Clawson DUI Lawyer – OWI, High BAC and 52-4 District Court Defense

Quick Answer: Arrested for OWI, DUI, or High BAC in Clawson or Troy?

If you were arrested for OWI, DUI, High BAC, “Super Drunk” driving, or another alcohol-related offense in Clawson or Troy, your case will most likely be handled in the 52-4 District Court in Oakland County.

Most people initially focus on four things:

• The traffic stop

• Field sobriety exercises

• Breath- or blood-test results

• The police report

Those subjects are important.

However, after years of appearing in the 52-4 District Court, another pattern becomes apparent.

The court often examines what happens after the arrest just as carefully as what happened during the arrest.

Judges, prosecutors, probation officers, and court personnel frequently evaluate whether a person appears:

• Honest

• Organized

• Responsible

• Cooperative

• Prepared

• Accountable

The court may also consider whether a person appears:

• Disorganized

• Careless

• Reactive

• Unprepared

• Uncooperative

• Unwilling to follow instructions

That distinction sometimes becomes extremely important.

A DUI arrest can affect:

• Driving privileges

• Employment

• Professional licenses

• Educational opportunities

• Insurance costs

• Professional reputation

• Future criminal exposure

A criminal charge is serious, but it remains an allegation rather than a conviction.

Early decisions matter.

Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.

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Clawson DUI Defense at a Glance

Topic	Information
Law firm	Fraiberg & Pernie
Primary attorney	Matthew Fraiberg
Primary court	52-4 District Court
Communities served	Clawson and Troy
County	Oakland County
Common offenses	OWI, OWVI, High BAC, repeat offenses, drugged driving
Defense focus	Evidence, credibility, preparation, compliance, and constitutional protections
Experience	Former prosecutor and former judicial clerk

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Quick Answers About Clawson DUI Cases

Is the 52-4 District Court strict?

Many lawyers and defendants would describe the court as highly structured, detail-oriented, and attentive to compliance with court orders.

Every judge is different, and every case is different. Nevertheless, preparation is extremely important in the 52-4 District Court.

What matters most in the 52-4?

Several factors frequently become important:

• Credibility

• Preparation

• Accountability

• Organization

• Compliance

• Evidence preservation

Can behavior after an arrest affect the outcome?

Potentially, yes.

Missed tests, bond violations, ignored instructions, and other avoidable mistakes can complicate an otherwise manageable situation.

Can an OWI charge be reduced?

Sometimes.

Every case depends upon the law, the facts, the evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Will I go to jail for a first offense?

Not necessarily.

The answer depends upon numerous factors, including the evidence, criminal history, bond compliance, negotiations, and the ultimate resolution of the case.

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Matthew Fraiberg – Clawson DUI Defense Attorney

Matthew A. Fraiberg has devoted more than twenty-eight years to defending individuals accused of criminal offenses throughout Michigan.

His background includes service as:

• A former prosecutor

• A former judicial clerk

• A criminal defense attorney practicing throughout Michigan since 1997

His practice includes representation involving:

• First-offense OWI cases

• High BAC cases

• Repeat-offense allegations

• Drugged-driving cases

• Driver’s-license matters

• Implied-consent proceedings

• Felony offenses

• Misdemeanor offenses

Mr. Fraiberg regularly appears in district and circuit courts throughout Oakland County and has extensive experience handling matters in the 52-4 District Court.

Many attorneys understand the statutes.

Fewer understand:

• How judges evaluate credibility

• How prosecutors assess risk

• How probation departments evaluate behavior

• How weaknesses in the evidence influence negotiations

• Which facts may ultimately matter most

That distinction can be extremely important.

One question is always at the center of the analysis:

What does the evidence actually prove?

The answer to that question frequently shapes the defense strategy.

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Why the 52-4 District Court Is Different

Michigan’s impaired-driving laws apply throughout the state.

Court procedures, expectations, and culture vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another.

The 52-4 District Court is frequently associated with:

• Early alcohol testing

• Structured probation screening

• Detailed compliance requirements

• Careful review of bond conditions

• Significant emphasis on preparation and accountability

One characteristic frequently seen in the 52-4 District Court is the court’s emphasis on preparation, organization, accountability, and compliance.

People sometimes focus exclusively on the traffic stop while the court simultaneously evaluates everything that occurs afterward.

That distinction matters.

After years of handling cases in the 52-4 District Court, I have noticed a recurring pattern.

Two defendants may face similar allegations, possess similar backgrounds, and produce similar chemical-test results, yet receive very different outcomes.

Preparation often plays an important role.

The court frequently considers whether a person appears to understand the seriousness of the situation and whether that person is prepared to comply with the court’s expectations.

The emphasis is often placed upon patterns of conduct rather than isolated events.

That is one of the characteristics that makes the 52-4 District Court unique.

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What Makes a Clawson DUI Case Strong or Weak?

Many people assume that the breath test determines the outcome of the case.

That is rarely true.

Instead, the case usually involves a combination of factors.

Was the traffic stop lawful?

Officers must possess a lawful reason to stop a vehicle.

Did probable cause exist?

An arrest must be supported by sufficient evidence.

Were field sobriety exercises administered properly?

Many factors can influence performance, including injuries, age, fatigue, anxiety, weather conditions, footwear, lighting, and road surfaces.

Was the chemical testing reliable?

Breath and blood testing procedures must comply with legal and scientific requirements.

Does the video support the report?

Body-camera recordings and dashboard-camera footage frequently provide important context.

Are the observations consistent?

A complete review often reveals differences between written reports, recordings, witness statements, and laboratory results.

Every piece of evidence matters.

What Happens During the First Week After a Clawson DUI Arrest?

The first several days after an arrest often have a significant effect on the remainder of the case.

Many people believe the difficult part is over once they leave the police station.

In reality, the opposite is often true.

The period immediately following an arrest frequently determines whether opportunities are created or lost.

Important events during this stage may include:

• Arraignment

• Bond conditions

• Alcohol testing

• Driver’s-license concerns

• Requests for police reports

• Requests for body-camera footage

• Witness interviews

• Laboratory analysis

• Collection of surveillance recordings

Evidence should be preserved as quickly as possible.

Cell-phone records, receipts, surveillance footage, text messages, location data, and witness information may later become important.

Small mistakes during this stage sometimes become much larger problems later.

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What Happens at Arraignment?

An arraignment is ordinarily the first court proceeding in the case.

The court may address several issues, including:

• Formal charges

• Bond conditions

• Travel restrictions

• Alcohol consumption restrictions

• Testing requirements

• Future court dates

Many people are surprised by how quickly conditions can be imposed.

The case has already begun moving forward before some defendants have even started thinking about a defense strategy.

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Lessons Learned After Years of Handling Cases in the 52-4 District Court

Certain themes appear repeatedly.

Preparation matters.

Individuals who understand the process are often better equipped to navigate it successfully.

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Credibility matters.

Judges, prosecutors, and probation officers frequently evaluate the overall circumstances rather than focusing exclusively upon one isolated fact.

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Small decisions matter.

Missing an alcohol test, violating a bond condition, ignoring a court order, or delaying evidence preservation can create unnecessary difficulties.

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Video matters.

Body-camera footage, dashboard-camera recordings, surveillance footage, and witness statements frequently reveal details that do not appear in written reports.

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Patterns matter.

The court often examines a person’s conduct as a whole rather than focusing on a single event.

That broader perspective is one reason preparation becomes so important.

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Can Police Reports Be Wrong?

The short answer is yes.

Police officers perform difficult work, often under stressful conditions and within limited periods of time.

Nevertheless, errors sometimes occur.

I regularly review reports containing descriptions such as:

• Slurred speech

• Bloodshot eyes

• Poor balance

• Confusion

• Difficulty following instructions

• Poor driving

Then I compare those reports with:

• Body-camera footage

• Dashboard-camera footage

• Witness statements

• Dispatch recordings

• Laboratory reports

Occasionally, important differences appear.

Sometimes those differences are minor.

Sometimes they become extremely important.

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Why Body-Camera Footage Matters

Many people assume that the written report tells the entire story.

That assumption is not always correct.

Video recordings frequently provide valuable information regarding:

• The traffic stop itself

• Weather conditions

• Road conditions

• Instructions given by officers

• Statements made by witnesses

• Performance during field sobriety exercises

• A driver’s appearance, speech, and movements

The camera often captures details that no one noticed at the time.

Sometimes the recordings support the prosecution’s case.

Sometimes they strengthen the defense.

Either way, they are important.

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Common Defenses in Clawson DUI Cases

Every case is different, and no lawyer can ethically promise a particular result.

However, certain issues arise repeatedly.

Unlawful traffic stop

Police officers must have a lawful reason to stop a vehicle.

Insufficient probable cause

An arrest must be supported by sufficient evidence.

Field sobriety concerns

Numerous factors unrelated to alcohol consumption may influence performance.

Problems involving breath testing

Equipment maintenance, operator training, timing requirements, and testing procedures can all become important.

Problems involving blood testing

Collection procedures, storage methods, transportation methods, and laboratory analysis must be carefully examined.

Constitutional concerns

Search-and-seizure issues, statements made to police officers, and other constitutional protections may become relevant.

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One Question Changes Many Cases

After decades of handling DUI cases, I have found that one question frequently reveals the strengths and weaknesses of a case:

What does the evidence actually prove?

That question sounds simple.

It rarely is.

The answer may influence every decision that follows.

For that reason, evidence should be gathered, reviewed, preserved, and challenged as early as possible.

Bond Conditions in the 52-4 District Court

Many people assume that posting bond means the difficult part of the case is over.

In reality, the opposite is often true.

Bond conditions frequently become one of the most important parts of the case.

The court may order conditions involving:

• Alcohol testing

• Travel restrictions

• No-alcohol provisions

• Reporting requirements

• Drug testing

• Counseling

• Educational programs

• Interlock devices

• Additional supervision

Every case is different, and every judge approaches these issues differently.

However, one principle remains fairly consistent:

Courts expect people to follow the rules that have been established.

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Alcohol Testing and Monitoring

The 52-4 District Court is widely known for taking bond conditions seriously.

Many defendants are surprised to discover how quickly alcohol testing requirements can begin.

Testing programs may involve:

• Breath testing

• Urine testing

• Portable monitoring devices

• Continuous alcohol monitoring

• Random testing

The purpose of these programs is generally to monitor compliance with court orders while the case remains pending.

Missing a test can create significant complications.

Many people assume that missing a single test is not a major issue.

That assumption can prove costly.

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Driver’s-License Consequences

Many people contact our office because they are worried about going to jail.

Others are equally concerned about losing their ability to drive.

A driver’s license often affects:

• Employment

• Professional licensing

• Family obligations

• School attendance

• Medical appointments

• Daily responsibilities

License consequences vary depending upon the charges involved.

Potential consequences can include:

• License restrictions

• License suspension

• License revocation

• Ignition-interlock requirements

• Implied-consent proceedings

• Driver’s assessment fees

Every case should be analyzed individually because seemingly small differences can significantly affect the outcome.

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High BAC Cases

Michigan law generally classifies a person as having a High BAC when the alcohol concentration is 0.17 percent or higher.

These cases are often referred to as “Super Drunk” cases.

Potential consequences may include:

• Increased fines

• Enhanced supervision

• Alcohol treatment requirements

• Ignition-interlock restrictions

• Additional reporting obligations

Many people mistakenly believe that a higher number automatically means a hopeless case.

That is not always true.

The surrounding facts and circumstances still matter.

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Repeat-Offense Cases

Repeat offenses often involve more complicated legal, financial, and practical considerations.

Issues that commonly arise include:

• Prior convictions

• Driver’s-license consequences

• Employment concerns

• Vehicle forfeiture concerns

• Habitual-offender considerations

• Substance-abuse evaluations

Early preparation becomes especially important in these situations.

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Drugged-Driving Cases

Not every impaired-driving allegation involves alcohol.

Officers also investigate cases involving:

• Prescription medications

• Marijuana

• Controlled substances

• Over-the-counter medications

• Multiple substances

These cases often involve complicated scientific and medical issues.

Laboratory analysis, expert testimony, and toxicology evidence may become extremely important.

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Mistakes I See Repeatedly After an Arrest

After years of handling DUI cases in Oakland County, certain patterns appear again and again.

Waiting too long.

Time frequently affects evidence.

Witness memories fade.

Recordings disappear.

Documents become more difficult to obtain.

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Missing alcohol tests.

Courts generally take these violations seriously.

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Violating bond conditions.

A single decision can create problems that did not previously exist.

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Posting information online.

Social media activity occasionally becomes evidence.

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Assuming the police report tells the entire story.

The written report is only one piece of the evidence.

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Pleading guilty too quickly.

Every piece of evidence should be reviewed carefully before major decisions are made.

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One Lesson the 52-4 District Court Teaches Repeatedly

After years of handling cases here, one lesson has become increasingly clear.

The court frequently looks beyond the arrest itself.

The court often examines the entire pattern of conduct.

That pattern may include:

• Compliance with court orders

• Attendance at hearings

• Cooperation with testing requirements

• Efforts toward rehabilitation

• Honesty and accountability

• Respect for the court process

That is one reason early preparation is so important.

The decisions made after the arrest frequently influence the remainder of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clawson and Troy DUI Cases

Do I need a lawyer after a DUI arrest?

Every person must make that decision independently.

However, DUI cases frequently involve questions concerning:

• Constitutional protections

• Police procedures

• Breath testing

• Blood testing

• Driver’s-license consequences

• Bond conditions

• Evidence preservation

For many people, those issues are too important to leave to chance.

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Will I go to jail for a first offense?

Not necessarily.

Many factors can influence the outcome, including:

• Prior history

• The facts of the case

• Bond compliance

• The prosecutor’s position

• The judge’s rulings

• The strength of the evidence

Every case is different.

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Can my charges be reduced?

Sometimes.

The answer depends upon numerous factors, including the facts of the case, the applicable law, the available evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

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Can body-camera footage help my case?

Potentially, yes.

Video evidence often provides important context regarding:

• Driving behavior

• Instructions given by officers

• Statements made by witnesses

• Field sobriety exercises

• Physical appearance

• The overall interaction

Sometimes the recordings support the prosecution.

Sometimes they support the defense.

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What court handles Clawson DUI cases?

Most DUI cases originating in Clawson are handled in the 52-4 District Court.

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What court handles Troy DUI cases?

Most DUI cases originating in Troy are also handled in the 52-4 District Court.

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What happens if I violate bond conditions?

The answer depends upon the circumstances.

Potential consequences can include:

• Additional restrictions

• Increased testing

• Bond modification

• Additional hearings

• Possible custody proceedings

That is why compliance is so important.

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How quickly should evidence be reviewed?

As quickly as possible.

Video recordings, witness memories, and other evidence may become more difficult to obtain as time passes.

Early action often creates additional opportunities.

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Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie

Every law firm is different.

Clients frequently choose Fraiberg & Pernie because the practice focuses heavily upon:

• DUI defense

• Criminal defense

• Evidence analysis

• Trial preparation

• Driver’s-license protection

• Constitutional issues

• Court-specific strategy

Clients also appreciate the firm’s experience in Oakland County courts and the individualized approach applied to every case.

No two arrests are identical.

No two defenses should be identical, either.

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The Goal Is Not Merely to Handle the Case

The goal is to protect the things that matter most.

That may include:

• Your driver’s license.

• Your employment.

• Your professional reputation.

• Your criminal record.

• Your family.

• Your future opportunities.

The legal process is important.

The practical consequences are important as well.

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Speak With a Clawson DUI Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested for OWI, DUI, High BAC, “Super Drunk” driving, or another alcohol-related offense in Clawson or Troy, important decisions may need to be made quickly.

Evidence should be preserved.

Court orders should be followed carefully.

The facts should be reviewed thoroughly.

The defense strategy should begin immediately.

At Fraiberg & Pernie, we understand that an arrest is often one of the most stressful experiences a person can face.

We also understand that every case has its own facts, its own challenges, and its own opportunities.

After more than twenty-eight years of defending individuals throughout Michigan, one lesson has remained constant:

Preparation matters.

Credibility matters.

Details matter.

And early decisions often matter most of all.

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 Fraiberg

Attorney Reviewed August, 2026
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience

Call Fraiberg & Pernie today: 248-986-2682

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

What areas does Fraiberg & Pernie serve?

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.