Club in Washington. "They saved my life. He sued banks, slumlords, and corporations whose housing policies were hurting Detroit residents. Professor Eli Savit serves as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County. Prosecutors, judges, defense lawyers, and service providers all need to work together to set a person up with a treatment support plan instead of incarcerating them. Eli Savit has been Washtenaw Countys Attorney Prosecutor for two years. He led the Citys efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable for the opioid epidemic. Since January 2021, the Prosecutors Office no longer files juvenile delinquency petitions against minors for status-based offenses. (File photo) Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Burton-Harris were ceremonially sworn into office by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack at the University of Michigan Law Quad courtyard in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Michigan Democratic Party, and on the Executive Board of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. As Johnson held his mother in his arms, he expressed thanks for his family that stood by his side, along with the new family that stood there too. Jeffrey Dwayne Smith had been jailed on September 19, held on a $3 million cash bond, and charged by Savits office. [11] He also regularly serves as a pro-bono cooperating attorney for civil-rights groups in Michigan. Savit attended Kalamazoo College, and was chosen as the senior class commencement speaker. Unlike Savits predecessor, Savit allows the Prosecutors Office to dismiss a case entirely upon successful completion of a treatment court program. A year later, in January 2014, after they moved in together, they both landed clerkships at the Supreme Court she with Justice Kagan and he with Justice Ginsburg and retired Justice Sandra Day OConnor. This allows him to treat individuals with empathy. In private practice, he dedicated significant time to pro bono mattersrepresenting children with disabilities, victims of consumer fraud, and asylum applicants fleeing domestic violence and spousal abuse. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. These programs rely on many different parts of the community to ensure it happens. At the same time, the directive emphasizes the prosecutors office cant ignore the spate of high-profile incidents across the country involving police who abused their authority, inflicting lethal force on Black civilians, assaulting civilians and in some cases trying to cover up their actions. [5][6][7] Savit also led the City's legal efforts in civil-rights cases. Throughout his time in Detroit, he fought for criminal justice reform. Eli also earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for children and families. [18], Savit maintains an appointment at the University of Michigan Law School, where he teaches classes on public-interest litigation and state and local government. You see this guy. Judge David S. Tatel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit officiated, with assistance from two Supreme Court justices, Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And thats so important to keep in perspective that people do change that they are not just defined forever as their worst moment. The Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office agrees with these voices, Savits policy directive states. Dir. Eli was then selected to work as a law clerk for United States Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day OConnor (ret.). At these expungement fairs, Savit gets to meet people that crossed his predecessors desk and were prosecuted. Eli serves, or has served, on a number of youth-focused boards of directors, including the Detroits Hope Starts Here Early Childhood Initiative Stewardship Board, the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren, the Board of Directors at Ypsilantis FLY Children's Art Center. For instance, lets say there is a harsh law on the books that seems great on paper, but in practice, it just doesnt make sense or is impractical. But a photo expert recently said the person in the video was 4 inches shorter than Johnson. Jeffrey Dwayne Smith had been jailed on September 19, a transgender high schooler who sodomized a 14-year-old female student, prosecuted the assaulted students father and asked for jail time, where the student allegedly then committed, Ann Arbor Restauranteur Sava LelcajFarah Attacked by Knife-Wielding Man in Downtown Ann Arbor, Staff and Clients Allege SafeHouse Center is Mismanaged and a Racist, Toxic Environment, County Commissioners Handed Registered Sex Offender, and County Employee on Parole $1.2M ARPA Grant, SafeHouse Center is a Dangerous Dump and Survivors Say, Enough is Enough, Alleged Assailant of Survivor Evicted by SafeHouse Jailed on $3M Cash Surety Bond, Husband of Ann Arbor City Council Member to Be Sentenced on Domestic Violence Charge, SafeHouse Exec. I am hopeful that, one day, the U.S. criminal judicial system will treat all its citizens fairly. He started his career as a public school teacher, teaching special-education and general-education 8th grade American history. Shortly after the evidence emerged Johnson started working with Syed and the Michigan Innocence Clinic, which had secured the release of 30 wrongfully convicted people. [49] Savit said that "whether someone is jailed should hinge on the threat they pose to the community, not their financial means. In 2018, the Ann Arbor Independent went completely digital. Savit allows kids to be kids. Eli Savit: If someone has done the hard work, done everything weve asked them to do, the reward should be that you dont have a criminal record.. Prosecutor Owes Thousands in Campaign Finance Fines Related to Failed Run, State Administrative Law Judge Reverses Trial Court: Rules Striking Grad Students Must Stop Their Strike, Open Letter: U-M Faculty Pledge to Withhold Grades You Have Refused to Bargain in Good Faith, Judge Carol Kuhnke Denies U-M Request for Order to Force Grad Assistants Back to Work, Movie Review: Are You There, God? As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Meet Eli Savit Eli Savit for Washtenaw Prosecutor Vigil, march for woman fatally shot by Ann Arbor police officer enters sixth year. Eli Savit was recruited to run among a group of legal progressives nationwide in an effort by billionaire financier George Soros to make criminal justice on the local level more equitable. After law school, Eli worked for two federal judges, then as an appellate and Supreme Court lawyer. Sources inside and outside the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's office allege that County Prosecutor Eli Savit released an October 21 public statement in which Savit attempted to discredit a 27-year-old, Black victim of sexual and domestic violence, because the victim spoke to the media. With more than 30 days under his belt as the countys newly elected prosecutor, it would be hard to deny he isnt living up to his campaign promises. Eli Savit is a civil-rights attorney, a law professor, and a former public-school teacher. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Burton-Harris were ceremonially sworn into office by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack at the University of Michigan Law Quad courtyard in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News. Savit currently is crafting a new policy directed at immigration issues tied to criminal justice matters in Washtenaw County. Zero tolerance policies do not allow for prosecutors to assess each case as its own story with its own circumstances. Eli serves, or has served, on a number of youth-focused boards of directors, including the Detroits Hope Starts Here Early Childhood Initiative Stewardship Board, the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren, the Board of Directors at Ypsilantis FLY Children's Art Center. Leftist Prosecutors Upend the Concept of 'Justice' - PJ Media Notably, it would be the first known instance of such hacking of an iPhone running iOS 14.7 *anywhere in the world [sic]. [13][14] In 2018, he crafted an agreement with the ACLU and community partners to prevent home foreclosures throughout Detroit. In reality, there were several avenues left unexplored, including the Prosecutors failure to obtain medical records in the course of investigating alleged sexual assaults. He said of Savits statement, I have never seen anything like it. To see my son walking in my arms, I was there and it was just a joyful experience," Johnson's mother Arnita Baskin said. And its a wonderful experience. And we will pursue them to the fullest extent in the law wherever the evidence dictates. Resisting and obstructing police is a serious crime with serious penalties, Savit said. [53] Savit cited research demonstrating that the threat of prosecution makes sex workers and survivors of trafficking less likely to report crimes. Voters elect their prosecutors for their discretion., Though she cant say for sure if the Michigan Attorney Generals Office could one day crack down on Washtenaw County, OBrien said it is highly unlikely because a prosecutors decision not to charge a person with a crime is almost unreviewable.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. [32] Savit's platform included elimination of cash bail, more support for addiction and mental-health treatment programs, and eliminating racial and socioeconomic inequity in the justice system. At no time during the recording does Hines, hired by Savit in early-2021, question his decision to violate the First Amendment rights and damage the credibility of her witness. He graduated from Kalamazoo College, where he played college basketball and was voted senior class commencement speaker. Read that email here. In his statement posted to Facebook, Savit writes, Our office does not typically publicize ongoing cases or investigations. Eli is also a nationally recognized attorney who has led public-interest lawsuits against some of the countrys toughest adversariesadversaries such as banks, the opioid industry, slumlords, and corporate polluters. The victim said she was asked to sign a medical release just two days before the October 21 preliminary hearing at which First Prosecuting Attorney Christina Hines asked Judge Simpson to dismiss all charges against Jeffrey Dwayne Smith due to lack of evidence. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Says Its Fine to Mix and Match Covid-19 Boosters Shots, No Background Checks In This Local School District: Superintendent Welcomes, Ricky Dewayne McCain Didnt Act Alone in the Murder of Jude WaltonHe Had, Countys Chief Asst. This page is not available in other languages. His areas of expertise include civil rights, education law, environmental protection, state and local government, and criminal-justice reform. In Savits time in office, he has worked to build a stronger community that offers second chances to its citizens. And Im hopeful that those effects have ripple effects that spread out across the county.. Instead, he returned home to Michigan, settling in Ann Arbor and accepting an appointment as the City of Detroits senior legal counsel. I want you to go forward without a criminal record.. "It took me that long because I did not know my own power.. These include truancy, tobacco or vaping-related offenses, marijuana-related offenses, or disorderly conduct offenses. Explore Local Officials Eli Savit won the Democratic primary for prosecutor in Washtenaw County, Michigan, on Aug. 4. Now whats the next person going to do if the story gets out? Savit understands that sending individuals with drug related crimes to jail wont fix their addiction and can lead to returning to crime. Fred Zimmerman lives in Ann Arbor. The case involved alleged cyberstalking. The Ann Arbor Independent - A locally owned newspaper in Ann Arbor. Im not bitter, I'm just back, Johnson said on Friday. The victim had raised concerns about Savits handling of the prosecution of her alleged assailant. After law school, Savit worked for two federal judges, then as an appellate and Supreme Court lawyer. A plan for progressive prosecution. [45] Savit's announcement came on the heels of a City Council resolution in Ann ArborWashtenaw County's largest citythat deemed possession, use, and cultivation of entheogenic plants Ann Arbor's "lowest law enforcement priority". [49], On January 12, 2021, Savit also announced that the Prosecutor's Office would no longer seek charges related to the use, possession, or small-scale distribution of marijuana or entheogenic plants, citing the racially disproportionate impact of the "war on drugs. Sources inside and outside the Washtenaw County Prosecutors office allege that County Prosecutor Eli Savit released an October 21 public statement in which Savit attempted to discredit a 27-year-old, Black victim of sexual and domestic violence, because the victim spoke to the media. The program were putting into place with this grant money is a diversion program for young primary caregivers. Amanda Rice and Eli Savit: Making His Case Before the Highest Court in I hope other survivors dont feel like they cant come forward. Tocco wrote in response to Savits statement: Thank you for your transparency and for emphasizing that you start by believing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. [52], On January 14, 2021, Savit announced that his office would no longer prosecute consensual sex work, instead focusing on human trafficking, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of children. Keep up with Eli on social: Facebook | Twitter, 2075 W Stadium Blvd # 2000, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106. Representative matters on which he has worked include a successful legal effort to have the Michigan Civil Rights Commission recognize discrimination claims against LGBTQ Michiganders, and assisting the States of New Jersey and Maryland and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in their efforts to hold corporate polluters responsible for PFAS and MTBE contamination in the states waterways. Credit card information is processed securely . He spearheads the Citys efforts to make it easier for people to expunge criminal records. Eli Savit, the new chief prosecutor of Washtenaw County, Michigan (Ann Arbor), announced today that his office will no longer seek cash bail. Parviz holds a masters degree in computer forensics from EMU, and a variety of certifications. During his time with the City of Detroit, Eli earned a reputation as a fighter who is unafraid to take on powerful interests. The Loudon County School Board moved the alleged assailant to a different high school, where the student allegedly then committed another sexual assault of a female student in the girls bathroom. Police shooting of Aura Rosser highlighted in Washtenaw - mlive Eli Savit: The thing that I love doing best in this job is our expungement fairs. This reward is great. Eli Savit: We can say all day that the criminal legal system isnt the answer [to everything]. These programs include the Drug Treatment Court in the 22nd Circuit Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Sobriety Court, and Mental Health Court in the 15th District Court, among others. Their romance blossomed at the courthouse in the weeks that followed, where they began making any excuse to visit each others office. 40 years since Rep. Dressel introduced 1983 HB 5000. Subscribing is easy and one year of award-winning, independent local journalism costs $7.00 per month ($84.00/year). He creates ripple effects that will impact our judicial system years to come. The groundwork for this was already laid before me. In addition to this, they arent often provided competent help in facing their drug addiction. Newly Elected Michigan Prosecutor Will Stop Seeking Cash Bail Five months ago, with assistance from Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP), Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit charged James Alan Greggs with committing a hate crime against a transgender woman in Ann Arbor.. Now, Greggs, 59, is freed from the Washtenaw County Jail while his criminal case develops. A historic, long-overdue day in Michigan. Now hes a dad, hes done everything weve asked for. Today, over six years later, there are still marches and rallies in our community protesting the handling of Aura Rossers death, Savit noted. He secured millions of dollars in funding for trauma-informed wraparound services for Detroit schoolchildren. Newsletters on the topics that interest you most, like the Detroit Dinner Bell, Red Wings Report, Auto Insider and so many more, are delivered in your inbox each morning. Eli Savit is the exception to many other prosecutors. In addition to serving as Washtenaw County's Prosecuting Attorney, Eli is a faculty member at the University of Michigan Law School. He is currently serving as the Prosecuting Attorney in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Savit also claims in his October 21, 2021 statement: Further, though the young woman asserted that the defendant in this case had hacked into her iPhone and was controlling it remotely, any hacking in the manner described is believed to be technologically impossible. The Prosecutors office turned to Kevin Parviz, a Sheriffs Department detective, to conduct the forensic examination. Eli is also a nationally recognized attorney who has led . ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) It took the creation of a Conviction Integrity Unit and the help of the Michigan Innocence Clinic, but Ronnell Johnson is finally free after spending the last 14 years fighting for his freedom. Johnson was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison for armed robbery in Washtenaw County a crime hes long maintained he didnt commit. 3210 Jeffries Hall. Eli was then selected to work as a law clerk for United States Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day OConnor (ret.). He is a son of Kathleen A. Savit and Robert S. Savit of Ann Arbor, Mich. Fink, instead, set Smith's bond at $3 million, cash surety and, as a result, Smith was housed in the Washtenaw County jail for a month. 3:02. Mackie determined Officer David Rieds lethal use of force was justified since Rosser reportedly approached officers with a knife raised in an attack position and ignored commands to drop it. Removing zero tolerance policies allows for a more empathetic approach within the law. [30] He also presented testimony to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission in support of Equality Michigan's successful effort to have the Commission declare that Michigan's civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. After law school, Eli worked for two federal judges, then as an appellate and Supreme Court lawyer. Eli has also been an integral part of several major, successful civil rights and environmental initiatives in Michigan and across the country. Savit won the August primary election against [] All Rights Reserved. Savit highlighted the Rosser case in his new policy directive, noting Mackies decision to not charge the officer has led to pronounced and sustained community backlash. He spearheaded Detroit's efforts to make it easier for people to expunge criminal records. Police officers put their lives on the line in the name of public safety and they deserve fair and impartial justice when accused of a crime, Savit said. His areas of expertise include . Like Savit and Boudin, musician John Legend endorsed Gascon, as did Senator Bernie Sanders. These two years have done wonders to change our judicial system for the better. Elis 4-year term began on January 1st, 2021. Eli Savit - Washtenaw Prosecuting Attorney - Facebook He worked with the Detroit Public Schools, teachers, and parents to prevent the closure of 24 neighborhood schools. [3], Following his Supreme Court clerkship, Savit returned to Michigan, and accepted an appointment as senior legal counsel in the Detroit Mayor's Office. She is a daughter of Regina Kelly Rice of Fairfax Station, Va., and Mark C. Rice of La Caada Flintridge, Calif. Eli N. Savit | University of Michigan Law School After they serve time, they emerge from prison with a felony record that follows them through life. Influenced partly by his experience as a Bronx public school teacher and a law clerk for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Eli Savit has made .