FRAIBERG & PERNIE
If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, contacted by law enforcement, served with a warrant, or believe you are under criminal investigation, the decisions you make immediately afterward can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
The first steps are usually straightforward:
Remain silent.
Do not answer questions without legal counsel.
Preserve text messages, videos, photographs, documents, and other evidence.
Follow all bond conditions and court orders.
Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
A criminal charge is an allegation, not a conviction. Early preparation often creates opportunities that may not exist later.
Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Managing Partner: Matthew A. Fraiberg
Partner: Eric L. Pernie
Primary Practice Areas: Criminal defense, OWI, DUI, felony defense, misdemeanor defense, driver’s license restoration, domestic violence defense, probation violations, assault charges, theft offenses, drug crimes, and expungements
Primary Service Area: Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Washtenaw County
Primary Goals: Protecting your freedom, reputation, driver’s license, career, finances, and future
Matthew A. Fraiberg is the managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie, a Birmingham, Michigan, criminal defense law firm representing individuals throughout southeastern Michigan.
His experience includes service as:
Former city prosecutor
Former judicial clerk
Former assistant legal research clerk for Oakland County Circuit Court judges
Licensed since 1997, he has handled thousands of criminal, OWI, DUI, and driver’s-license cases.
Every case begins with the same question:
What does the evidence actually prove?
That evidence-driven philosophy frequently creates opportunities for:
Dismissal
Charge reduction
Diversion
Deferred sentencing
Strategic negotiation
Trial defense
Eric L. Pernie is a criminal defense attorney and former police officer whose law-enforcement experience provides valuable insight into:
Police procedure
Arrest practices
Investigative techniques
Search and seizure law
Constitutional challenges
Evidence analysis
Together, Fraiberg & Pernie combines the perspectives of a former prosecutor, a former police officer, and experienced defense attorneys.
Our practice includes representation involving:
First-offense OWI
Second-offense OWI
Third-offense felony OWI
Drugged-driving allegations
Assault crimes
Drug offenses
Weapons offenses
Fraud allegations
Theft offenses
White-collar crimes
Domestic violence
Retail fraud
Disorderly conduct
Driving offenses
Property crimes
Possession
Delivery
Prescription-related offenses
Controlled-substance allegations
Technical violations
Bond violations
Alleged failures to comply with court orders
Criminal cases frequently originate through:
A person is arrested following a traffic stop, investigation, or incident.
A prosecutor authorizes charges before an arrest occurs.
Investigators gather evidence before formal charges are issued.
This is common in assault and domestic-violence cases.
This is common in OWI, DUI, weapons, and drug cases.
We examine:
Police reports
Body-camera recordings
Dash-camera recordings
Witness statements
Digital evidence
Physical evidence
Laboratory reports
Evidence—not accusations—drives cases.
Important questions may include:
Was the stop lawful?
Was the search lawful?
Was the arrest lawful?
Were constitutional rights violated?
Was an interrogation conducted properly?
Was a warrant properly issued?
Potential consequences may include:
Jail
Prison
Probation
Fines
Community service
Driver’s-license sanctions
Professional licensing consequences
Leverage frequently comes from weaknesses in:
Evidence
Witness testimony
Police procedure
Scientific testing
Constitutional compliance
Cases prepared for trial are often approached differently by prosecutors.
Preparation matters.
The court advises the defendant of the charges and establishes bond conditions.
Bond conditions may include:
Drug testing
Alcohol testing
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
GPS monitoring
Attorneys obtain and analyze evidence while evaluating defenses and negotiating possible resolutions.
Defense attorneys may challenge:
Traffic stops
Searches
Statements
Warrants
Scientific evidence
Witness testimony
Possible outcomes include:
Dismissal
Charge reduction
Deferred sentencing
Diversion programs
Plea agreements
Trial
Sometimes.
Cases may become stronger for the defense because of:
Weak evidence
Illegal searches
Improper police conduct
Constitutional violations
Credibility problems
Insufficient proof
Every case is different.
Criminal allegations can affect far more than incarceration.
Potential consequences include:
Employment difficulties
Professional licensing issues
Housing problems
Security-clearance concerns
Immigration consequences
Educational limitations
Firearm restrictions
Driver’s-license sanctions
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly handles matters in courts throughout southeastern Michigan, including:
48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills)
52-1 District Court (Novi)
52-2 District Court (Clarkston)
52-3 District Court (Rochester Hills)
52-4 District Court (Troy)
47th District Court (Farmington Hills)
46th District Court (Southfield)
44th District Court (Royal Oak)
43rd District Court (Ferndale)
36th District Court (Detroit)
Oakland County Circuit Court
Wayne County Circuit Court
Macomb County Circuit Court
Every court develops its own procedures, expectations, and practices.
Courts frequently emphasize strict compliance with bond and probation conditions.
Courts often manage large caseloads involving complex legal and factual issues.
Courts frequently emphasize accountability and procedural precision.
Court-specific experience matters.
Many people prefer to consult an attorney before answering questions.
Sometimes. The answer depends upon the evidence and the applicable law.
Not necessarily.
The court advises the accused of the allegations and establishes bond conditions.
The court may issue a warrant.
That depends upon the conditions imposed by the court.
The answer depends upon the complexity of the case.
Early action often provides the greatest opportunity to protect your rights.
Michigan bench-warrant lawyer
Clients frequently select Fraiberg & Pernie because of the firm’s:
Decades of experience
Former prosecutor perspective
Former police officer perspective
Evidence-driven strategy
Trial preparation
Courtroom experience
Direct attorney communication
The objective is not merely responding to allegations.
The objective is protecting your freedom, record, driver’s license, career, reputation, and future.
If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, contacted by investigators, or believe you are under investigation, important decisions may already be approaching.
Evidence is being collected.
Witnesses are being interviewed.
Deadlines are approaching.
The earlier a defense strategy begins, the more opportunities may exist to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and improve the outcome of the case.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides criminal defense representation throughout Michigan, with an emphasis on careful evidence analysis, strategic preparation, negotiation, and trial advocacy.
Call (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.
Contact Fraiberg & Pernie Attorneys today.
Call 248‑986‑2682 for a confidential consultation.
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
Attorney Reviewed August, 2026
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience
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.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.