If you are facing a felony charge in Michigan, your case is already moving. Prosecutors begin building evidence early, and decisions made in the first stages can affect the outcome.
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm representing individuals charged with felony offenses in Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County.
Call 248-986-2682 to discuss your case.
A felony is a criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison and is handled in both district court and circuit court.
Felony charges can lead to:
Because the stakes are high, early legal strategy is critical.
“Felony cases are often decided long before trial. The earlier we intervene, the more opportunities we have to challenge evidence, control the narrative, and influence the outcome.” — Matthew A. Fraiberg
Matthew Fraiberg focuses on early-stage defense strategy, including evidence review, motion practice, and negotiation positioning.
Felony cases follow a structured path, but each stage creates opportunities for defense.
Police gather evidence and submit charges.
Charges are read and bond conditions are set.
Evidence is reviewed and negotiations begin.
The court determines whether the case moves forward.
Formal proceedings continue with motions and hearings.
Key Insight: The strongest defense leverage is often created before the case reaches trial.
A felony defense lawyer builds a case strategy—not just a courtroom appearance.
Fraiberg & Pernie:
Each case is analyzed individually to build a structured defense plan.
Felony convictions can result in:
Early defense can help reduce these risks.
Defense strategy begins immediately.
Preparation drives outcomes.
Results depend on the facts of each case.
These examples show how early strategy and preparation can influence results.
Clients often mention:
These factors contribute to consistent client satisfaction and strong outcomes.
Early legal action creates more options and better positioning.
Delay limits options. Early strategy expands them.
Felony cases can take several weeks to several months depending on complexity and resolution.
Yes, in most cases. Bond is typically set at arraignment with conditions.
In some cases, yes—depending on evidence and legal strategy.
No. Many cases resolve through negotiation or dismissal.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients in:
If you are facing a felony charge, early action matters.
Call 248-986-2682 to discuss your case and next steps.
Felony cases carry serious consequences and move quickly through Michigan courts.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides:
Call now for a consultation and protect your future.
Fraiberg & Pernie can evaluate the evidence, protect your license, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.
Call (248) 986-2682 today to discuss your Michigan DUI defense.
Early action can make a significant difference in protecting your freedom, driving privileges, and 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
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship.
In Michigan, a felony charge means a serious criminal offense. Specifically, it carries a possible sentence of more than one year in state prison — and in the most severe cases, even life. Therefore, the stakes are immediately high. First, police file the charge in district court. Next, the court holds an arraignment and usually a preliminary exam. Then, if the judge finds probable cause, the case moves — or “binds over” — to Oakland County Circuit Court for plea or trial.
Common Michigan felony charges include drug possession or delivery, felonious assault, criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, and higher-value theft or fraud. Because felony procedures move step by step, early defense action matters. Fraiberg & Pernie felony defense attorneys in Birmingham challenge evidence early, attack weak procedures, and push for dismissals or reductions in Oakland County courts.
Yes — without question. Felony charges create prison risk, heavy fines, and lifelong consequences. In addition, a conviction can affect voting rights, firearm rights, and employment opportunities. Therefore, handling a felony case alone creates serious danger.
Instead, experienced counsel changes outcomes. First, a defense lawyer protects your rights during questioning and hearings. Next, counsel challenges improper evidence. Then, your attorney negotiates from a position of preparation. Fraiberg & Pernie work regularly with Oakland County prosecutors and judges. As a result, we often secure bond reductions, evidence suppression, and favorable plea terms for Birmingham clients. Early representation, therefore, creates real leverage.
Felony defense costs vary by case. First, charge severity matters. Next, complexity and motion practice matter. Also, trial risk affects fees. For example, lower-level drug felonies differ from high-level violent felonies. Consequently, pricing must match scope.
Serious felony defense often range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the case and the facts. it’s important to know, every case differs. Therefore, Fraiberg & Pernie start with a free consultation. Then, we evaluate facts and likely workload. Next, we give clear, transparent pricing. In other words, clients understand cost and value upfront. Because the consequences of a felony conviction are long-term, strong defense investment protects your future.
Yes — and quite often through early legal action. First, we file motions to suppress illegal searches or seizures. Next, we challenge probable cause. In addition, we test witness reliability and evidence handling. Then, where appropriate, we negotiate strategic plea reductions.
Many Birmingham and Oakland County felony cases reduce to misdemeanors. Others dismiss entirely. However, results improve when defense starts early. Fraiberg & Pernie press these issues at preliminary exams and in Circuit Court. As a result, early, thorough defense frequently changes the charge level and outcome.
Felony charges in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland Counties cover several major categories. Although details vary, exposure remains serious. Therefore, each charge demands focused defense.
Common examples include:
Drug possession and delivery felonies
Felonious assault
Criminal sexual conduct (CSC)
Home invasion
High-value larceny and fraud
Weapons offenses
Embezzlement
Penalty ranges depend on felony class, from lower classes up to life-maximum offenses. Because classification drives sentencing, charge analysis comes first. Then, defense strategy follows.
Penalties depend on felony class. For instance, Class H felonies may carry up to 2 years. Next, many Class E felonies carry up to 5 years. Higher classes increase from there — sometimes up to life. However, first-time offenders sometimes qualify for alternatives.
For example, courts may allow probation, diversion, or reduced pleas. Youthful defendants may qualify for HYTA status. Therefore, defense counsel should raise these options early. Fraiberg & Pernie advocate for non-prison outcomes whenever facts allow — especially in Birmingham-area cases.
Generally, a felony conviction stays on your record permanently. However, Michigan Clean Slate laws allow certain eligible felonies to be set aside. Typically, eligibility begins after 7 to 10 years without new offenses. Therefore, record review matters.
A felony record affects jobs, housing, and licensing. Because of that, avoiding conviction is always the first goal. When needed, expungement becomes the next step. Fraiberg & Pernie help Birmingham clients evaluate eligibility and pursue record-clearing or non-conviction strategies.
The preliminary exam happens in district court. There, prosecutors must show probable cause. If they fail, the case can reduce or dismiss. Therefore, this hearing matters greatly.
First, the prosecution presents basic evidence. Next, the defense cross-examines witnesses. Then, the judge decides whether to bind the case to Circuit Court. Fraiberg & Pernie use these hearings to challenge proof, expose weaknesses, and block or limit bind-over whenever possible.
Frequently, yes. Courts may grant cash, surety, or personal recognizance bond. In addition, judges can modify conditions. Therefore, early bond advocacy helps.
Fraiberg & Pernie move quickly at arraignment and bond hearings. First, we present stability factors. Next, we argue proportional terms. As a result, many Birmingham clients secure release and prepare their defense more effectively.
Experience and preparation drive results. First, our team brings decades of felony defense across Oakland County — from district prelims through Circuit Court trials. Next, we scrutinize every detail, from arrest through evidence handling. Then, we build tailored strategies for each client.
With free 24/7 consultations, aggressive motion practice, and a strong record of dismissals and reductions, Fraiberg & Pernie remain a trusted Birmingham-area felony defense firm focused on protecting your future
Fraiberg & Pernie is an Oakland County criminal defense law firm focusing on DUI and OWI defense in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester and Farmington Hills, Michigan.