Wayne County Felony Defense | Fraiberg & Pernie

Wayne County Felony Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense in Wayne County District Courts and the Third Judicial Circuit Court

Fraiberg & Pernie represents people facing felony investigations and charges throughout Wayne County, Michigan. Attorneys Matthew Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie combine former-prosecutor and former-police-officer experience with careful review of the evidence and the circumstances of each case.

A felony allegation can threaten your freedom, employment, professional license, immigration status, and future opportunities. The consequences depend on the offense, your record, and how the case is resolved. An arrest does not establish guilt.

Call (248) 986-2682 or request a confidential consultation.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do After a Felony Arrest in Wayne County?

Request an attorney before answering questions about the alleged offense. Keep your charging documents and release paperwork, follow every bond condition, and confirm your next court date. Preserve messages, photographs, receipts, and other potentially relevant evidence without deleting or altering anything.

An attorney can review the charge, address bond concerns, identify evidence that needs to be preserved, and prepare for district-court proceedings. If the case proceeds to circuit court, that early work can help guide later motions, negotiations, and trial preparation.

Wayne County Felony Defense at a Glance

Meet Your Wayne County Felony Defense Attorneys

Matthew Fraiberg — Former City Prosecutor

Matthew Fraiberg is the managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie and has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1997. His professional background includes work as a city prosecutor, judicial clerk, and assistant legal research clerk.

He represents clients in felony and misdemeanor matters and evaluates how the evidence supports—or fails to support—the elements of the charged offense.

Eric L. Pernie — Former Police Officer

Eric L. Pernie is a criminal defense attorney and former Bloomfield Township police officer. His law-enforcement background provides firsthand familiarity with investigations, traffic stops, arrests, police reports, and evidence collection.

The firm’s approach draws on both backgrounds while preparing a defense based on the client’s circumstances and the available evidence.

Felony Charges We Defend

Assault and Other Violent Offenses

Representation includes assault allegations, felonious assault, assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasion. Important issues may include identification, intent, self-defense, witness credibility, and physical or video evidence.

Felony Domestic Violence Allegations

Some domestic violence cases involve felony charges because of qualifying prior convictions or the specific conduct alleged. An injury alone does not make every domestic violence charge a felony. The exact statute, allegations, and prior record matter.

Drug Offenses

The firm handles drug charges, including possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, delivery, and conspiracy allegations. Defense issues can include search authority, knowing possession, laboratory evidence, and the prosecution’s proof of intent.

Property and Financial Offenses

Felony allegations may involve embezzlement, larceny, fraud, or identity theft. The applicable charge can depend on factors such as the alleged conduct, property value, and prior record. Financial records, authorization, ownership, and intent may be central to the defense.

Weapons Offenses

Weapons cases may involve carrying a concealed weapon, felony-firearm, or other firearm allegations. The specific charge determines what the prosecution must prove and whether mandatory sentencing provisions apply.

Felony OWI and Serious Driving Offenses

The firm represents clients facing third-offense OWI and intoxicated-driving allegations involving death or serious impairment of a body function. These cases require attention to both criminal exposure and potential driver’s-license consequences.

Related Probation and Bond Proceedings

Fraiberg & Pernie also handles probation violation matters and bond issues connected with criminal cases. A violation proceeding is not automatically a new felony charge, but it can create additional custody or sentencing risks.

How a Wayne County Felony Case Proceeds

Investigation and Initial Court Proceedings

A case may begin with a police investigation, arrest, or warrant. Initial proceedings generally take place in the district court with jurisdiction over the case. Depending on the location, that may include the 36th District Court in Detroit, 16th District Court in Livonia, 18th District Court in Westland, or 23rd District Court in Taylor.

At arraignment, the court addresses the charges and release conditions. Read your actual bond order carefully; conditions vary by case.

Probable Cause Conference and Preliminary Examination

A probable cause conference and preliminary examination are important early stages. At a preliminary examination, the court considers whether probable cause supports sending the felony case to circuit court. This is a different standard from proof beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. An examination may be held or waived, depending on the case and advice of counsel.

District-court preparation matters. Evidence, witness testimony, and legal issues identified at this stage can affect later proceedings.

Circuit Court Proceedings

If bound over, the case proceeds to Wayne County’s Third Judicial Circuit Court. Further proceedings may include arraignment, discovery, motions, plea discussions, trial, and sentencing if there is a conviction.

The Criminal Division is located at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell Street, Detroit, Michigan 48211. Confirm your particular hearing location and attendance instructions using your notice and the court’s official location information.

How Fraiberg & Pernie Prepares a Felony Defense

Preserve and Compare the Evidence

Depending on the allegation, relevant material may include police reports, body-camera footage, surveillance, 911 recordings, witness statements, laboratory records, messages, and financial documents. The defense examines how those sources fit together and whether important evidence is missing.

Evaluate Legal and Factual Issues

An attorney may examine the basis for a stop, search, arrest, warrant, or statement, as well as identification, intent, and forensic evidence. A motion to exclude evidence requires a supported legal basis; an unfavorable fact does not automatically make evidence inadmissible.

Prepare for Negotiations and Trial

The firm evaluates potential resolutions alongside trial risks. Depending on the law and facts, a case may result in dismissal, a negotiated charge reduction, a plea to the charged offense, or trial. If sentencing becomes necessary, preparation may include addressing guideline calculations and presenting relevant mitigation.

No attorney can guarantee dismissal, a misdemeanor reduction, or a sentence without incarceration. You can review the firm’s criminal defense case results. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a felony charge automatically mean prison?

No. The possible sentence depends on the conviction offense, applicable law, prior record, sentencing considerations, and the facts of the case. Some offenses carry mandatory penalties. A first offense does not guarantee probation.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Sometimes. A reduction may be possible depending on the evidence, available charges, prosecutor’s position, and other circumstances. It should never be assumed before the case is reviewed.

Should I speak with police to explain my side?

Consult an attorney before answering questions about suspected criminal conduct. Do not lie, destroy evidence, or interfere with an investigation. Your lawyer can help you decide whether and how information should be provided.

How long will my case take?

There is no single timetable. Discovery, motions, witness availability, negotiations, court scheduling, and trial preparation can affect the length of the case. Your attorney should explain upcoming dates and what must happen before each stage.

Can a felony conviction later be expunged?

Some convictions may qualify to be set aside, but eligibility depends on the offense, record, waiting periods, and applicable exclusions. Review the firm’s Michigan expungement information and the Michigan Attorney General’s expungement resources. Do not assume a future conviction will qualify.

Speak With a Wayne County Felony Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation, have an outstanding warrant, or face a felony charge in Wayne County, Fraiberg & Pernie can help you understand the allegations and available next steps.

Bring your charging documents, bond order, court notices, and other relevant paperwork to your consultation. Tell the attorney about any upcoming hearing or contact from investigators.

Call (248) 986-2682 or schedule a confidential consultation.

Learn more about the firm’s Wayne County criminal defense representation.

Prepared for attorney review by Matthew Fraiberg, Michigan criminal defense attorney licensed since 1997.