What to Do After an Arrest in Genesee County

Craig Fiederlein

An arrest is frightening, and the steps you take in the first few hours can shape the outcome of your case. Whether you were stopped on Dort Highway or picked up after an incident at home, knowing your rights helps you avoid mistakes that are hard to undo.

 

Stay Calm and Stay Quiet

You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Police are trained to ask questions in a way that feels casual, but anything you say can be used against you. Politely give your name and identification, then say clearly: “I want to remain silent, and I want to speak with a lawyer.” Once you ask for a lawyer, police should stop questioning you.

 

Don’t Consent to Searches

If officers ask to search your car, phone, or home, you can say no. Refusing consent does not make you look guilty, and it preserves your attorney’s ability to challenge an improper search later. Never physically resist, even if you believe a search is unlawful.

 

What Happens Next: Arraignment

After an arrest in Genesee County, your first court appearance is usually an arraignment in the 67th District Court. At arraignment, you will hear the charges against you, and the judge will address bond. Having a lawyer at this stage can make a real difference in whether you are released and on what conditions.

 

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Talking about your case on the phone from jail. Jail calls are recorded.
  • Posting on social media. Prosecutors can and do use posts as evidence.
  • Contacting the alleged victim or witnesses. This can lead to new charges or bond violations.
  • Waiting to get help. Evidence and witness memories fade quickly.

 

Get Experienced Help Early

The sooner a criminal defense lawyer is involved, the more options you have. An attorney can review the police report, identify problems with the arrest or evidence, and start building your defense right away.

 

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Flint or anywhere in Genesee County, call CF Legal at 810-232-1112 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

About The Author

Craig R. Fiederlein | Attorney

Smiling man in a blue suit and tie outdoors, with a blurred background.

Craig R. Fiederlein has spent more than three decades practicing law in Genesee County — long enough to know the courts, the process, and the people who matter inside them. He co-founded what was then Christensen & Fiederlein PC, building a firm that became one of the region's most recognized names in probate and estate law. His former law partner is now a sitting judge in Genesee County. That kind of history isn't a footnote — it reflects the depth of standing Craig and this firm have earned over a long career in this community.


Craig's practice centers on probate administration, estate planning, elder law, real estate, and business law. Whether a family is navigating a contested estate, an aging parent needs a Medicaid-compliant plan, or a property owner needs sound legal counsel on a transaction, Craig brings the kind of experience that only comes from doing this work, in this county, for a very long time.