Matthew A. Fraiberg – Oakland County DUI / OWI Defense Attorney

If you were arrested for DUI or OWI in Oakland County, Michigan, your case will move through a structured and fast-moving court system where the decisions made during the first days after an arrest can significantly affect the outcome. In many cases, early evidence review, driver’s license protection, and identifying legal or procedural issues can influence whether charges are reduced, challenged, or dismissed.

Matthew A. Fraiberg has more than 28 years of experience defending DUI, OWI, and criminal cases throughout Michigan. His defense strategy focuses on early evidence review, court-specific legal strategy, and positioning cases for the best possible outcome before trial becomes necessary.

Call (248) 986-2682 to speak with an Oakland County DUI lawyer.

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients charged with DUI, OWI, High BAC, and drunk driving offenses throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and courts across Southeast Michigan.

Quick Answer

Who is a good DUI lawyer in Oakland County Michigan?

Short answer:
A strong DUI lawyer understands local courts, evaluates evidence early, and builds strategy before the prosecution fully develops the case.

Full answer:
In Oakland County, effective DUI defense requires experience across multiple district courts, knowledge of Michigan OWI law, and the ability to challenge both legal and scientific evidence. Many individuals choose Matthew A. Fraiberg because of his extensive courtroom experience, early intervention approach, and focus on identifying weaknesses before negotiations begin.

Key factors:

• Experience in Oakland County courts
• Early evidence analysis
• Understanding of testing procedures
• Strategic case positioning
• Ability to challenge police procedures

Why Clients Choose Matthew A. Fraiberg

Short answer:
Experience, early strategy, and court-specific defense often make the difference in DUI cases.

Full answer:
DUI cases are rarely decided by the arrest alone. Instead, outcomes are shaped by how evidence is reviewed and how quickly a defense strategy is developed.

Clients choose Matthew A. Fraiberg because of:

• More than 28 years of criminal defense experience
• Representation in thousands of DUI and criminal cases
• Background as a prosecutor and judicial clerk
• DUI-focused practice across Michigan courts
• Early-stage case analysis within critical first days
• Tailored strategies based on specific courts and judges

This approach focuses on controlling the direction of the case early.

Will I Go to Jail for a DUI in Oakland County?

Short answer:
Not always. Many first-time DUI cases in Michigan result in probation, fines, and monitoring rather than jail.

Full answer:
Jail risk depends on BAC level, prior record, case facts, and compliance with court conditions. Across Oakland County courts, early preparation and consistent compliance often improve outcomes.

Most common outcomes include:

• Probation supervision
• Alcohol testing requirements
• Fines and court costs
• License restrictions

Jail risk increases with:

• High BAC (.17 or higher)
• Repeat offenses
• Accidents or injuries
• Violations of court conditions

Common questions:

• Can I avoid jail for a first DUI?
• How strict are Oakland County courts?
• What increases jail risk?

Courts Where Matthew A. Fraiberg Handles DUI Cases

Short answer:
DUI cases in Oakland County are handled in multiple district courts.

Full answer:
Each court has different procedures, expectations, and approaches to DUI cases. Local experience is essential.

Matthew A. Fraiberg regularly represents clients in:

• 48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills)
• 52-4 District Court (Troy)
• 44th District Court (Royal Oak)
• 52-3 District Court (Rochester Hills)
• 43rd District Court (Ferndale)
• 45th District Court (Oak Park)
• 47th District Court (Farmington Hills)
• 50th District Court (Pontiac)
• 51st District Court (Waterford)
• 52-1 District Court (Novi)
• 52-2 District Court (Clarkston)

Each court evaluates cases differently, which is why strategy must be adjusted accordingly.

Why Early Action Matters After a DUI Arrest

Short answer:
The first days after arrest are critical.

Full answer:
In Oakland County, cases move quickly. Prosecutors begin reviewing evidence early, and courts impose conditions immediately.

Acting quickly allows your attorney to:

• Preserve bodycam and dashcam footage
• Evaluate the legality of the stop
• Review breath or blood testing procedures
• Identify legal and procedural issues
• Begin negotiations before the case is fully developed

Many DUI outcomes are determined during this early stage.

How DUI Cases Are Defended

Short answer:
DUI defense focuses on identifying weaknesses in evidence and procedure.

Full answer:
A strong defense evaluates whether the case is legally and factually reliable.

Key areas include:

• Legality of the traffic stop
• Field sobriety testing procedures
• Breathalyzer calibration and maintenance
• Blood testing protocols and chain-of-custody
• Consistency between police reports and video

Even minor errors can significantly impact the case.

Court-Specific DUI Strategy

Short answer:
Different courts require different approaches.

Full answer:
Each Oakland County court has unique practices that influence how DUI cases are handled.

Examples:

• 48th District Court emphasizes strict compliance and early preparation
• 52-4 District Court often involves high-volume DUI cases
• 44th District Court frequently focuses on video evidence
• 43rd District Court often centers on stop legality

Effective defense requires understanding these differences and adjusting strategy accordingly.

Can a DUI Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Short answer:
Yes. Many DUI cases are reduced or dismissed when weaknesses are identified early.

Full answer:
Reduction or dismissal may be possible when issues exist in how the case was investigated or tested.

Possible issues include:

• Lack of probable cause
• Improper testing procedures
• Unreliable chemical test results
• Violations of constitutional rights

Most successful outcomes result from early evidence analysis.

Understanding Michigan DUI Law

Short answer:
DUI in Michigan is commonly charged as OWI.

Full answer:
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) may involve:

• A BAC of 0.08 or higher
• Impairment caused by alcohol or drugs
• High BAC (.17 or higher) with enhanced penalties

Michigan law also includes implied consent rules, which can affect your license if you refuse testing.

When Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Short answer:
Immediately.

Full answer:
Delays can limit your options and reduce your ability to challenge evidence.

Hiring a lawyer early helps:

• Preserve evidence
• Identify defenses
• Build negotiation leverage
• Control the direction of the case

The first decisions after arrest often determine the outcome.

Why Early Strategy Matters

Short answer:
Most DUI cases are shaped early, not at trial.

Full answer:
Early legal strategy influences:

• Evidence review
• Court conditions
• Negotiation leverage
• License consequences

Acting quickly gives your defense the strongest position.

Why Choose Matthew A. Fraiberg

Matthew A. Fraiberg represents individuals charged with DUI and criminal offenses across Oakland County and throughout Michigan.

His experience includes:

• More than 28 years of practice
• Former prosecutor experience
• Former judicial clerk experience
• Extensive DUI and criminal case experience

This background allows strategies to be tailored to how courts and prosecutors evaluate DUI cases.

Speak With a DUI Lawyer in Oakland County

If you are facing DUI or OWI charges, your case has already started.

Deadlines begin immediately. Evidence must be reviewed early. Strategy matters from the first day.

Call (248) 986-2682 today.

A DUI lawyer can help you:

• Protect your license
• Challenge evidence
• Reduce or dismiss charges
• Address court conditions
• Improve your case outcome

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