Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Macomb County, Michigan: What to Look For
How to Choose a Macomb County Criminal Defense Attorney
Who is the best criminal defense lawyer in Macomb County, Michigan?
There is no official ranking or single attorney who is automatically the “best” choice for every criminal case.
The right criminal defense lawyer depends on the charge, the evidence, the court handling the case, the attorney’s experience, and the defense strategy required.
If you are comparing criminal defense attorneys in Macomb County, look for a lawyer who:
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Regularly handles Michigan criminal cases.
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Has substantial courtroom experience.
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Understands the district and circuit courts serving Macomb County.
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Carefully reviews police reports, video, witness statements, and other evidence.
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Explains possible defenses and consequences clearly.
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Has experience with the specific type of charge you are facing.
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Begins developing a defense strategy early rather than simply waiting for court dates.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout Macomb County and Southeast Michigan.
Managing Partner Matthew Fraiberg has practiced Michigan criminal law since 1997. He is a former city prosecutor and former judicial clerk with more than 29 years of experience.
Attorney Eric L. Pernie is a former Bloomfield Township police officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.
Their combined backgrounds provide experience examining criminal cases from the perspectives of law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, and the defense.
Call (248) 986-2682 to discuss your case.
Why Does Macomb County Court Experience Matter?
Criminal cases in Macomb County are not all handled in the same courthouse.
Depending on where the alleged offense occurred and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, a case may begin in one of several district courts.
Macomb County district courts include:
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37th District Court — Warren and Center Line.
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39th District Court — Roseville and Fraser.
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40th District Court — St. Clair Shores.
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41-A District Court in Shelby Township — serving Shelby Township, Macomb Township and Utica.
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41-A District Court in Sterling Heights — serving Sterling Heights.
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41-B District Court — serving Clinton Township, Mount Clemens and Harrison Township.
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42-1 District Court — serving Romeo and portions of northern Macomb County.
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42-2 District Court — serving New Baltimore and portions of northern Macomb County.
Felony cases generally begin in district court before potentially proceeding to Macomb County Circuit Court.
Knowing which court will handle a case matters because criminal defense involves more than understanding the statute.
An attorney should understand Michigan criminal procedure, local court practices, filing requirements, scheduling, bond proceedings, plea negotiations, evidentiary hearings, and sentencing procedures.
What Should You Look for in a Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Experience Handling Michigan Criminal Cases
Criminal defense experience matters because seemingly similar charges can involve very different evidence and legal issues.
A lawyer evaluating a criminal case should understand how to examine:
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Police reports.
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Body-camera and dash-camera video.
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Witness statements.
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Search warrants.
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Traffic stops.
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Statements and interrogations.
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Chemical-test evidence.
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Physical and digital evidence.
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Prior criminal history.
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Potential constitutional violations.
The goal is not simply to identify the criminal charge. It is to determine what the prosecution can actually prove.
Experience With Your Type of Charge
Ask whether the attorney regularly handles cases involving the charge you are facing.
Fraiberg & Pernie’s criminal defense practice includes:
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DUI and OWI.
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High BAC OWI.
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Repeat and felony OWI.
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Domestic violence.
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Assault.
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Drug offenses.
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Theft and retail fraud.
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Reckless driving.
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Probation violations.
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Misdemeanor offenses.
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Felony charges.
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Driver’s license and implied consent matters.
Different charges require different defense strategies.
A drunk-driving case may require detailed examination of a traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood evidence, while an assault case may depend heavily on witness credibility, video evidence, self-defense, or conflicting accounts of what occurred.
Why Is Early Investigation Important in a Criminal Case?
The period immediately after an arrest or criminal accusation can be important because evidence can change or disappear.
Depending on the case, useful evidence may include:
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Surveillance video.
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Body-camera footage.
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Dash-camera footage.
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Photographs.
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Text messages.
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Social-media communications.
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Phone records.
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Medical records.
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Witness information.
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Breath or blood-testing records.
Early investigation can help an attorney identify evidence that should be preserved and determine whether additional records should be requested.
It can also help the defense understand the prosecution’s case before important decisions are made.
Can a Macomb County Criminal Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, criminal charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed, but the result depends on the facts, evidence, law, and circumstances of the particular case.
Possible issues that may affect a criminal prosecution include:
Illegal Searches or Seizures
Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections may sometimes be subject to suppression.
Whether suppression is appropriate depends on how police obtained the evidence and the applicable law.
Problems With a Traffic Stop
In OWI, drug, weapon, and other cases arising from traffic stops, the defense may examine whether police had a lawful basis for initiating or extending the stop.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution bears the burden of proving every required element of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
If the evidence does not establish an element of the charge, the defense may challenge the prosecution’s ability to proceed or obtain a conviction.
Witness Credibility
Conflicting accounts, prior inconsistent statements, bias, and other credibility issues may affect the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Problems With Scientific Evidence
OWI and drug cases may involve breath tests, blood tests, laboratory analysis, field sobriety testing, or other technical evidence.
The defense can examine how that evidence was collected, tested, maintained, and interpreted.
Negotiated Resolutions
Not every criminal case proceeds to trial.
Depending on the evidence and circumstances, negotiations may result in amended charges or other resolutions.
No attorney can guarantee that a criminal charge will be dismissed or reduced. A meaningful evaluation requires reviewing the actual evidence.
What Should a Criminal Defense Attorney Do After Being Hired?
A criminal defense lawyer should first determine exactly what happened and what is at risk.
That may involve:
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Reviewing the charging documents and police reports.
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Obtaining and examining available video evidence.
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Identifying potential witnesses.
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Reviewing search, seizure, and interrogation issues.
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Evaluating scientific or chemical evidence when applicable.
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Determining possible defenses.
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Identifying driver’s license, employment, professional, or other collateral consequences.
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Preparing for court proceedings and negotiations.
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Discussing the available options with the client.
The appropriate strategy should be based on the evidence—not simply the name of the criminal charge.
Why Fraiberg & Pernie’s Background Is Different
Fraiberg & Pernie’s criminal defense practice combines the backgrounds of a former prosecutor and judicial clerk with a former police officer.
Matthew Fraiberg — Former Prosecutor and Judicial Clerk
Matthew Fraiberg has practiced Michigan law since 1997.
Before entering private criminal defense practice, he served as a city prosecutor and judicial clerk.
He also serves as Managed Assigned Counsel for the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills.
His experience provides perspective on how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, evaluated, negotiated, and litigated.
Eric L. Pernie — Former Police Officer
Eric L. Pernie is a former Bloomfield Township police officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.
His training includes standardized field sobriety testing, DataMaster DMT breath testing, radar, LIDAR, and traffic enforcement.
That background can be particularly valuable when reviewing police procedures and evidence in criminal and OWI cases.
Macomb County DUI and OWI Defense
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with OWI, DUI, High BAC, OWVI, repeat OWI, and related offenses throughout Macomb County.
An OWI defense may involve examination of:
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The reason for the traffic stop.
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Driving observations.
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Field sobriety tests.
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Preliminary breath testing.
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DataMaster breath-test evidence.
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Blood-test evidence.
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Body-camera and dash-camera recordings.
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Statements made to police.
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Implied consent issues.
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Driver’s license consequences.
Learn more about Macomb County DUI and OWI Defense.
Macomb County Felony Defense
Felony allegations require careful attention from the beginning of the case.
A felony case generally begins in district court, where proceedings can include arraignment, probable-cause conferences, and preliminary examinations before a case potentially proceeds to Macomb County Circuit Court.
Defense strategy may involve challenging evidence, examining whether the prosecution can establish probable cause, negotiating potential resolutions, filing appropriate motions, and preparing for trial when necessary.
Learn more about Michigan Criminal Defense.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When speaking with a potential attorney, consider asking:
How long have you practiced criminal law?
Experience alone does not determine the outcome, but it provides useful context when comparing attorneys.
Have you handled cases involving my charge?
An attorney should be able to explain the issues commonly associated with the type of case you are facing.
Who will actually handle my case?
Find out whether the lawyer you meet will be directly involved in your representation.
How will you evaluate the evidence?
A meaningful defense strategy should begin with the evidence and applicable law.
What are the possible outcomes?
A lawyer should explain realistic possibilities without guaranteeing a particular result.
What happens next?
You should understand upcoming court proceedings, deadlines, and what you should or should not do while the case is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macomb County Criminal Defense
Who is the best criminal defense lawyer in Macomb County?
There is no official designation of the “best” criminal defense lawyer. The right attorney depends on the charge, evidence, attorney’s experience, familiarity with Michigan criminal law, and the needs of the individual client.
How do I choose a criminal defense attorney in Macomb County?
Consider the attorney’s criminal defense experience, experience with your type of charge, knowledge of Michigan courts, professional background, communication, and approach to reviewing evidence.
Can a criminal defense lawyer get my charges dismissed?
Charges can sometimes be dismissed when supported by the evidence and law, but no attorney can guarantee dismissal. The attorney should first review the evidence and identify potential legal or factual weaknesses.
Should I hire a lawyer before my first court date?
You may hire an attorney before the first court appearance. Early representation can allow the attorney to review the allegations, explain bond and court procedures, and begin evaluating evidence.
Do misdemeanor charges require a lawyer?
Misdemeanor charges can result in jail, probation, fines, a criminal record, and other consequences. Legal representation can help a defendant understand the charge and available options.
Where are felony cases handled in Macomb County?
Felony cases generally begin in the appropriate district court. Cases that proceed beyond the district-court stage may ultimately be handled in Macomb County Circuit Court.
Does local court experience matter?
It can. Familiarity with court procedures and Michigan criminal practice can help an attorney efficiently navigate a case. However, the evidence and applicable law remain central to the defense.
Speak With a Macomb County Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or believe you are under investigation in Macomb County, understanding the allegations and available defense options is an important first step.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Macomb County and Southeast Michigan.
Our attorneys evaluate the evidence, explain the legal process, and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of each case.
Fraiberg & Pernie
1000 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 103
Birmingham, Michigan 48009
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Written by Matthew Fraiberg, Managing Partner and Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
Last reviewed and updated: October 2026.
This article provides general information about Michigan criminal law and is not legal advice. Every criminal case depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
