FRAIBERG & PERNIE
If you were arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, or contacted by police in Bloomfield Township, your case will often begin in the 48th District Court, one of the most demanding district courts in Michigan for DUI and criminal matters.
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, DUI lawyer, former prosecutor, and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie. Licensed since 1997, he has spent more than 28 years defending individuals charged with DUI, OWI, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, fraud, probation violations, and warrant-related offenses throughout Bloomfield Township and Oakland County.
Criminal cases in Bloomfield Township often move fast. Early legal decisions can affect bond conditions, testing requirements, plea negotiations, and long-term case outcomes.
Attorney: Matthew A. Fraiberg
Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Practice Area: Criminal Defense / DUI Defense
Location: Bloomfield Township, Michigan
County: Oakland County
Primary Court: 48th District Court
Felony Court: Oakland County Circuit Court
Licensed Since: 1997
Experience: 28+ Years
Former Roles: City Prosecutor, Judicial Clerk, Assistant Legal Research Clerk
Known For: Criminal defense, DUI defense, 48th District Court representation, evidence-driven strategy
Most people think the criminal charge is the biggest problem.
Often, that is only part of the problem.
In Bloomfield Township cases—especially those handled in the 48th District Court—bond compliance, testing requirements, and court supervision can become major issues almost immediately.
That means two battles often begin at once:
Defending against the criminal charge
Avoiding court-imposed violations while the case is pending
This is one reason early legal representation matters.
The 48th District Court is widely known throughout Michigan as a strict court, particularly in DUI, alcohol-related, and probation matters.
People appearing in this court often encounter:
Strict bond conditions
Frequent alcohol testing
Drug screening requirements
Intensive probation monitoring
Immediate violation consequences
Strong judicial oversight
Missing a test, violating bond, or failing to comply with court orders can create problems even before the underlying charge is resolved.
Court knowledge matters here.
As Matthew Fraiberg explains:
“In the 48th District Court, compliance issues can become nearly as important as the charge itself.”
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
For more than 28 years, he has represented clients throughout:
Bloomfield Township
Bloomfield Hills
Birmingham
Troy
Rochester
West Bloomfield
Royal Oak
Novi
Oakland County
Wayne County
Macomb County
Before private practice, he served as:
City Prosecutor
Judicial Clerk
Assistant Legal Research Clerk
That background provides valuable insight into how prosecutors build cases, evaluate evidence, and pursue convictions.
You may need immediate legal guidance if you were:
Arrested
Charged with a criminal offense
Served with a warrant
Contacted by detectives
Told you are under investigation
Accused by a spouse, partner, coworker, or witness
One of the first questions people ask is:
The answer depends on:
The charge
The evidence
Witness credibility
Prior criminal history
The court
Early strategic decisions
An arrest is not a conviction.
Evidence determines outcomes.
Clients usually are not worried about legal terminology.
They worry about life.
Not necessarily. Many cases resolve without incarceration depending on facts and strategy.
Possibly. Criminal charges may affect employment and licensing.
Sometimes. Reduction, dismissal, diversion, or expungement may be possible.
Certain charges—especially DUI—can affect driving privileges.
Some cases contain legal or factual weaknesses that create dismissal opportunities.
These are real concerns—and they deserve real answers.
Fraiberg & Pernie handles a wide range of criminal matters.
Including:
OWI
OWVI
Repeat DUI
Drugged Driving
These cases often involve:
Datamaster records
Blood testing
Field sobriety testing
Observation periods
Traffic stop legality
Including:
Assault and Battery
Aggravated Assault
Felonious Assault
Many assault cases depend heavily on conflicting witness accounts.
Including:
Aggravated Domestic Violence
Repeat allegations
These cases often trigger immediate no-contact orders and strict bond terms.
Including:
Possession
Delivery
Controlled substance offenses
Prescription drug allegations
Search-and-seizure issues frequently matter.
Including:
Retail Fraud
Embezzlement
Identity Theft
Financial Crimes
Intent is often the central issue.
Most criminal cases follow five major stages.
Police gather evidence such as:
Reports
Videos
Statements
Digital communications
Testing records
Charges are formally presented.
Possible restrictions include:
Bond
Testing
No-contact orders
Travel restrictions
Firearm restrictions
This stage can affect daily life immediately.
The defense obtains prosecution evidence.
This often reveals:
Weak evidence
Contradictions
Missing facts
Constitutional issues
Police errors
Cases frequently begin shifting here.
Attorneys negotiate and litigate.
Possible outcomes:
Reduction
Dismissal
Diversion
Deferred resolution
Plea agreement
Many cases resolve at this stage.
If necessary, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
That burden always remains with the government.
A criminal charge alone proves nothing.
The prosecution must prove every required legal element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Depending on the case, that may include:
Identity
Intent
Possession
Impairment
Physical contact
Injury
Knowledge
Weapon involvement
If one required element fails, the prosecution’s case weakens.
Strong defense starts with evidence analysis.
Important evidence often includes:
Important—but often incomplete.
Video frequently reveals details missing from reports.
Especially important in traffic stops and DUI investigations.
Witness credibility can decide cases.
Critical in DUI matters.
Modern criminal cases increasingly involve:
Text messages
Phone data
Photos
Videos
Social media
App communications
Digital evidence can dramatically affect outcomes.
Matthew Fraiberg uses an evidence-first defense model.
Evaluate charges and exposure.
Obtain prosecution evidence early.
Examine stop, search, seizure, arrest, and interrogation legality.
Identify leverage points and inconsistencies.
Negotiate from strength or prepare for trial.
Early intervention often creates the most opportunities.
Yes. It is widely known for strict bond conditions, active supervision, and aggressive compliance enforcement.
Many people benefit from consulting counsel first.
Yes, depending on evidence and legal issues.
Sometimes, when factual or constitutional weaknesses exist.
Often yes, especially with early legal action.
Sometimes. Facts, history, and strategy matter.
Clients often choose Matthew Fraiberg because of his:
28+ years of experience
Former prosecutor insight
Former judicial clerk experience
Extensive courtroom experience
Deep 48th District Court familiarity
Evidence-driven strategy
Trial preparation and negotiation skills
If you are facing:
Criminal charges
DUI allegations
A warrant
Assault allegations
Domestic violence accusations
Probation violation allegations
A police investigation
Early action matters.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides:
Immediate case evaluation
Strategic defense planning
Evidence-focused criminal defense
Representation in the 48th District Court and throughout Southeast Michigan
Call (248) 986-2682 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie today:
(248) 986-2682
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Written by Matthew A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience
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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.