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jon@jonfranklaw.com

37282 - 31 Mile Road, PO Box #698
Richmond, MI 48062

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You Cannot Protect Your Rights....
If You Don't Know Your Rights.

Drug Charge Defense

Generally speaking, in order to understand your rights in a drug case, you should understand your rights in criminal cases. Learn your rights.

Driving Under the Influence

You had a DUI. You may not think so now, but you WILL GET PAST THIS. However, right now, you need information & reassurance. Learn your rights.

Auto Ticket Defense

Fighting a ticket often results in lower insurance costs. YOU WILL ALWAYS DO BETTER NEGOTIATING A TICKET THRU A LAWYER! Learn your rights.

Restore Your Drivers License

Your license was revoked/suspended, and now it is time to move on with your life. In Michigan, that means getting your drivers license back. Learn your rights.

Underage Drinking

You or your son/daughter are under 21 & were arrested for Minor In Possession. There is a process & you have defenses. Learn your rights.

Not Sure Where to Start?

You Can't Protect Your Rights Until You Understand Them. Atty Jon Frank Will Explain Your Rights in a Free Consult (in-person or by phone).

Accurate, Reliable Legal Advice Shouldn't Be Locked Behind Expensive Attorney Fees

You have been arrested.  This is upsetting, and whether this has happened to you before or not, it is a BIG DEAL, because it is HAPPENING TO YOU RIGHT NOW.

You need information & reassurance. Your lawyer should not be a source of stress or misunderstanding. You have enough of that already.

You need an experienced lawyer: 1) who can guide you through the process; 2) who can protect all of your rights; and 3) who can get you out of it, if possible.  You need to hire a lawyer who "gets it", and yes, you need an experienced attorney you can afford to actually hire. The best information on the best website means nothing, unless you have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side.

The lawyer you hire should be the one handling your case. At Frank Law, you and your case will not be shunted off to a lawyer you never heard of.

Maybe you were arrested for a DUI, a "Minor in Possession" charge, Drug Possession, or an MIP.  Maybe you need help getting your driver's license back, after it was suspended or revoked by the Secretary of State. Maybe you were not arrested at all; maybe you were just stopped for speeding, or some other moving violation.

No matter the situation, you have rights, that you need to know, and that your lawyer needs to know well enough to safeguard. Click into the area of law your case deals with, in order to learn more.

The Client Bill of Rights

Get yours.

Client Bill of Rights

  1. 100% Client Satisfaction Guarantee
  2. 48-Hour Open Door Policy
  3. The Lawyer You Hire Is The Lawyer Who Works on Your Case
  4. Candid Explanations in Plain Simple English
  5. An Idea Where Your Case is Heading
  6. One-Day Returned Phone Call/E-Mail/Text Policy
  7. Cell Phone Access to Your Lawyer
  8. Constant Immediate Updating
  9. You Have A Right to A Lawyer Who Will Respect Nos. 1-8 Above

Being a client sucks. It is a terrible and anxious experience, and I know, because I am not only a lawyer, but I have been a client before, myself. It can be awful, and the lawyer you hire should not make it worse.

Because different lawyers do different work, the problems that bring you to a lawyer will vary. However, one thing is in common: you have to put yourself and a highly sensitive problem into the hands of another person.  It means that there is a loss of control. A cloud hanging over your head.

Just you hire me to protect your rights, you have rights THAT EVERY LAWYER SHOULD BE WILLING TO PROTECT.  

I AM.

CLIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

1. 100% Client Satisfaction Guarantee

You have a right to be satisfied, and soon, that I am hard at work on your matter, and that your case is not “just another case”, but it is my cause.  I cannot guarantee outcomes of personal injury, criminal, or other court matters.  

However, if you are not completely satisfied within the first 30 days, or before the first Court appearance, whichever is sooner, that I am working hard on your case, then you can come get your file, or I will send it to you, and you can go hire another lawyer. 

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE COMPLETELY SATISFIED THAT I AM WORKING HARD ON YOUR MATTER, AND THAT YOUR CASE IS MY CAUSE.  

2. 48-Hour Open Door Policy

If you feel that you need to sit down with me face-to-face to discuss your case, I WILL CLEAR MY SCHEDULE, SETTING ASIDE TIME TO MEET WITH YOU IN MY OFFICE.  Even if I am in the middle of trial, I will meet with you within 48 hours. 

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO MEET WITH ME AT MY OFFICE, WITHIN 48 HOURS OF YOUR REQUEST, AND TO EXPECT ME TO CLEAR MY SCHEDULE, TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

3. The Lawyer You Hire Is The Lawyer Who Works on Your Case 

When you hire Jon Frank and The Frank Law Firm, PC, you hire Jon Frank.  You will not be shunted off to associates who are off-camera, and whose faces do not appear on websites, or TV advertising.  I am the lawyer who will answer your calls.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT THAT THE LAWYER YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO HIRE, IS THE ONE WHO IS ACTUALLY WORKING ON YOUR CASE.

4. Candid Explanations in Plain Simple English

Personal injury, no-fault, and criminal matters, while commonly settled “out of court”, are ultimately matters decided “in court”, and therefore, no guarantees can be made as to outcome.  Anyone who says otherwise, is not being truthful with you. 

So, too, where you hire me to deed a property into trust, handle a probate matter, or anything else that I might do as your lawyer, there is a process that we must follow, and as the “paying customer”, you are entitled to understand just what that process is.

These are often complex matters that need to be explained to you, by your lawyer.  Not only should your lawyer GLADLY explain the process to you, your lawyer should explain to you, in plain simple English – without formal, condescending “legalese”.

Not every lawyer is willing to give their client a full and candid explanation, for good or ill, and in plain simple English, of just what is going on with their case.

I AM.

THEREFORE, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOUR CASE, AND TO KEEP ASKING ME TO EXPLAIN IT, UNTIL YOU DO UNDERSTAND. 

Lawyers are paid to provide a service, and should not complain, when their clients ask for the service they have paid for.

5. An Idea Where Your Case is Heading 

As I just mentioned, there is a process that your matter will follow, from start to finish.  One of the biggest causes of client stress, is not knowing just what that process is – ahead of time.  Knowing what road you will be taking, makes the trip easier, not just as a traveler on an Interstate, but also as a client in a legal matter. 

THEREFORE, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW IN ADVANCE, WHERE YOUR CASE IS HEADING, AS TO:

6. One-Day Returned Phone Call/E-Mail/Text Policy 

If it is important enough for you to reach out to me, to call, e-mail, or text, it is important enough for me to return the communication, and to do so promptly. 

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT ME WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY, TO:

7. Cell Phone Access to Your Lawyer

You have just hired me to help you through one of the most sensitive, gut-wrenching episodes you will ever have in your life, as long as you live. 

One of the deepest expressions of trust, one human being can give another, is to be vulnerable enough to ask for help.  By hiring me as your lawyer, that is what you have done.  Therefore, I make a point of giving my clients my cell phone number, so that they can contact me, day or night, 24/7/365, by phone or text message

While you ARE WELCOME TO MY CELL PHONE NUMBER, I have enabled my land lines, (586) 727-1900 and (877) FRANK-LAW (372-6552) to receive text messages. While I may not always be available to talk, I want to make it easy for you to contact me; if I am not readily available, I will get back to you, often within minutes or hours, but always within one business day.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO MY CELL PHONE NUMBER, AND TO HAVE ACCESS TO ME 24/7/365 BY CELL PHONE AND TEXT MESSAGE.  

8. Constant Immediate Updating 

It is bad enough to have to put your life in someone else’s hands.  When you have to put your life into my hands, you have an absolute right to be kept updated as to the progress of your matter.  My policy is to send a copy to you, by email, of all correspondence I send to other people (lawyers, insurance companies, prosecutors, police agencies, etc.).  

Receiving copies by email, will enable you to see what I am doing on your case, as I am doing it.

I will send you email copies, usually by “blind copy”, to protect your email privacy; sometimes, I will forward to you, a previously sent email. If you do not have email, then I will send you copies of outgoing correspondence, by regular mail. 

YOU HAVE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO BE COPIED ON ALL OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE ON YOUR MATTER, BY E-MAIL, OR BY REGULAR MAIL, WHEN THAT CORRESPONDENCE IS BEING SENT.

9. You Have A Right To A Lawyer Who Will Respect Nos. 1-8 Above 

If you are looking for a lawyer who can help guide you through your injury matter to a great recovery, at the earliest possible time, or someone who can help protect your rights in a drunk driving, or criminal matter, you have a right to a lawyer who will respect these rights you have as a client.

As a client, you should never have to worry or wonder if your lawyer cares about your rights as a client, or whether they respect you as a human being.  You deserve, and have a right to a lawyer, who will do both.

TEXT OR CALL ME, Jon Frank, at 877-FRANK-LAW, or at (586) 727-1900, if you want me to protect your rights as a citizen – and as a client.  You can email me as well, at jon@jonfranklaw.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Frequently Asked Questions. Honest Answers.

Why People Hate Lawyers

I have been a lawyer for just about 30 years.  I think of myself as a decent conscientious person, who puts my clients’ needs first.  While there are a few jerks among us lawyers, the vast majority of us lawyers are the same as me; they are Moms & Dads, Rotary members, church-goers, and decent people who do right by the clients. .. Load complete answer.

I have been a lawyer for just about 30 years.  I think of myself as a decent conscientious person, who puts my clients’ needs first.  While there are a few jerks among us lawyers, the vast majority of us lawyers are the same as me; they are Moms & Dads, Rotary members, church-goers, and decent people who do right by the clients.

So why do we have such lousy press? Keep reading.

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What To Expect When Calling a Lawyer?

This is an anxious time for you, or you would not be calling a lawyer.  You are calling a lawyer, only because you have to.  Therefore, you need to be able to figure out if the lawyer knows what they are doing, and if so, whether they can help you.  .. Load complete answer.

This is an anxious time for you, or you would not be calling a lawyer.  You are calling a lawyer, only because you have to.  Therefore, you need to be able to figure out if the lawyer knows what they are doing, and if so, whether they can help you. 

You are going to have to rely on this lawyer, so yes, you will need to develop some trust, and hopefully, some level of comfort, talking with this lawyer.  Thus, the lawyer is going to ask you about the facts of your case, and you should be ready to answer his/her questions, even though they seem intrusive, or even irrelevant. 

You also want to know about price and terms (is it hourly? How much? How much down, initially? Contingent fee, etc).  However, you also want to know if you can work with this lawyer.  In short, you are “feeling out” the situation, and indeed, the lawyer, to see if he/she is the one to hire. Keep reading.

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What is Frank Law Defense?

Frank Law Defense is your source for accurate legal information and representation regarding DUIs, Drug Possession, MIPs, Drivers License Restoration, and Auto Ticket Defense. Text/Call either of my numbers (877) 372-6552/(586) 727-1900... Load complete answer.

Frank Law Defense is your source for accurate legal information and representation regarding DUIs, Drug Possession, MIPs, Drivers License Restoration, and Auto Ticket Defense. Text/Call either of my numbers (877) 372-6552/(586) 727-1900.

At Frank Law, you and your case will not be shunted off to a lawyer you never heard of.

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I Have Been Charged With a Misdemeanor. What Will Happen Next?

Crimes generally fall into two categories, misdemeanors & felonies. Normally, the difference between the two, is that misdemeanors have potential jail time of one year or less, while felonies involve jail time of one year or more (NOTE: Michigan does have some two-year "high" misdemeanors)... Load complete answer.

Crimes generally fall into two categories, misdemeanors & felonies. Normally, the difference between the two, is that misdemeanors have potential jail time of one year or less, while felonies involve jail time of one year or more (NOTE: Michigan does have some two-year "high" misdemeanors).

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, the first court appearance is the "Arraignment", in District Court, where the charges will be read to you, and at which you can enter a plea.  If you are represented by a lawyer, you will typically plead "not guilty", so that you can move on with the process.  

Arraignments also involve the issue of bail. Are you a flight risk? Do you have ties to the community? Did you voluntarily appear for arraignment following news of an arrest warrant? Your lawyer will handle all of these issues for you, and will get the information from you, that they need to represent you.

The next hearing in a misdemeanor case will be the "pre-trial".  Formally, the only question at the pre-trial, is whether there will be a plea bargain, or if the matter should be set for trial. By this time, experienced defense counsel will have already received a copy of the Prosecutor's "discovery" file, and will know enough to make informed decisions about whether you should plead, or move on to trial.

There may be pre-trial Motions, such as motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.  Those may be scheduled at the pre-trial, or in the period between then and trial.

The last step is the jury trial, when a final determination will be made on whether you are formally found guilty or not guilty.

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I Have Been Charged With a Felony. What Will Happen to Me?

The procedure is the same as for "misdemeanors", except that felonies are tried in Circuit Court; because felonies are more serious offenses with more jail time, there are procedures & hearings designed to provide you with additional legal protections.
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The procedure is the same as for "misdemeanors", except that felonies are tried in Circuit Court; because felonies are more serious offenses with more jail time, there are procedures & hearings designed to provide you with additional legal protections.

After the District Court arraignment, the Court will set a "Probable Cause Conference" (PCC), at which you will have an opportunity to inform the Court whether you want to waive the "Preliminary Exam" (see FAQ on Preliminary Exams, for what is at stake in this decision).

Assuming that the Preliminary Examination is not waived, the question is whether there is enough evidence to transfer your case to the Circuit Court for trial on the felony. 

If the Judge finds that there is enough such evidence, your case will be transferred to the Circuit Court, where you will undergo another Arraignment and pre-trial.  If the matter is not resolved at the pre-trial, or by means of a Motion (see FAQ on motions), the matter then proceeds to a criminal trial, in the Circuit Court.

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Can I Get My Case Dismissed if The Police Acted Illegally? What if They Didn't Have a Warrant?

The evidence against you in a criminal case has to be obtained by the police, lawfully. If not, your case could be dismissed in whole, or in part, by means of a "Motion to Suppress".
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The evidence against you in a criminal case has to be obtained by the police, lawfully. If not, your case could be dismissed in whole, or in part, by means of a "Motion to Suppress".

In order to stop you, the police must have, a "reasonable suspicion" that a crime was committed, and that you committed it. In order to seize evidence from your home, your person, your vehicle, etc, the standard is a bit higher; they must have "probable cause" to believe that you have evidence of a crime in your possession. What constitutes "reasonable suspicion" and "probable cause"? Specifics are set forth in appellate court cases from Michigan, and from the Federal Court system. Your lawyer will help you determine if the police made "a good stop", or if the seizure was lawful.

Not all seizures of persons or evidence require warrants.  There are well-defined exceptions to the requirement of a search/arrest warrant, and again, your lawyer should be able to guide you through this subject.

If your lawyer DOES decide that the police did not follow the law, he/she may file a "Motion to Suppress" evidence.  If granted, a Motion to Suppress may result in significantly reduced charges, and may in fact, result in all charges being dismissed.

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Preliminary Examinations (Felony Cases Only)

"Preliminary examinations", or PE's are set in cases where a felony is charged. These examinations are "mini-trials", at which the District Court Judge must determine if there is enough evidence against you, to transfer your case to Circuit Court. A decision to transfer your case is sometimes called "being bound over to Circuit Court".
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"Preliminary examinations", or PE's are set in cases where a felony is charged. These examinations are "mini-trials", at which the District Court Judge must determine if there is enough evidence against you, to transfer your case to Circuit Court. A decision to transfer your case is sometimes called "being bound over to Circuit Court".

If the District Court binds you over, you go to Circuit Court (see FAQ on Felonies), on all charges, including misdemeanors that the District Court would have tried, had they been the only charges.

If you were charged with a felony only, and the Judge denies "bind over", your case might theoretically be dismissed, but this is not likely. Prosecutors are supposed to base their charging decisions, on a calculation of whether they can prove their case "beyond a reasonable doubt". Therefore, a Prosecutor is less likely to charge, where he/she knows they have a weak prosecution case.

Also, you need to know that District Court Judges are often deferential to prosecutors, giving them the opportunity to try their cases. Chances are that "bind over" will be granted.

Because the burden, however light, is on the Prosecutor to show at a PE, that there is enough evidence to bind you over to Circuit, you gain nothing by putting evidence on here. Indeed, there is no reason you should "show your hand" to the prosecution, by putting on evidence here (There may be some exceptions to this).

The reason I normally do not waive PE's, is because these hearings give me an opportunity to meet, assess, and cross-examine police officers and adverse witnesses, and to commit them to testimony. If the witness deviates from the preliminary exam testimony at time of trial, I have a transcript of the PE to use at trial to undermine their testimony at your Circuit Court trial.

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I Did It. Should I Just Plead Guilty?

You have a right, under our criminal justice system, to require the Government prove its case against you, "beyond a reasonable doubt". We all have a right, under the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution, to be secure in our homes, papers and effects, which in practice means that the Government has to prove its case against you, not just beyond a reasonable doubt, but they also need to do it, "by the rules". That means a warrant, or a recognized exception to the warrant requirement, etc.
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You have a right, under our criminal justice system, to require the Government prove its case against you, "beyond a reasonable doubt". We all have a right, under the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution, to be secure in our homes, papers and effects, which in practice means that the Government has to prove its case against you, not just beyond a reasonable doubt, but they also need to do it, "by the rules". That means a warrant, or a recognized exception to the warrant requirement, etc.

Even if everything was done properly, pleading guilty deprives you of an opportunity to get charges against you reduced.

There are times, however, when it makes sense to plead guilty. For example, when the police/prosecutor charge you with something less serious than the charge they could have thrown at you, with lesser penalties, it might make good sense to plead guilty.

There are also potential "collateral consequences" to guilty verdicts and pleas. What is your immigration status? Might a guilty plea affect that? Are you on probation in another court? While a criminal charge will likely affect your probation, a guilty plea will more likely do so, and may result in you being jailed on the "probation charge".

All of this said, I have also had clients whose consciences demanded that they plead guilty, and that they squarely face the consequences. I certainly respect these decisions of conscience, and will respect them. However, as a lawyer, my job is also to advise clients and guide them through the criminal justice system.

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