From the Streets of Flint to the Courtroom — 23 Years on Both Sides of the Law
When someone in Genesee County is facing a criminal charge, a family law matter, or a situation where the outcome depends on how well their attorney understands the system from the inside, Rick Hetherington is who they need.
Rick Hetherington spent 23 years as an officer with the City of Flint Police Department — roughly 15 of them in an investigative capacity — before retiring as a sergeant in 2011 and going to law school. That background is not a talking point. It is the foundation of how he practices. Rick understands how criminal investigations are built, where the gaps tend to appear, and what it takes to mount a defense that actually works. He has been on the other side of every charge he now defends.
After graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Rick joined CF Legal and is now a partner in the firm. In a short legal career, he has already written a brief that resulted in a favorable ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court and been featured in the Benchmark, Cooley's alumni publication. His practice covers criminal defense, family law, and landlord and tenant matters — work that draws directly on his knowledge of Genesee County courts, law enforcement procedures, and what it means to stand in a room where the stakes are high.
What Rick Handles
Criminal defense across Genesee County and mid-Michigan: DUI/OWI, drug charges, violent crimes, firearms and CPL, domestic violence, sex crimes, and malicious property destruction
Family law: divorce, child custody, and parenting time matters
Landlord and tenant disputes
Business law matters
Why Rick's Background Changes What's Possible for You
Most criminal defense attorneys understand the law. Rick understands the law and the machinery that produces the charges against you.
A prosecutor's case is built on police reports, evidence handling, witness statements, and investigation procedures. Rick spent most of his law enforcement career in investigative roles — which means he reads those reports differently than most defense attorneys do. He knows what a proper investigation looks like, what corners get cut, and what procedural errors can change the course of a case. That insight does not come from reading case law. It comes from doing the work.
That same background informs how Rick approaches firearms and CPL cases in particular. Michigan gun law carries real consequences, and the nuances of self-defense, lawful carry, and how police officers are trained to handle these situations are not things Rick had to study abstractly. He lived them.
Personal Attention
You work directly with an attorney who understands your situation, so you don't feel passed between offices or left waiting for answers.
Clear Communication
Legal issues are easier to handle when everything is explained in plain language, helping you and your family stay informed at every step.
Established Local Presence
With a Joliet office in place since 2001, you can rely on consistent support from a firm rooted in the community.
Accessible Support in Spanish
Real estate clients who prefer Spanish can communicate comfortably, making transactions smoother and easier to understand.
A Record That Reflects the Work
Even early in his legal career, Rick has established a track record that matters. He authored a brief for the Michigan Supreme Court that resulted in a favorable ruling for a CF Legal client — the kind of result that requires both precise legal writing and a deep command of the underlying facts. He was featured in the Benchmark, the alumni publication of Thomas M. Cooley Law School, for his work and background.
He is admitted to practice before the Michigan State Bar and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan — which means clients facing federal charges in this district have an attorney with the standing to represent them there.
Serving Flint, Genesee County, and Mid-Michigan
Rick practices out of CF Legal's Flint office and the firm's Grand Blanc location, handling criminal defense and family law matters throughout Genesee County and across mid-Michigan. His familiarity with the local court system — the 68th District Court in Flint, the 67th District Court in Genesee County, and the 7th Circuit Court for felonies — is the product of years spent inside those buildings, first as an officer and now as a defense attorney.
Bar Memberships and Professional Standing
State Bar of Michigan — active member, criminal law, real property, and cannabis law sections
Character and Fitness Committee, State Bar of Michigan — representative, ensuring future attorneys meet the requirements to practice in Michigan
Genesee County Bar Association — active member; former chairman, marijuana law committee
United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan — admitted to practice
Thomas M. Cooley Law School — J.D.
University of Michigan-Flint — B.S., Criminal Justice
City of Flint Police Department — 23 years of service; retired Sergeant, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Hetherington
What makes Rick Hetherington different from other criminal defense attorneys in Flint?
Rick spent 23 years as a Flint police officer before becoming an attorney — approximately 15 of them in an investigative capacity. He retired as a sergeant. That means he has direct, firsthand experience with how criminal investigations are conducted, how evidence is gathered and documented, and where law enforcement procedures can fall short. Most defense attorneys learn that from the outside. Rick learned it from the inside.
Does Rick handle cases outside of criminal defense?
Yes. Rick handles family law matters including divorce, child custody, and parenting time, as well as landlord and tenant disputes and certain business law matters. His practice is rooted in criminal defense, but it extends into the civil matters that often affect the same clients and families.
Is Rick admitted to practice in federal court?
Yes. Rick is admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, which covers federal cases filed in the Eastern district of the state, including Genesee County.
How do I get in touch with Rick?
You can reach Rick through CF Legal's contact page, by calling the office directly at 810-232-1112, or by stopping in at the Flint office at 302 E. Court Street. Rick handles his own client relationships directly — you will speak with the attorney, not a case manager.