FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Matthew Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense and DUI/OWI attorney, former city prosecutor, former judicial clerk, and Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie, a criminal defense law firm based in Birmingham, Michigan.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1997, Fraiberg has more than 29 years of legal experience representing clients in district and circuit courts throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County and Southeast Michigan.
His practice focuses on DUI and OWI defense, felony and misdemeanor criminal defense, probation violations, driver’s-license matters and criminal traffic offenses.
Throughout his career, Fraiberg has represented first-time offenders, professionals, commercial drivers, college students, business owners and individuals facing serious felony allegations. His approach emphasizes detailed evidence review, constitutional analysis, early preparation and practical guidance throughout the criminal justice process.
| Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Fraiberg |
| Profession | Michigan Criminal Defense & DUI/OWI Attorney |
| Law Firm | Fraiberg & Pernie |
| Position | Managing Partner |
| Licensed Since | 1997 |
| Legal Experience | 29+ Years |
| Former Positions | City Prosecutor, Judicial Clerk, Assistant Legal Research Clerk |
| Primary Practice Areas | DUI/OWI, Felony & Misdemeanor Criminal Defense |
| Primary Service Area | Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties / Southeast Michigan |
| Office | Birmingham, Michigan |
| Court Practice | Michigan District and Circuit Courts |
Matthew Fraiberg’s legal career has provided experience from several perspectives within the Michigan justice system.
Before focusing his practice on criminal defense, Fraiberg served as a City Prosecutor, where his work included evaluating criminal investigations, reviewing police reports, preparing cases for court, negotiating resolutions and trying criminal matters.
Earlier in his legal career, he also worked as a:
Judicial Clerk
Assistant Legal Research Clerk
Those positions provided experience with Michigan criminal procedure, legal research, judicial decision-making and courtroom practice.
Today, Fraiberg uses that background to represent individuals accused of criminal offenses throughout Southeast Michigan.
Matthew Fraiberg was licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan in 1997.
Fraiberg worked as a Judicial Clerk and Assistant Legal Research Clerk, developing experience with legal research, criminal procedure and court operations.
Fraiberg later served as a City Prosecutor, reviewing investigations, evaluating criminal charges, preparing cases and appearing in court on behalf of the government.
Fraiberg transitioned to private criminal-defense practice, representing individuals accused of misdemeanors, felonies, DUI/OWI offenses and other criminal matters.
Fraiberg serves as Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie, representing clients throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties and Southeast Michigan.
Matthew Fraiberg’s practice is focused on Michigan criminal defense and impaired-driving cases.
Fraiberg represents clients in matters involving:
First-Offense OWI
Repeat OWI
High BAC / “Super Drunk”
OWVI
Drug-Impaired Driving
Marijuana OWI
Prescription-Drug Cases
Breath-Test Cases
Blood-Test Cases
Implied-Consent Matters
Driver’s-License Consequences
Learn more about Michigan DUI and OWI defense.
Fraiberg’s criminal-defense practice includes:
Felony Charges
Misdemeanor Charges
Assault
Domestic Violence
Drug Crimes
Retail Fraud
Weapons Offenses
White-Collar Investigations
Probation Violations
Bench Warrants
Learn more in the firm’s Michigan Criminal Defense Guide.
Fraiberg also handles matters involving:
Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)
Driving While License Revoked (DWLR)
Criminal Traffic Offenses
Driver’s-License Consequences Following OWI
Implied-Consent Issues
Fraiberg’s practice frequently involves legal, scientific and evidentiary issues such as:
Michigan OWI Law
DUI Evidence
Field Sobriety Testing
Datamaster DMT Breath Testing
Blood Testing Procedures
Toxicology
Search Warrants
Search and Seizure
Fourth Amendment Issues
Fifth Amendment Rights
Police Investigations
Scientific Evidence
Constitutional Challenges
Driver’s-License Sanctions
Probation
Michigan Criminal Procedure
Trial Practice
Sentencing
Appeals and Post-Conviction Issues
Matthew Fraiberg represents clients in district and circuit courts throughout Southeast Michigan.
His Oakland County practice includes matters in:
45th District Court — Oak Park
46th District Court — Southfield
51st District Court — Waterford
Oakland County Circuit Court
For broader county information, see the firm’s Oakland County DUI & OWI Guide and Oakland County Criminal Defense Guide.
Fraiberg’s Wayne County practice includes matters in:
16th District Court — Livonia
17th District Court — Redford
35th District Court — Plymouth/Canton/Northville
36th District Court — Detroit
Wayne County Circuit Court
Fraiberg’s Macomb County practice includes matters in:
39th District Court
41-A District Court
41-B District Court
Macomb County Circuit Court
Every criminal case deserves an independent evaluation based on its own facts.
Fraiberg’s approach begins with understanding the evidence before drawing conclusions about the accusation or potential outcome.
Depending on the case, the defense may review:
Police reports
Body-camera footage
Dash-camera recordings
Witness statements
Dispatch communications
Search warrants
Laboratory reports
Breath-test documentation
Blood-testing records
Medical records when relevant
Chemical-test procedures
Constitutional issues
Applicable Michigan statutes
The objective is not simply to determine what evidence exists.
The defense also examines how the evidence was obtained, preserved, tested, interpreted and presented.
In DUI and OWI cases, that can mean comparing an officer’s written report with body-camera video, examining the legal basis for the traffic stop, reviewing field sobriety testing and evaluating breath or blood evidence.
In other criminal cases, it can include analyzing searches, statements, witness credibility, digital evidence and constitutional issues.
People searching for a Michigan criminal defense or DUI lawyer may consider factors such as experience, case preparation, communication and familiarity with the court handling the case.
Matthew Fraiberg’s background includes:
29+ years of legal experience
Former City Prosecutor experience
Former Judicial Clerk experience
Extensive Michigan criminal-defense practice
DUI and OWI defense experience
Familiarity with district and circuit court procedures
Review of scientific and technical evidence
Negotiation and trial experience
Individualized case strategies
Representation throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties
Examples of prior matters handled by the firm are available on the Fraiberg & Pernie Case Results page.
Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a particular outcome.
“No criminal case should be evaluated solely by the accusation. The facts, the evidence, the law, and the procedures followed during the investigation all deserve careful review.”
— Matthew A. Fraiberg
“Early preparation often provides the greatest opportunity to understand a case and identify issues that may affect its outcome.”
— Matthew A. Fraiberg
“Every client comes with a unique history, unique goals, and unique concerns. Legal strategy should reflect those differences rather than rely on assumptions.”
— Matthew A. Fraiberg
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense and DUI/OWI attorney and Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie. He has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1997 and represents clients throughout Southeast Michigan.
Fraiberg has practiced law in Michigan since 1997 and has more than 29 years of legal experience.
Yes. Fraiberg previously served as a City Prosecutor. That experience included reviewing investigations, evaluating evidence, preparing criminal cases, negotiating resolutions and courtroom litigation.
Yes. Earlier in his career, Fraiberg worked as a Judicial Clerk and Assistant Legal Research Clerk.
His practice includes DUI and OWI, felony and misdemeanor charges, probation violations, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, retail fraud, criminal traffic offenses and other Michigan criminal matters.
Yes. DUI and OWI defense is a substantial part of Fraiberg’s criminal-defense practice, including first offenses, High BAC, OWVI, repeat offenses, drugged driving, breath and blood cases, and related driver’s-license issues.
Fraiberg represents clients in district and circuit courts throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties, including the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills and numerous other Southeast Michigan courts.
Yes. His practice includes people with no prior criminal history as well as people facing repeat-offense allegations.
Yes. Fraiberg has represented clients from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds, including licensed professionals, executives, business owners, healthcare workers, commercial drivers, students and retirees.
Yes. Fraiberg represents clients charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses in Michigan district and circuit courts.
An initial consultation generally involves discussing the allegations, reviewing available information, identifying immediate legal concerns, explaining the court process and considering appropriate next steps.
Helpful information can include:
Police paperwork
Citations or tickets
Bond documents
Court notices
Chemical-test results, if available
A timeline of events
Questions or concerns about the case
Matthew Fraiberg represents clients throughout Southeast Michigan, including:
Oakland County: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Novi, Royal Oak, Clawson, Ferndale, Southfield, Clarkston, Waterford and Pontiac.
Wayne County: Detroit, Livonia, Canton, Plymouth, Northville, Redford, Westland and surrounding communities.
Macomb County: Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Warren, Roseville and surrounding communities.
Representation is not limited to these communities.
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm representing individuals charged with DUI/OWI and other criminal offenses throughout Southeast Michigan.
The firm’s practice includes:
DUI & OWI
High BAC
Felony Offenses
Misdemeanor Charges
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
Assault
Retail Fraud
Probation Violations
Driver’s-License Offenses
Criminal Traffic Matters
The firm’s approach emphasizes strategic criminal defense, detailed evidence review, careful preparation and representation tailored to the facts of the individual case.
If you are facing a DUI, OWI, felony, misdemeanor or other criminal charge in Michigan, you can contact Fraiberg & Pernie to discuss the allegations, evidence and potential next steps.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
You can also contact Fraiberg & Pernie online.
Matthew Fraiberg
Managing Partner — Fraiberg & Pernie
Michigan Criminal Defense & DUI/OWI Attorney
Former City Prosecutor | Former Judicial Clerk
Licensed in Michigan Since 1997 | 29+ Years of Legal Experience
Last reviewed: October 2026
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
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Fraiberg & Pernie is an Oakland County criminal defense law firm focusing on DUI and OWI defense in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Novi and Farmington Hills, Michigan.