Eric L. Pernie
Protecting Oakland County Drivers for 10+ Years
Eric L. Pernie — DUI – Criminal Defense Attorney in Birmingham, Michigan
Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney based in Birmingham, focusing on DUI, OWI, traffic-related offenses, and cases involving police procedure.
He combines more than a decade of legal experience with over ten years of prior law enforcement service, offering a perspective shaped by both sides of the criminal justice process.
Professional Background
- Michigan Bar Number: P79467 (Admitted 2015)
- Legal Experience: 10+ years as a practicing attorney
- Law Enforcement Experience: 10+ years as a police officer
- Certification: MCOLES Certified
Before entering private practice, Eric Pernie served as a road patrol officer with the Bloomfield Township Police Department, where he gained extensive experience in traffic enforcement and DUI investigations.
Experience in DUI and Police Procedures
Eric Pernie’s background in law enforcement provides direct familiarity with the procedures used in DUI and traffic investigations.
His experience includes:
- Administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
- Operation of DataMaster breath testing equipment
- Use of LIDAR and radar speed detection
- Conducting traffic stops and roadside investigations
This experience informs how cases are evaluated, particularly when reviewing police reports, testing procedures, and the handling of evidence.
Practice Focus
Eric Pernie’s work focuses on:
- DUI / OWI defense
- High BAC and repeat DUI cases
- Traffic violations
- Cases involving police procedure and evidence review
He represents clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County, including regular appearances in district courts across Southeast Michigan.
Courts and Jurisdictions
Eric Pernie has experience handling cases in courts such as:
- 48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills / Birmingham)
- 52-3 District Court (Rochester Hills)
- 52-4 District Court (Troy / Clawson)
- 47th District Court (Farmington Hills)
Each court operates with different procedures and expectations, which can influence how cases are prepared and presented.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) — Western Michigan University Cooley Law School (Summa Cum Laude)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Criminal Justice — Ferris State University
Certifications and Distinctions
- MCOLES Police Certification
- Lead Counsel Rated in Drunk Driving Defense
Perspective on Criminal Defense
Eric Pernie’s background provides insight into how investigations are conducted and how evidence is developed at the scene.
That perspective is often relevant when examining:
- Whether proper procedures were followed
- How testing was administered
- Whether reports accurately reflect events
- How evidence may be challenged or interpreted
Representation Across Southeast Michigan
Eric Pernie represents individuals in:
- Oakland County
- Macomb County
- Wayne County
Including DUI and criminal cases in courts throughout Metro Detroit.
His 10+ Years As A Police Officer
Eric worked diligently as a police officer for well over a decade and gained numerous skills during his training and police activities.
He gained experience in how to:
- Investigate drivers who may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks
- Utilize the Datamaster Breathalyzer
- Administer preliminary breath tests
- Use RADAR and LIDAR speed detectors
As a former police officer, Attorney Eric L. Pernie went through the same kind of education and training that the police officers involved in your case went through: he trained new police officers as a field training officer, went through emergency 911-dispatcher training, and experienced child forensic interviewing training. Eric also learned the ways some police officers compromise the integrity of an investigation. He gained valuable on-the-job experience working with other police officers, witnesses, victims, prosecutors, and court personnel, and this experience gave Eric the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. This kind of knowledge and experience is invaluable.
Eric is always looking to improve and challenge himself in new and exciting ways, and his wide range of activities spent as a police officer demonstrates that trait thoroughly. Attorney Eric L. Pernie is a criminal defense attorney in Birmingham, Michigan that represents clients throughout Michigan, including Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties, and takes pride in offering knowledgeable, cost-effective, efficient representation to individuals in the community.
Honorable Acts With Bloomfield Township PD
As a police officer for the Bloomfield Township Police Department, he received numerous accolades for his achievements. He won one lifesaving award when he successfully revived a person in cardiac arrest and won another when he resuscitated a two-year-old child who was found unresponsive in a pool.
Attending Law School
While he was working full-time as a police officer, Eric also attended law school. As a student at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, he received the Jurisprudence Book Award in Michigan Criminal Practice and was appointed to Dean’s List numerous times. In April 2013, he began clerking at a Birmingham, Michigan law firm, and he graduated from law school shortly thereafter.
Eric now works as a skilled attorney in Birmingham, relentlessly protecting the rights of his clients and fighting for their best interests. He is also an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association. Eric can help you with all your legal needs quickly and efficiently. Contact Fraiberg & Pernie today 248-986-2682.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients across Southeast Michigan. In particular, we regularly practice in the following Oakland County jurisdictions:
6th Circuit Court: Pontiac (Felony cases)
48th District Court: Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, West Bloomfield
52-1 District Court: Novi, South Lyon, Wixom
52-4 District Court: Troy, Clawson
44th District Court: Royal Oak
Associations
- Oakland County Bar Association, 2017 – Present
- State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law Section, 2017 – Present
- State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Section, 2017 – Present
- State Bar of Michigan, 2015 – Present
- American Bar Association, 2018 – Present
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association, 2017 – Present
- Women’s Council of Realtors
- North Oakland County Board of Realtors
Awards
- Lead Counsel Rating in Drunk Driving Defense, 2018
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School: Certificate of Merit- Criminal Practice in Michigan, 2013
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Case Study 1: OWI Felony Reduction (4th Offense)
The Problem: A client with a prior criminal record faced a felony OWI charge in Oakland County. Specifically, a conviction would have resulted in mandatory prison time and the permanent loss of their professional license.
The Action: Fraiberg & Pernie launched an immediate investigation into the arrest procedure. Furthermore, we identified a technical flaw in the “15-minute observation rule” prior to the breath test. As a result, we filed a suppression motion challenging the accuracy of the BAC results.
The Result: The prosecutor agreed to reduce the felony to a misdemeanor. Ultimately, the client avoided prison time and kept their professional license intact.
Case Study 2: High-BAC “Super Drunk” Dismissal
The Problem: A first-time offender was charged with “Super Drunk” (Operating with a BAC of .17 or higher) in the 48th District Court. Because of the high BAC, the client faced a one-year license suspension.
The Action: Matthew Fraiberg audited the DataMaster maintenance logs for the Bloomfield Hills station. In fact, he discovered the machine had failed its weekly accuracy check just days prior to the arrest.
The Result: The court dismissed the High-BAC enhancement. Consequently, the client received a vastly reduced sentence and maintained restricted driving privileges for work.
“Eric Pernie saved my career in Novi.” “I was facing an OWI in the 52-1 District Court. Since Eric is a former police office because of his attention to detail, my charges were dismissed. I highly recommend Fraiberg & Pernie for anyone in Oakland County.” — John S.
Our Attorneys
A Former Prosecutor and a Former Police Officer
Our reputable, talented team members are among the top in their respective fields. We care about our clients and our community and will work tirelessly to achieve exceptional results for you.
Matthew A. Fraiberg
Protecting Oakland County Drivers for 20+ Years About Matthew A. Fraiberg Matthew A. Fraiberg has been practicing law since 1997. With a background as a former City Prosecutor, he has the experience, passion, and work ethic to understand the stress that comes with being arrested and charged with a crime. The time he has spent
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Eric L. Pernie
About Eric L Pernie Attorney Eric Pernie is a true state native, born and raised in Michigan. He attended Ferris State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. While he was there, he worked hard for his criminal justice degree while simultaneously being an active member of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
