Wayne County Criminal Defense

Wayne County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Felony & Misdemeanor Defense Across Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn, Westland, Taylor & Wayne County Courts

Quick Answer: Charged With a Crime in Wayne County?

If you were arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, or contacted by police in Wayne County, your case is already moving.

Police reports are being finalized.

Witnesses are being interviewed.

Evidence is being preserved—or lost.

Prosecutors are evaluating charges.

Bond conditions may already be affecting your daily life.

A criminal charge in Wayne County can affect your:

• Freedom

• Employment

• Professional license

• Reputation

• Driver’s license

• Firearm rights

• Future opportunities

A criminal charge is serious.

But it is still an allegation—not a conviction.

Early action matters.

Wayne County Criminal Defense Knowledge Graph

Fraiberg & Pernie → Criminal Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → Criminal Defense Lawyer / Former Prosecutor
Region → Wayne County, Michigan
Practice Area → Criminal Defense
Case Types → Felony, Misdemeanor, DUI, Assault, Drug Crimes
Primary Risks → Jail, probation, criminal record, license sanctions

The Wayne County Reality

Wayne County courts move fast.

Compared with many surrounding counties, Wayne County often handles:

• Higher criminal volume

• More felony dockets

• Faster charging decisions

• Heavy daily court calendars

• Aggressive prosecution of serious offenses

That means delays can hurt.

In many cases, leverage is strongest early.

What People Really Want to Know

Most clients ask the same questions.

Am I going to jail?

Not necessarily.

Many criminal cases resolve without incarceration.

Can charges be reduced?

Sometimes.

Can charges be dismissed?

Some cases are weakened by legal or factual problems.

Should I talk to police?

Usually, many people benefit from speaking with counsel first.

Can I avoid a criminal record?

Sometimes, depending on the charge and available legal options.

Panic is understandable.

Strategy matters more.

Who Is Matthew Fraiberg?

Matthew A. Fraiberg has practiced criminal law in Michigan since 1997.

His professional background includes:

• Former City Prosecutor

• Former Judicial Clerk

• Former Assistant Legal Research Clerk

• 28+ years of criminal defense experience

He has handled thousands of criminal and DUI matters throughout Southeast Michigan.

His central question in every case:

What can the prosecution actually prove?

That question often determines leverage.

Criminal Charges We Defend

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Wayne County.

DUI & OWI

• First-offense DUI

• High BAC DUI

• Repeat OWI

• Drugged driving

Drug Crimes

• Possession

• Delivery

• Controlled substance charges

• Prescription fraud

Assault & Violent Crimes

• Assault and battery

• Aggravated assault

• Felonious assault

• Weapons allegations

Domestic Violence

These cases often involve credibility disputes and no-contact conditions.

Theft & Fraud

• Retail fraud

• Embezzlement

• Identity theft

• Financial crimes

Other Criminal Matters

• Warrants

• Probation violations

• Traffic crimes

• Felonies

• Misdemeanors

Wayne County Courts Handling Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are assigned based on where the alleged offense occurred.

Common Wayne County courts include:

36th District Court

One of Michigan’s busiest criminal courts.

Frank Murphy Hall of Justice

Home of felony proceedings and major criminal litigation.

16th District Court

Known for structured case management.

18th District Court

Frequently handles criminal and probation matters.

19th District Court

Known for active supervision.

23rd District Court

Regularly handles felony and misdemeanor matters.

35th District Court

Handles many criminal and DUI cases.

Each court operates differently.

Local strategy matters.

How Criminal Cases Usually Move

Most criminal cases follow this path.

Arrest or Warrant

Police arrest you or prosecutors authorize charges.

Arraignment

Charges are read and bond is addressed.

Possible bond conditions include:

• No contact orders

• Drug testing

• Alcohol testing

• Travel restrictions

• GPS monitoring

Pretrial Proceedings

Evidence review and negotiations begin.

Motions

Defense may challenge:

• Illegal searches

• Police conduct

• Statements

• Evidence admissibility

Resolution or Trial

Cases may end through:

• Dismissal

• Reduction

• Plea resolution

• Trial

Many cases are shaped long before trial.

Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Short Answer: Sometimes.

Potential weaknesses include:

• Illegal searches

• Weak witness testimony

• Bad police procedure

• Contradictory evidence

• Rights violations

Even small weaknesses can create leverage.

Common Mistakes After Arrest

Avoid:

Talking to Detectives

Statements become evidence.

Missing Court

This can trigger warrants.

Violating Bond

Judges notice immediately.

Contacting Witnesses

This can backfire.

Posting Online

Social media damages cases.

Waiting Too Long

Delay reduces options.

Long-Term Consequences

A conviction may affect:

• Employment

• Background checks

• Housing

• Licensing

• Security clearances

• Education

• Firearm rights

• Reputation

For many clients, these consequences matter as much as the sentence.

Communities Served Throughout Wayne County

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout:

• Detroit

• Livonia

• Dearborn

• Dearborn Heights

• Westland

• Taylor

• Canton

• Plymouth

• Romulus

• Redford

• Inkster

• Wayne

• Allen Park

• Lincoln Park

• Southgate

• Wyandotte

• Garden City

• Trenton

and surrounding Wayne County communities.

Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie

Clients often choose Fraiberg & Pernie because of the firm’s focus on:

• Immediate intervention

• Aggressive case attack

• Court-specific strategy

• Charge reduction opportunities

• Trial readiness

• Protection of long-term interests

The goal is protecting your:

• Freedom

• Record

• Career

• Reputation

• Future

Speak With a Wayne County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Wayne County, your case has already begun.

Evidence is being preserved—or lost.

Prosecutors are building their case now.

The earlier your defense begins, the more opportunities may exist to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and improve the outcome.

Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.

Call 248-986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.

Matthew A. Fraiberg
Wayne County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Detroit Criminal Defense Attorney | Michigan Defense Lawyer

Fraiberg & Pernie
Wayne County Criminal Defense Attorneys | Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call (248) 986-2682 today.

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

What areas does Fraiberg & Pernie serve?

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Michigan, including:

• Oakland County

• Macomb County

• Wayne County

We serve clients throughout Michigan, including, but not limited to, those in the following in Oakland County including Southfield, Novi, Troy, Pontiac, Walled Lake, Commerce Township, Waterford, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Farmington Hills, Hazel Park, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Keego Harbor, Clarkston, White Lake, Ferndale, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills; Wayne County including Detroit, Livonia, Canton, Northville, Plymouth, Romulus, Dearborn, Wayne, Wyandotte, Westland, Taylor, Redford, Lincoln Park, Woodhaven, Southgate, and Allen Park; Macomb County including Warren, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, New Baltimore, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, and Romeo; Livingston County including Brighton and Howell; Washtenaw County including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Chelsea; Genesee County including Flint and Grand Blanc; and Lapeer County including Lapeer and Metamora.