John Freeman Case Results

County: Washtenaw
City: Ann Arbor
Investigative Agency: Ann Arbor Police Department
Prosecuting Agency: Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge: Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree - 6 counts, up to 15 years prison
Time Frame: March 10, 2026

Summary: While being represented by another law firm, our client spent nearly 9 months in jail on a $1 million cash/surety bond with no 10% alternative. Shortly after taking over the case, Mr. Freeman fought for a bond reduction. After a contested hearing in the 14A-1 District Court, Mr. Freeman achieved the seemingly impossible: the Court reduced our client’s bond to a more reasonable amount with a 10% alternative. After posting bond, our client returned home to fight the case without being confined to the Washtenaw County Jail.

County: Leelanau
City: Suttons Bay
Investigative Agency: Michigan State Police
Prosecuting Agency: Leelanau County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge: Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree, up to life in prison
Time Frame: November 2024 - March 2026

Summary: Client originally investigated for and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st Degree, based on an alleged sexual encounter with person at a remote deer hunting camp outside of Traverse City, MI in November 2024. After a contested Persona Protection Order hearing in the Petosky Circuit Court in 2025, the Court issued a no-contact order, which was expected. Thereafter, Prosecutor’s ultimately charged our client with Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree in 2026. Shockingly, Prosecutors sought to have our client held without a bond. Over the Prosecutor’s objection, Mr. Freeman successfully argued for a reasonable bond, and our client was released. During the sometimes-contentious negotiations that followed, Mr. Freeman successfully secured a misdemeanor no contest plea deal to assault. Our client did not admit guilt. Instead, he is not fighting a misdemeanor conviction. This will keep our client out of state prison. Also, our client will not be a registered sex offender, nor will he face the many adverse consequences of being a felon.

County: Wayne
City: Detroit
Investigative Agency: Detroit Police Department
Prosecuting Agency: Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge: Felony Assault on Police Officer Causing Injury
Time Frame: February 2026 - March 2026

Summary: After our client called 911 to report a man breaking into our client’s house, DPD officers arrived and escalated the situation by unjustifiably putting hands on our client. At the preliminary examination, a DPD officer testified that our client assaulted the officer. Following Mr. Freeman’s detailed and penetrating cross examination, which included playing the body worn camera footage, the Court ruled that the Officer’s version of events under oath “DIDN’T HAPPEN”. Case dismissed.

County: Wayne
City: Livonia
Investigative Agency: Livonia Police Department
Prosecuting Agency: Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge: Attempted Murder and Weapons Offenses, up to life in prison
Time Frame: January 2026 - March 2026

Summary: Client was originally charged with Attempted Murder for allegedly shooting at another person outside a Livonia 7-11 store. Despite turning himself in, our client found himself in the Wayne County Jail after the Court initially set a $500,000.00 bond without a 10 % alternative. Mr. Freeman successfully argued for and obtained a bond reduction with a 10% alternative. This ensured our client’s release from the Wayne County Jail. In the ensuing weeks that followed, the Law Office of John Freeman, in conjunction with leading private investigators in Metro-Detroit, worked the case – including a detailed investigation into the credibility of the Prosecutor’s witnesses. Mr. Freeman’s and the investigator’s diligence and hard work ultimately led to the case being dismissed on the day of the preliminary examination.

County: Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan
City: Bay City
Investigative Agency: Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force / DEA / Bureau of Indian Affairs
Prosecuting Agency: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan
Original Charge: Federal Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine
Time Frame: March 2026

Summary: Following a Grand Jury indictment for distribution of methamphetamine, which could have led to decades in federal prison, our client pled guilty and was sentence to 4 years of probation, thanks to Mr. Freeman’s diligent and strategic efforts.

A Troy man’s carrying a concealed weapon (ice pick) charge from Somerset Mall was dismissed at preliminary examination after Mr. Freeman’s extensive cross-examination of police officers demonstrated the suspect had no intent to use the item as a weapon.

A client facing mandatory life in federal prison received only 7 years following Mr. Freeman’s successful representation in Detroit federal court.

A Downriver woman charged with carrying a concealed pistol in her yoga pants has her case dismissed at preliminary examination after Mr. Freeman successfully established on cross-examination that the police could plainly observe the outline of the gun, thereby defeating the prosecutor’s claim that it was concealed.

The case against a U of M student charged with sexual assault and facing prison was dismissed at preliminary examination in Ann Arbor District Court after Mr. Freeman’s cross-examination of the State’s only witness.

A murder charge was dismissed for a Detroit man at preliminary examination after questioning revealed the alleged eyewitness could not have seen what they claimed to have seen.

A Jackson County man facing up to life in prison was found not guilty after our cross-examination revealed the witnesses against him had not told the truth and conspired to set him up.

A Troy man charged with domestic assault successfully completed probation and had his misdemeanor charge dismissed following a plea deal.

No charges filed against a Lansing woman who shot her boyfriend in self-defense, following Mr. Freeman’s immediate jail visit and representation before, during and after police questioning.

An Oakland County woman, facing mandatory jail-time for felony drunk driving (3rd offense), followed Mr. Freeman’s instructions on how to comply with all bond conditions and proactively deal with her drinking problem, leading to a plea deal to misdemeanor drunk driving (2nd offense) and probation.

An Ohio man facing multiple years in prison instead was sentenced in federal court to probation and community service following Mr. Freeman’s representation before and after charges were filed.

After a 3-day trial in St. Clair County Circuit Court, our client was found not guilty by a jury after being falsely accused of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration.

Mom, falsely accused of child abuse against her 12-year old daughter, was cleared in Oakland County without charges being filed, thanks to early intervention from attorney John Freeman.

In the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills, MI, one of our clients had his case dismissed just before jury selection. Months earlier, before hiring the Law Office of John Freeman, PLLC, the Judge and Prosecutor improperly permitted our client to plead guilty without an attorney. In pursuit of justice for our client, the Law Office of John Freeman, PLLC filed formal motions to set the stage for an eventual appeal. Finally, thanks to our efforts, the Rochester Hills District Court ruled favorably for our client and permitted withdrawal of the plea.

People versus Martel Brantley: Charged more than two years ago with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, the client faced life in prison. In Wayne County Circle Court today, the judge granted my motion to dismiss the case based on insufficient evidence and a denial of due process. This decision was influenced by the fact that witnesses were compelled to wear masks while testifying.

John Freeman Secures Favorable Outcome for Client in High-Profile Corrections Officer Case

People v. Confidential , Ann Arbor, OWI in July 2023, BAC .17, with property damage accident (client struck parked vehicle) 3rd offense in his lifetime – could have been charged as a felony and client could have faced prison. Client pled to misdemeanor operating while IMPAIRED, 5 days suspended jail (i.e. no jail), 2 yrs probation, 48 hours community service, fines/costs, and treatment via 12 step program.

Significant victory for our client, who was under investigation for serious allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a minor. After being contacted by law enforcement, our team was hired to manage all communications and work closely with the Prosecutor’s Office. We are pleased to report that no charges were filed, and our client has been fully cleared of any wrongdoing. The matter was resolved privately, protecting our client’s reputation and peace of mind. This outcome is a testament to our commitment to justice and the diligent defense we provide for our clients.

County : Oakland
City : Pontiac
Investigative Agency: Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
Prosecuting Agency: Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge: Attempted Murder
Time Frame: Winter 2025

Summary : After being verbally assaulted with racial slurs, severely intoxicated client beats drinking companion with fists and feet, causing serious injuries. Client was initially charged with attempted murder and faced up to life in prison. After months of negotiation, client pled no contest to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, less than murder, and larceny from the person. Client sentenced to 29 months in prison.

County: Oakland
City : Berkley / Royal Oak, 44th District Court
Investigative Agency : Local Police
Prosecuting Agency : Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Animal Cruelty
Time Frame : Spring 2025

Summary: Our client, in their mid-20s, was originally accused of animal cruelty for keeping pets in deplorable conditions in a local residence. Thanks to aggressive representation and negotiation in the 44th District Court, our client ended up with probation and most importantly, NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION pursuant to the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)

County: St. Clair
City: Port Huron
Investigative Agency : Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Prosecuting Agency : Michigan Attorney General’s Office
Original Charge : Welfare Fraud
Time Frame : Summer 2025

Summary : Client originally charged with a felony for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in welfare benefits to which they were not entitled. Case successfully defended in the District Court without going to the Circuit Court and without a criminal conviction. Our client’s case was dismissed and the client is participating in a diversion program. The case will remain dismissed so long as the client successfully completes diversion and makes restitution.

County: Wayne
City : Woodhaven, 33rd District Court / Brownstown Township
Investigative Agency : Brownstown Township Police
Prosecuting Agency : Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Multiple Felonies (Narcotics Possession, Resisting/Obstructing Police)
Time Frame : 2024 – November 2025

Summary: Following an incident in 2024 where our client allegedly possessed narcotics and fled from and then fought with the police in Brownstown Township, MI, our client faced multiple felony charges that could have sent him to prison for up to 10 years. Mr. Freeman successfully negotiated our client’s return from Florida to the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven, MI, where our client was released on bond. Utilizing law enforcement’s own body camera footage, Mr. Freeman continued to negotiate and secured a resolution of 18 months of probation, including substance abuse treatment. This allows our client to avoid any incarceration.

County: Genesee
City : Atlas Township / Grand Blanc, 67th District Court
Investigative Agency : Genesee County Sheriff
Prosecuting Agency : Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Felony Assault (Choking)
Time Frame : November 2025 – January 7, 2026

Summary: In November 2025, our client was charged with felony assault for allegedly choking his domestic partner, which could have resulted in multiple years in prison. Alcohol was a significant factor in the incident. Following Mr. Freeman’s guidance and our client’s substantial efforts to achieve and maintain sobriety, Mr. Freeman successfully negotiated a misdemeanor resolution which paves the way for a non-criminal resolution of the charges upon successful completion of one year of probation.

County: Mason
City: Ludington, 79th District Court
Investigative Agency : Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Prosecuting Agency : Mason County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Illegal Snagging (Misdemeanor)
Time Frame : Fall 2025 – January 8, 2026

Summary : During a salmon fishing trip near Ludington, MI, in Fall 2025, our client faced misdemeanor charges of illegally snagging fish. After months of negotiations, our client avoided criminal consequences. Mr. Freeman successfully obtained a civil infraction with a minimal fine. Our client’s criminal record remains unblemished.

County: Oakland
City: Farmington Hills, 47th District Court / Oakland County Circuit Court
Investigative Agency : Farmington Hills Police Department
Prosecuting Agency : Farmington Hills City Attorney
Original Charge : Assault and Battery
Time Frame : Summer 2025 – January 8, 2026

Summary : After false misdemeanor allegations of assault and battery were made to the Farmington Hills Police Department in the summer of 2025, our client faced Assault and Battery charges in the 47th District Court. After Mr. Freeman’s detailed investigation, which included a favorable polygraph examination of our client, Prosecutors today dismissed all criminal charges against our client. In December 2025, a corresponding Personal Protection Order was also dismissed in the Oakland County Circuit Court.

County: Oakland
City : West Bloomfield
Investigative Agency : West Bloomfield Police Department
Prosecuting Agency : Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Criminal Sexual Conduct, Minor Victim, Investigation
Time Frame : Fall 2025 – January 14, 2026

Summary: After learning the police were investigating an allegation of Criminal Sexual Conduct involving a minor relative, our client hired Mr. Freeman to navigate the complicated landscape of false allegations of child sexual abuse. After detailed interviews with our client and favorable polygraph (lie detector) results, Mr. Freeman and the investigating Detective in West Bloomfield, MI agreed our client would take a law enforcement polygraph. After passing a second polygraph, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file charges. Our client no longer lives in the shadow of a horrible allegation.

County: Oakland
City : Rochester Hills
Investigative Agency : Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
Prosecuting Agency : Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Original Charge : Felony Resisting / Obstructing / Assault on Law Enforcement
Time Frame : January 2026

Summary: Following an afternoon of day drinking at a local bar, client left the bar and was stopped by the police while walking down the sidewalk. The police encounter escalated and our client was charged with felony resisting / obstructing / and assault on a police officer. After obtaining medical records, body camera footage, and other relevant police reports and video, Mr. Freeman successfully negotiated a misdemeanor plea to disorderly conduct. The Court sentenced our client immediately following the plea (which is uncommon in an alcohol related offense) to approximately $500.00 in fines and costs, and 15 hours of community service, without Probation.

County: Oakland
City : Troy
Investigative Agency : Troy, MI Police Department
Prosecuting Agency : City of Troy, MI
Original Charge : Operating While Intoxicated
Time Frame : March 2026

Summary: Client pulled over for speeding and was ultimately charged with Operating while Intoxicated. After successful negotiations, including more than one letter to the City Attorney’s Office, the Prosecution offered our client a plea to Operating While Impaired, which carries lesser penalties than an Intoxicated charge. At sentencing, Mr. Freeman successfully argued for a sentence of fines and costs and 10 hours of community service, without burdensome probation – no random testing, no travel restrictions, no counseling or treatment, and no reporting to a Probation Officer.