Imprisonment or probation cannot exceed three years. Indeterminate Sentencing - In Michigan, which has a modified indeterminate sentencing structure, convicted felons, with few exceptions, are given a minimum and a maximum portion to their sentences. The maximum is usually determined by law, and the minimum is set by a judge with the legal restriction that it is not to exceed two-thirds of the maximum. The Michigan Parole Board has jurisdiction over the prisoner when he or she has served the minimum portion of the sentence. Jail Reimbursement A per diem pay to counties to house prisoners in a jail who traditionally would be in prison.
Eligibility is determined yearly in the department's annual appropriations act.
Legislative Corrections Ombudsman - Created by state law in 1975, the Office of the Ombudsman is within the legislative branch of government. The Ombudsman is appointed by the Legislative Council. The Ombudsman primarily investigates complaints by prisoners about prison operations. The Ombudsman has access to all information which is generally available to department staff and is able to inspect any facility at any time. In general, the higher the security level, the more security risk a prisoner presents in terms of manageability and escape potential.