FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Former Prosecutor & Police Officer
Fraiberg & Pernie Attorneys provides strategic criminal defense for DUI (OWI), domestic violence, drug charges, and other criminal offenses across Southeast Michigan.
We represent clients in Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County. From the beginning, our approach focuses on early evidence review, aggressive defense strategy, and protecting your record, license, and future.
In Michigan, OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is the legal term for drunk driving offenses. However, DUI is a commonly used term that refers to the same type of charge.
Because DUI cases often depend on technical details, early legal analysis is critical. Therefore, our defense focuses on:
As a result, identifying even small procedural errors can significantly improve the outcome of a case.
We represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Specifically, these include:
Each case requires a strategy based on the evidence, the law, and the court handling the matter.
Criminal cases move quickly. In many situations, prosecutors begin building their case immediately. For that reason, early defense preparation is essential.
First, we gather all available evidence. Next, we analyze police reports, body-cam and dash-cam footage, and witness statements. Then, we evaluate testing procedures and identify any legal or constitutional issues.
As a result, early action can increase the likelihood of dismissal, reduction, or a stronger position at trial.
We regularly appear in courts throughout:
Because each court operates differently, we tailor defense strategy based on local procedures, prosecutors, and judges. Therefore, our approach is always adapted to the specific court and case.
Attorney Matthew Fraiberg is recognized for his experience in DUI and criminal defense across Michigan.
In addition, his credentials include:
Consistent preparation and courtroom strategy are key factors in achieving strong results.
We build cases based on evidence, not assumptions. As a result, preparation drives outcomes.
Examples include:
Criminal charges can affect employment, professional licenses, background checks, and long-term reputation. Therefore, we represent professionals and other clients who require a strategic and discreet defense approach.
If you have been charged, taking immediate action is important. Specifically, you should:
Because timing matters, early action can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
A Michigan DUI lawyer defends individuals charged with Operating While Intoxicated by reviewing evidence, challenging traffic stops and testing procedures, negotiating with prosecutors, and protecting driving privileges and criminal records.
OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated. In Michigan, it applies when a person operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Yes. A DUI case may be dismissed when a defense attorney identifies legal or procedural errors, including unlawful stops, improper testing, or constitutional violations.
DUI cases involve technical evidence and strict legal procedures. Therefore, a lawyer helps challenge the evidence, negotiate outcomes, and protect your record.
Most cases begin with arraignment and then proceed through pretrial hearings, negotiations, and trial if necessary. The timeline depends on the facts of the case and the court handling it.
Fraiberg & Pernie Attorneys provides strategic, evidence-driven defense across Southeast Michigan.
Call 248-986-2682 to protect your record, your license, and your future.
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Written by Matthew A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience
Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Practice Area: Criminal Defense, DUI / OWI
Jurisdiction: Michigan
Counties Served: Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County
Our Attorneys
Protecting Oakland County, Macomb and Wayne County Clients for 28+ Years About Matthew A. Fraiberg Matthew A. Fraiberg has been practicing law since 1997. With a background as a former City Prosecutor, he has the experience, passion, and work ethic to understand the stress that comes with being arrested and charged with all criminal defense crimes and all OWI charges. The time he has spent
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About Eric L Pernie Attorney Eric Pernie is a true state native, born and raised in Michigan. He attended Ferris State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. While he was there, he worked hard for his criminal justice degree while simultaneously being an active member of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Fraiberg & Pernie moves fast, gathers evidence immediately, and builds leverage before prosecutors lock in their position. Because early action shapes outcomes, the firm starts structured defense planning the moment representation begins. The team focuses on evidence, courtroom strategy, and direct communication, which gives clients control early in the case. “Criminal accusations create immediate pressure, so we move fast, gather evidence, and build leverage before prosecutors lock in their position.”
Early evidence collection strengthens defense strategy because it exposes weaknesses before key hearings. The firm reviews police reports, dash‑cam video, body‑cam footage, lab records, and witness statements. Then the team challenges probable cause, search‑and‑seizure issues, and procedural errors. As a result, prosecutors often shift their negotiation approach long before trial. “We collect police reports, dash‑cam video, body‑cam footage, laboratory records, and witness statements.”
Yes. Every court, judge, and prosecutor handles cases differently, so the firm adjusts arguments, timing, and negotiation style to match the venue. This courtroom‑specific approach improves leverage and increases the chance of a favorable outcome. “Because we understand judicial tendencies and prosecutorial patterns, we adjust arguments, timing, and negotiation style to match the venue.”
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly appears in district and circuit courts across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb County, including Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, Livonia, Rochester Hills, Warren, Clinton Township, Detroit, and more. “Fraiberg & Pernie appears regularly in: 48th District Court… 47th District Court… 52‑4 District Court… 44th District Court… 16th District Court…”
The firm defends DUI/OWI, domestic violence, retail fraud, embezzlement, drug possession, assaultive crimes, weapons charges, probation violations, and both misdemeanor and felony cases. Because each charge carries unique risks, the team builds defense around documentation, not assumptions. “We build defenses around evidence, not assumptions.”
DUI defense requires technical precision, so the firm challenges traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath and blood testing, chain of custody, and constitutional safeguards. Since timing matters, the team begins mitigation and evidence review immediately. “DUI cases require technical analysis because small errors create major leverage.”
Yes. The firm represents physicians, nurses, executives, business owners, and licensed professionals who face career‑threatening charges. The defense strategy protects both the legal case and long‑term professional standing. “Criminal charges threaten careers, licensing, background checks, and reputation.”
Fraiberg & Pernie has secured dismissals, reductions, and diversion outcomes across Southeast Michigan. Documented results include OWI reductions, High BAC reductions, felony OWI dismissals, domestic assault acquittals, possession dismissals, and cases where no charges were filed. “OWI First Offense → Civil Infraction… Felony OWI → Dismissed… Domestic Assault → Not Guilty…”
Clients trust the firm because they receive direct communication, realistic guidance, and strategic defense built on evidence. The team explains risks clearly, outlines next steps, and maintains consistent contact throughout the case. “Clients rely on Fraiberg & Pernie because we explain risks, strategy, and next steps clearly.”
Matthew Fraiberg holds respected recognitions including AV Preeminent® Rating, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission appointment, Expertise.com Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Elite Lawyer, Lawyers of Distinction, and Leading Lawyers. These credentials strengthen credibility with courts and prosecutors. “These honors confirm professional standing and reinforce the firm’s reputation for high‑level defense work.”
If you are searching for the best criminal defense lawyer in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb County Michigan, you are likely facing immediate pressure. Police investigate quickly. Prosecutors file charges aggressively. Judges impose bond conditions fast. Therefore, early defense strategy shapes everything.
At Fraiberg & Pernie, we defend clients across Southeast Michigan every week. More importantly, we build structured defense plans from the first call.
Your freedom, career, and reputation deserve precision.
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Why Choose Fraiberg & Pernie
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DUI means the same as OWI—Michigan uses Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) under MCL 257.625, while DUI is the older term. For example, both cover BAC 0.08+, impairment by alcohol/drugs, or Super Drunk (0.17+). Consequently, Birmingham and Oakland County courts apply identical penalties. Hire Fraiberg & Pernie—we challenge breath tests and stops to reduce or dismiss your Birmingham DUI/OWI charge fast.
Yes, immediately under Michigan’s implied consent law. First offenses trigger 30 days hard suspension + 150 days restricted (BAIID possible); refusals or high BAC extend longer. Act fast—request your DMV hearing within 14 days. Choose Fraiberg & Pernie: We file Birmingham implied consent appeals immediately and restore driving privileges quicker for local clients.
Fees range depending on repeats, refusals, accidents. However, Fraiberg & Pernie offers transparent pricing after your free consult. Why us? We deliver value—reducing charges, avoiding jail, restoring licenses faster in Oakland County. Contact now for your no-obligation case quote.
Absolutely—many Birmingham first offenses drop to OWVI (lighter penalties) or dismiss entirely. We target breathalyzer errors, bad field tests, illegal stops. Trust Fraiberg & Pernie: Our track record shows successful reductions/dismissals for Oakland County clients—hire us early for your best shot.
Refusal means 1-year automatic suspension + prosecutors use it against you; warrants trigger blood draws. Still, fight back—question probable cause. Pick Fraiberg & Pernie: We aggressively defend Birmingham refusal cases to minimize penalties and challenge procedures head-on.
Lifetime for points/insurance/CDL impact; criminal record unless set aside (5–7 years possible). Don’t let it haunt you. Partner with Fraiberg & Pernie—we secure plea deals that minimize damage and explore expungement to clear your Birmingham record faster.
Yes—strongly. Self-handling risks full suspensions, fines, jail. Local edge matters: Fraiberg & Pernie knows Oakland County prosecutors, 48th District judges. Consequently, we secure restricted licenses, reductions, dismissals. Hire us to protect your first-time Birmingham case right.
Up to 93 days jail (usually probation), $100–$500 fines + $1,000+ fees, 30-day suspension + restricted, interlock/classes. Super Drunk adds worse. Fight smarter—Fraiberg & Pernie minimizes these in Birmingham through evidence challenges.
Yes, often—seek restricted privileges post-hard suspension with BAIID. Move quickly. Rely on Fraiberg & Pernie: We request hardship licenses/hearings fast to get you driving legally in Oakland County sooner.
Decades defending Oakland County OWIs. We attack stops, tests, evidence. Plus, free 24/7 consults, personalized plans, proven wins. Hire the local pros who deliver results—call now for your edge 248-986-2682.
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm dedicated to defending individuals charged with DUI, drug crimes, assault offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, and other felony or misdemeanor charges. The firm represents clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and Metro Detroit. If you need an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney, Fraiberg & Pernie provides aggressive legal representation focused on protecting your freedom, record, and future.
