How to Choose a Michigan OWI or Criminal Defense Lawyer

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Pernie did an outstanding job representing my son after he received a serious speeding ticket. My son was extremely nervous about the situation, but Eric’s communication was excellent from beginning to end. He patiently answered every question, clearly explained what to expect, and always knew how to put my son’s mind at ease.

Most importantly, Eric achieved an incredible result.  We could not have asked for a better outcome or a better attorney to guide us through the process. Eric is knowledgeable, responsive, reassuring, and genuinely cares about his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney they can trust.
  
 
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   Michael Deangelis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Pernie represented me after I received a major speeding ticket, and I was extremely nervous about what could happen. Eric made the entire situation much less stressful. Whenever I had a question or needed reassurance, he responded clearly, explained everything, and put my mind at ease.

He was able to get my speeding ticket reduced all the way down to double parking, which was an incredible outcome. I’m very grateful for his help, communication, and professionalism. If you need a lawyer who knows what he’s doing and will be there when you need answers, I highly recommend Eric Pernie.
  
 
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   gabrielle lichtman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve worked with Eric for numerous years now and all i can say is he’s the best. Outside of being very kind and personable, he is an amazing attorney. He’s very efficient, and get the best outcomes everytime. 10/10 recommend.
  
 
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   survival games Beast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for everything you have done for me  Eric you will be my go to person every time
  
 
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   Tiara Nelson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five stars, hands down. I came in stressed and unsure what to expect, and Matt Fraiberg made the whole process feel manageable, especially during an incredibly stressful time. He was responsive, clear about what was happening at every step, and genuinely made me feel taken care of. He knew exactly how to handle things and put me at ease when I needed it most. If you’re looking for someone who’s professional, knowledgeable, and actually has your back, I can’t recommend him enough. Thank you for everything!
  
 
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   Andrew Luther 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hi my name is Andrew and Matt was so friendly and quick with things I am so thankful that he got my ticket to a lesser level and saved my life.
  
 
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   Dennis McGill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Profesional & quick.  Thanks Mathew for all your assistance today in Plymouth.  My reclless.driving was dropped to careless driving & everyhing was handled so.quick.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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How to Choose a Michigan OWI or Criminal Defense Lawyer

Quick Answer

Choosing a Michigan OWI or criminal-defense lawyer involves more than searching for the “best” attorney online. Look for a lawyer who handles your specific charge, practices in or understands the relevant court, explains the evidence and process clearly, communicates expectations honestly, and does not promise a dismissal, reduced charge, or particular result.

Criminal and OWI cases can affect a person’s freedom, driver’s license, employment, professional licensing, education, family, and record. The right lawyer for one case may not be the right lawyer for another, so it is important to ask informed questions before deciding whom to hire.

1. Ask Whether the Lawyer Handles Your Exact Charge

Criminal cases differ substantially. A lawyer who handles general legal matters may not regularly handle the specific issue you are facing.

During a consultation, ask whether the lawyer has experience with the type of matter involved, such as:

Michigan OWI or DUI allegations
First-offense or repeat OWI charges
High-BAC or alleged drugged-driving cases
Felony or misdemeanor charges
Domestic-violence allegations
Assault, drug, theft, weapons, or traffic offenses
Probation-violation proceedings
Driver’s-license restoration or expungement matters

Ask how the lawyer evaluates the specific legal and practical issues raised by your case. The answer should be direct and should not involve a promise of a particular result.

2. Ask About the Court and Local Process

Michigan criminal cases are handled in different district and circuit courts. Local procedures, scheduling practices, prosecutor offices, and judicial expectations can vary.

A lawyer should be able to explain:

Where your case is pending or likely to be filed
The next scheduled court date
What happens at arraignment, pretrial proceedings, hearings, or trial
Whether a bond, no-contact order, testing requirement, or driving restriction applies
What deadlines may affect your case
What information or documents you should preserve

A lawyer does not need to claim special influence with a court or prosecutor to be helpful. What matters is whether the lawyer understands the process and can explain it clearly.

3. Ask How the Evidence Will Be Evaluated

A criminal charge is an allegation. The evidence should be reviewed rather than assumed to be accurate or complete.

For an OWI or DUI matter, that review may involve:

The reason for the traffic stop
Police reports and dispatch records
Dash-camera or body-camera footage
Field-sobriety-test observations
Breath, blood, or other chemical-test records
Laboratory records and testing procedures
Witness statements
Medical information or alternative explanations
Potential constitutional or procedural issues

For other criminal cases, relevant materials may include surveillance video, digital communications, forensic evidence, witness accounts, search-warrant materials, or police interviews.

Ask the lawyer what records they expect to request and how they identify issues that may need further investigation.

4. Ask About Communication and Fees

You should understand how the attorney-client relationship will work before hiring a lawyer.

Useful questions include:

Who will handle my case day to day?
How and when can I expect updates?
Will I communicate directly with the attorney, staff, or both?
What is included in the fee agreement?
Are there possible additional costs, such as experts, investigators, transcripts, or other case expenses?
What does the lawyer need from me before the next court date?

A clear written fee agreement and straightforward communication can help prevent misunderstandings.

5. Be Careful About Promises

No attorney can ethically guarantee that charges will be dismissed, reduced, or resolved in a particular way. Criminal outcomes depend on the evidence, the law, the court, the prosecutor, the client’s history, procedural issues, and many other facts.

Be cautious if a lawyer promises:

A dismissal
A reduced charge
No jail
No license consequences
A specific sentence
A guaranteed court outcome

A responsible lawyer can discuss possible paths, explain risks, identify issues to investigate, and give an informed assessment after learning the facts. That is different from promising a result.

6. Verify Licensure and Professional Information

Before hiring a Michigan lawyer, verify that the attorney is licensed and review reliable professional information.

You can:

Search the attorney through the State Bar of Michigan
Review independent legal-directory profiles, such as Avvo or Justia
Read reviews carefully and look for patterns rather than relying on one comment
Confirm the attorney’s office location, practice focus, and contact information
Ask about the attorney’s experience with the specific charge and court involved

Professional profiles can provide useful background, but a consultation is still important. It gives you an opportunity to ask questions about your facts, your court date, and the lawyer’s process.

7. Prepare for the Consultation

Bring or preserve information that may help the lawyer understand the situation:

Tickets, appearance notices, bond paperwork, and court documents
Police paperwork or chemical-test documents
A timeline of what happened
Names and contact information for possible witnesses
Relevant photos, videos, messages, or other records
Information about employment, professional licensing, driving needs, or immigration concerns where relevant

Do not alter, delete, or post about potential evidence. Follow every court, bond, no-contact, testing, or driving condition while the case is pending.

Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys

Fraiberg & Pernie is a Birmingham, Michigan criminal-defense law firm representing clients in OWI/DUI, felony, misdemeanor, and related criminal matters in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and other Southeast Michigan communities.

Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal-defense attorney, Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie, former city prosecutor, and former judicial clerk. Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal-defense attorney and former law-enforcement officer.

Speak With an Attorney

If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement in Michigan, preserve your paperwork, follow applicable conditions, and seek legal advice promptly about your specific situation.

Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 to request a confidential consultation. Do not send confidential details through an unsecured web form, text message, voicemail, or email.

Related Michigan DUI Resources

Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan

Call: 248-986-2682

Reviewed by:
Eric L. Pernie – Criminal Defense Attorney
Matthew Fraiberg – Criminal Defense Attorney
Fraiberg & Pernie

Last Legally reveiwed: August, 2026

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