State Rep. Mike Mueller this week stood up for crime victims and advocated for their rights at the state Capitol.

Mueller, of Linden, gave the opening remarks at the crime victim rights vigil hosted by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.

“During my time as a sheriff’s deputy, I worked closely with crime victims and witnessed the psychological effects, monetary damage and hardships they face,” Mueller said. “As I continue my work in Lansing, victims’ rights are always going to be a top priority. My goal is to help victims retain their dignity while also making it easier for them to navigate the court system. To accomplish this, we must put more teeth into the collection of restitution, and we must fund victims’ rights services and continue to make them available through county prosecutors.”

During his time as a legislator, Mueller has also spoken out against proposed reforms that put the rights of criminals before the rights of victims.

“Victims do not need to be traumatized over and over by the very system that is there for their protection,” Mueller said. “They have suffered enough. They need a voice in the Legislature.”

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