Michigan § 15.533 - Contributions.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.533 — Contributions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.533. Contributions.
(1) An elected official, or a person on behalf of an elected official, shall not solicit or accept a contribution for the purpose of defending the elected official in a criminal, civil, or administrative action that arises directly out of the conduct of the elected official's governmental duties unless the contribution is included in a legal defense fund that complies with the requirements of this act.
(2) A person shall not make and the elected officer or treasurer of a legal defense fund shall not accept an anonymous contribution. An anonymous contribution to a legal defense fund shall not be deposited into the account the legal defense fund maintains with a financial institution, but shall be given to a person that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, 26 USC 501. The person receiving the contribution from the legal defense fund shall provide the legal defense fund with a receipt, which shall be retained by the legal defense fund's treasurer.
(3) A contribution shall not be made by a person to another person with the agreement or arrangement that the person receiving the contribution will then transfer that contribution to a particular legal defense fund.
(4) Contributions to a legal defense fund that are received as or converted to the form of money, checks, or other negotiable instruments shall be deposited in a single account in a financial institution for all contributions to the legal defense fund. The treasurer of the legal defense fund shall designate the financial institution that is the official depository of the legal defense fund. A contribution that is received and retained by a legal defense fund shall be maintained in a separate account at the official depository and shall not be deposited in or commingled with any other account of the elected official.
(5) A person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as follows:
(a) If the person is an individual, by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(b) If the person is other than an individual, by a fine of not more than $10,000.00.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 15.533
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.533 cover?
Section 15.533 ("Contributions.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 15.533?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.533" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 15.533 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.