Macomb County, MI
09/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2025 13:33
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel appoints Erin Freers-Cole as Macomb County Public Defender
Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel today announced the appointment of Erin Freers-Cole as the county's next Public Defender. Freers-Cole currently serves as Chief Trial Lawyer in the Public Defender's Office and brings more than 18 years of legal experience, including extensive work in criminal defense and public service. She will now lead the office responsible for providing constitutionally mandated representation to residents who cannot afford private counsel.
"Macomb County is proud to appoint Erin to this important role," said Hackel. "Her deep knowledge of the courtroom, strong leadership within the Public Defender's Office, and commitment to fairness make her the right choice to guide this department forward. She has the trust of her colleagues and the skills to serve the residents of Macomb County with integrity."
As a Chief Trial Lawyer, Freers-Cole has overseen complex felony cases, supervised trial attorneys, and worked to strengthen compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) standards. Career highlights include:
"Macomb County is proud to appoint Erin to this important role," said Hackel. "Her deep knowledge of the courtroom, strong leadership within the Public Defender's Office, and commitment to fairness make her the right choice to guide this department forward. She has the trust of her colleagues and the skills to serve the residents of Macomb County with integrity."
As a Chief Trial Lawyer, Freers-Cole has overseen complex felony cases, supervised trial attorneys, and worked to strengthen compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) standards. Career highlights include:
- Leading litigation strategies in high-profile and complex criminal cases;
- Mentoring and training attorneys within the Public Defender's Office;
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Supporting initiatives that expand access to quality defense services.
Freers-Cole earned her Juris Doctor from University of Detroit Mercy and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
"I am honored to accept this appointment," said Freers-Cole. "The Public Defender's Office plays a vital role in protecting constitutional rights, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented attorneys and staff to provide the highest quality defense services to the people of Macomb County."
Freers-Cole will succeed Tom Tomko, who is retiring after serving as the county's first Public Defender. Tomko was instrumental in establishing the office and building a foundation for providing quality indigent defense services in Macomb County. Executive Hackel expressed his gratitude: "Tom deserves tremendous credit for setting up this office and ensuring it could succeed. His dedication, vision, and commitment to justice will benefit this county for decades to come."
"I am honored to accept this appointment," said Freers-Cole. "The Public Defender's Office plays a vital role in protecting constitutional rights, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented attorneys and staff to provide the highest quality defense services to the people of Macomb County."
Freers-Cole will succeed Tom Tomko, who is retiring after serving as the county's first Public Defender. Tomko was instrumental in establishing the office and building a foundation for providing quality indigent defense services in Macomb County. Executive Hackel expressed his gratitude: "Tom deserves tremendous credit for setting up this office and ensuring it could succeed. His dedication, vision, and commitment to justice will benefit this county for decades to come."
Tom Lehrer [email protected]
Department:County Executive
Type:
Press Release
Macomb County, MI published this content on September 19, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 19, 2025 at 19:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]