Lawyer for Monroe County, MI

If you live in Monroe County and you are facing a criminal charge, a family court matter, or a question about a loved one's estate, I can help you understand where you stand and what comes next. I work from Bogard Law's office at 17573 Fort St in Riverview, a short drive from Monroe County, and I take cases from across Monroe County.

Criminal Defense in Monroe County

Most criminal cases in the county begin in the Monroe County 1st District Court at 106 E. First Street in Monroe. That court handles misdemeanors from arraignment through sentencing, sets bail, and holds preliminary examinations in felony cases. If a felony is bound over after the preliminary examination, it goes to the Monroe County Circuit Court.

A first court date can feel overwhelming. People often don't know whether to show up in person or log in on Zoom, what their bond conditions mean, or whether they should say anything at arraignment. I start by reading your paperwork with you, explaining each step, and making sure you know what the court expects from you before your next date.

I handle drunk driving (OWI) cases, drug charges, assault and domestic violence charges, retail fraud, driving while license suspended, and probation violations, along with other misdemeanors and felonies. You can read more on my criminal defense page.

Family Law

Family cases in Monroe County are heard in the Monroe County Circuit Court. I help people with divorce, custody and parenting time, child support, and changes to existing orders. These cases affect your home, your children, and your finances, so I take the time to understand what matters most to you before we decide how to approach the case. See my family law page for more.

Estate Planning and Probate

Estates that have to go through court, along with guardianships and conservatorships, are handled in the Monroe County Probate Court. Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are prepared outside of court. I prepare estate plans and help families who need to open an estate after someone has died. If you are not sure whether an estate needs to go through probate at all, that is a good question to bring to a consultation. More information is on my estate planning and probate page.

Expungement and License Restoration

An old conviction can follow you for years when you apply for jobs or housing. Michigan law allows many convictions to be set aside, and people who have lost their license after repeated drunk driving convictions may be able to ask the Secretary of State to restore it. I can review your record and tell you whether you appear to qualify. Visit my expungement and license restoration page.

Communities I Serve in Monroe County

I work with people from Monroe, Frenchtown Township, Monroe Township, Newport/Berlin Township, Carleton/Ash Township, Estral Beach, South Rockwood, Dundee, Ida, Erie, Luna Pier, Temperance/Bedford Township, and Lambertville. The courts and communities listed here are not a complete list. I handle cases in courts throughout Michigan, so if your case is somewhere else, call me and we can talk about it.

Meeting With Me

The first consultation is free. We can meet at my Riverview office, by phone, or by video. If it's hard for you to get to my office, I can come to you to meet, go over your case, or sign paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my Monroe County criminal case be heard?

Most cases start in the Monroe County 1st District Court in Monroe. Misdemeanors usually stay there through sentencing. Felony cases begin there and, if they are bound over after the preliminary examination, go to the Monroe County Circuit Court.

Do I have to come to Riverview to meet with you?

No. We can meet at my Riverview office, by phone, or by video. If it's hard for you to get to my office, I can come to you to meet, go over your case, or sign paperwork.

Which court handles a probate matter in Monroe County?

Estates, guardianships, and similar matters for Monroe County residents are handled in the Monroe County Probate Court in Monroe.

Call (734) 775-9327 or use my contact form to schedule a free consultation. You can also see all my service areas.

This page is general information about Michigan law, not legal advice. Every case is different. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.