Charged with a Crime in Genesee County? Call Before You Say Anything.
A criminal charge moves fast — and the decisions you make in the first 24 hours can shape everything that follows. CF Legal's criminal defense attorneys are ready to take your call now.
He Was on the Other Side. Now He's on Yours.
Rick Hetherington spent years as a police officer before becoming a criminal defense attorney. He knows exactly how law enforcement builds a case — the evidence they gather, the statements they rely on, and the procedural steps where a defense can take hold. That background is not common. No other criminal defense firm in Flint can offer it.
When you hire CF Legal, you work directly with Rick throughout your case. You are not handed off to an associate. You get an attorney who has stood where the prosecution's witnesses stand — and knows how to challenge what they say.
A Charge Is Not a Conviction. How It's Defended Determines the Outcome.
CF Legal is a multi-attorney litigation firm with decades of combined courtroom experience in Genesee County. We practice in the 68th District Court for Flint misdemeanors, the 7th Circuit Court for Genesee County felonies, and the 67th District Court for general criminal matters. These are courts we know — the judges, the procedures, and the standards that matter when your case goes before them.
Craig Fiederlein brings more than 30 years of legal experience to the firm. A former partner from CF Legal now serves as a sitting judge in Genesee County — a signal of the firm's standing in this legal community that speaks for itself.
Your attorney's courtroom record is the most important credential in this decision. Ours is built right here.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
If debt has reached a point where repayment isn't realistic, Chapter 7 can provide a way to discharge qualifying debts and reset your financial situation. You get guidance through each step so filings are handled correctly and efficiently.
DUI Defense
A DUI charge in Michigan carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom — license suspension, increased insurance costs, and a record that follows you. We examine every element of the stop, the test, and the arrest.
Drug Crimes
From simple possession to delivery and manufacturing charges, drug cases in Michigan carry serious penalties. We build a defense around the evidence, the search, and the circumstances of the arrest.
Violent Crimes
Assault, robbery, and other violent crime charges in Genesee County are prosecuted aggressively. You need an attorney with real trial experience — not one who pushes every client toward a plea.
Firearms, CPL & Self-Defense
Michigan's firearms and concealed pistol license laws are technical and unforgiving. Rick Hetherington's background in law enforcement gives CF Legal a genuine edge in these cases.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges carry immediate consequences — protective orders, housing disruption, and the risk of a permanent record. We move quickly and work to protect your rights from the first call.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations require experienced, discreet legal counsel from the moment charges are filed. The stakes are high and the defense strategy must begin immediately.
What Happens After an Arrest in Genesee County?
The hours after an arrest are the most consequential. Law enforcement will attempt to gather statements. Prosecutors begin building their case immediately. The single most important step you can take is to stop talking and call an attorney.
CF Legal clients reach Rick Hetherington directly. We return calls within 24 hours and are available for urgent consultations when the situation demands it. The sooner you have counsel, the more options you have.
Do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present
Do not contact the alleged victim or other parties involved in the case
Write down everything you remember about the arrest while details are fresh
Call CF Legal at (810) 232-1112 before making any decisions
Local Court Familiarity
Legal outcomes can depend on local processes; working with someone familiar with Will County courts helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Michigan
Should I talk to police after an arrest?
No. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. Statements made to law enforcement — even ones that seem harmless — can be used against you in court. Tell the officer you are invoking your right to counsel and call an attorney immediately.
What courts handle criminal cases in Genesee County?
Misdemeanor charges filed in Flint are heard in the 68th District Court. Felony cases in Genesee County go before the 7th Circuit Court. The 67th District Court handles general criminal matters in the county. CF Legal practices regularly in all three.
How quickly do I need to hire a criminal defense attorney?
As soon as possible. Evidence is gathered, statements are taken, and prosecutorial decisions are made in the earliest stages of a case. An attorney who is involved from the start has more tools available than one who enters the case later.
What makes CF Legal different from other criminal defense firms in Flint?
Rick Hetherington is a former police officer — he understands how law enforcement builds a case from the inside. CF Legal is also a multi-attorney litigation firm, not a solo practice. Clients work directly with Rick throughout their case, not with a rotating cast of staff.
Can a criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?
In many cases, yes. The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and the quality of the defense. Procedural errors, unlawful searches, and inconsistencies in witness statements are all areas an experienced attorney can challenge. A charge is not a conviction.
Arrested in Genesee County? Call CF Legal Now.
The call you make in the next few minutes can change the outcome of your case. CF Legal's criminal defense attorneys are ready to hear what happened and tell you exactly where you stand. Phones are answered directly. Calls are returned within 24 hours.