Violent Crime Defense Attorney in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan

A violent crime charge in Michigan is not a situation where you can afford to wait, hope for the best, or trust an attorney who will push you toward a plea without a fight. Felony convictions for assault, armed robbery, or homicide carry mandatory prison sentences, and the consequences extend far beyond incarceration — your housing, your employment, your right to own a firearm, and your standing in this community are all on the line.

At CF Legal, our attorneys have spent decades inside Genesee County courtrooms handling the most serious criminal cases our clients have ever faced. Rick Hetherington came to law after a career in law enforcement — he understands exactly how investigators build violent crime cases, where the evidence is weakest, and how to challenge it effectively. When the prosecutor is pushing hard, you need a litigator who has seen the other side of the table.

What's at Stake with a Violent Crime Conviction in Michigan

Michigan imposes some of the harshest sentencing guidelines in the country for violent felony offenses. Even a first-time conviction can mean years in state prison, mandatory minimum sentences that leave a judge with little discretion, and a permanent felony record that follows you for the rest of your life.

 

Beyond the prison sentence itself, a violent felony conviction in Michigan can cost you:

 

  • The right to vote while incarcerated
  • The right to possess or purchase a firearm
  • Professional licenses and certifications
  • Access to federal housing assistance
  • Employment in healthcare, education, government, and many private industries
  • Child custody rights in ongoing or future family court proceedings

 

This is why the attorney you choose matters as much as the facts of your case.

Violent Crime Charges We Defend

Michigan law covers a wide range of offenses under the umbrella of violent crimes, and the specific charge you face determines the severity of the sentencing guidelines, the prosecution's strategy, and the defenses available to you.

Assault and Battery

Michigan treats assault and battery as distinct offenses that are frequently charged together. Simple assault involves placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm; battery requires actual physical contact. Aggravated assault charges apply when serious bodily injury occurs or when a weapon is involved, and they carry significantly higher penalties. Our attorneys examine the circumstances of the alleged contact, the credibility of witnesses, and whether self-defense or defense of others applies as a matter of law.

Armed Robbery and Carjacking

Armed robbery under MCL 750.529 is a felony carrying up to life in prison. Carjacking — taking a vehicle by force or threat — carries the same maximum sentence. Prosecutors in these cases rely heavily on eyewitness identification, surveillance footage, and co-defendant testimony, all of which can be challenged. We scrutinize the identification procedures used by law enforcement and the reliability of every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to present.

Additional Charges We Handle

Transferring or hiding assets before filing, which can create legal issues.

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Homicide and Manslaughter

Homicide cases — whether charged as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or voluntary and involuntary manslaughter — are among the most complex and consequential cases in the criminal justice system. First-degree murder in Michigan carries a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Our approach in homicide cases begins with a thorough independent investigation, expert consultation, and a complete review of the prosecution's forensic evidence and witness statements.

Felonious Assault

Felonious assault — assault with a dangerous weapon, without intent to commit murder or great bodily harm — is a four-year felony under Michigan law. It is a charge that can arise from incidents that escalated quickly, and one where the facts surrounding intent and the nature of the alleged weapon are frequently disputed. We examine the full context of the incident and build a defense around what the evidence actually shows.

Domestic Violence and Assault in a Domestic Setting

Assault charges that arise in a domestic context carry their own set of consequences, including mandatory no-contact orders, firearm prohibitions under federal law, and enhanced penalties for repeat offenses. These cases are often driven by a single party's account of events and can proceed even when the alleged victim does not want to press charges. We handle domestic violence defense as a dedicated practice area — you can learn more on our domestic violence defense page.

Weapons-Related Violent Offenses

When a firearm or other weapon is alleged to have been used in the commission of a violent offense, Michigan law imposes mandatory additional sentencing enhancements that run consecutive to the underlying sentence. Rick Hetherington's background in law enforcement gives our firm a detailed understanding of how weapons charges are investigated, how officers document evidence at the scene, and where procedural errors can create grounds for suppression or dismissal.

Juvenile Violent Crime Cases

When a minor is charged with a violent offense in Michigan, the case may be handled in juvenile court or, for serious charges, transferred to adult court through a waiver hearing. The stakes in these cases are particularly high because an adult conviction can define a young person's entire future. We represent juveniles and their families through every stage of the process, from arraignment through trial or appeal.

Why CF Legal — Not Just Any Criminal Defense Firm

Michigan's violent crime sentencing guidelines are structured to produce prison sentences. Avoiding that outcome requires an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if that is what the evidence demands.

 

  • 30+ years of courtroom experience under Craig Fiederlein, including felony criminal cases in Genesee County and across mid-Michigan
  • Former law enforcement perspective from Rick Hetherington, who understands how violent crime investigations are conducted from the inside
  • Litigation-capable across all charges — we are not a firm that defaults to pleas; we build cases for trial and negotiate from that position
  • Multi-attorney firm in a market dominated by solo practitioners, which means your case receives the resources and attention it requires
  • Direct phone access — calls are answered directly, with a 24-hour return call commitment

Serving Clients Across Genesee County and Mid-Michigan

Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing violent crime charges throughout Genesee County and the surrounding region, including Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Burton, Fenton, and Saginaw. We appear regularly in Genesee County Circuit Court and have represented clients in courts across mid-Michigan.

 

Our primary office is located at 302 E. Court St. in Flint, with a satellite office in Grand Blanc for clients in the southern part of the county. If you are facing charges and need to speak with an attorney quickly, call us directly at 810-232-1112.

Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime Defense in Michigan

The decisions made in the first days after a violent crime charge can shape the outcome of your entire case. Our attorneys are available to speak with you directly, answer your questions plainly, and begin building your defense without delay. Call our Flint office at 810-232-1112 or use the form below to schedule a confidential consultation.

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 Violent Crime Defense in Michigan

  • Can I be convicted of assault in Michigan if no one was physically harmed?

    Yes. Michigan law defines assault as an act that places another person in reasonable fear of an imminent battery. Physical contact is not required for an assault conviction. Battery — which requires actual physical contact — is a separate but related charge that is frequently filed alongside assault.

  • What is the difference between first- and second-degree murder in Michigan?

    First-degree murder requires proof of premeditation and deliberation, meaning the prosecution must show the killing was planned in advance. Second-degree murder covers intentional killings that were not premeditated. First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole; second-degree murder carries up to life in prison with the possibility of parole at the court's discretion.

  • Does Michigan have a "stand your ground" law?

    Michigan does not have a stand-your-ground statute, but Michigan law does recognize the right to use reasonable force in self-defense without a duty to retreat in certain circumstances. The application of self-defense in a violent crime case depends heavily on the specific facts — where the incident occurred, what threat was presented, and whether the force used was proportionate.

  • Will a violent felony conviction affect my right to own a firearm?

    Yes. A felony conviction in Michigan results in a lifetime ban on possessing or purchasing a firearm under both Michigan and federal law. If you hold a CPL, it will be revoked. This is one of the most significant collateral consequences of a violent felony conviction, and it is one reason early, aggressive legal representation is critical.

  • How soon should I contact a defense attorney after being charged?

    Immediately. Statements made to law enforcement before you have counsel can be used against you, and critical evidence — surveillance footage, witness accounts, physical evidence — can disappear quickly. The earlier your attorney is involved, the more options remain available for your defense.