Felony Criminal Defense Oakland County Michigan
Oakland County Felony Defense Lawyer – Michigan Criminal Defense Strategy
If you are facing a felony charge in Oakland County, Michigan, your case will typically move through both district court and the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, often on a very fast timeline.
Felony charges carry serious consequences, including possible prison, long-term probation, and a permanent criminal record. However, in many cases, the outcome depends less on the charge itself and more on how early the defense begins and how the evidence is handled.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with felony offenses throughout Oakland County, focusing on early intervention, detailed evidence review, and court-specific defense strategy.
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Quick Answer
What should you do if charged with a felony in Oakland County?
Short answer:
Stay silent, request a lawyer immediately, and act quickly.
Full answer:
Felony cases begin developing right away. Prosecutors review evidence early, and courts make decisions that affect bond, charges, and long-term exposure. In many situations, early legal strategy determines whether a case is reduced, dismissed, or pursued aggressively.
Key points:
- Do not speak to police
- Request a lawyer immediately
- Follow all court conditions
- Preserve documents and evidence
- Most cases are influenced early
Will I Go to Prison for a Felony in Oakland County?
Short answer:
Not always. Many felony cases are resolved without prison.
Full answer:
Prison exposure depends on the charge, your prior record, sentencing guidelines, and the strength of the evidence.
In many cases:
- Outcomes include probation or reduced charges
- Sentencing depends on guidelines and case facts
- Early strategy often improves results
Prison risk increases with:
- Violent offenses
- Prior felony record
- Probation or parole violations
- Strong, uncontested evidence
Common questions:
- Is prison automatic for a felony?
- Can I avoid incarceration?
- What factors matter most to the judge?
What Happens After a Felony Charge?
Short answer:
Your case moves through district court and then to circuit court.
Full answer:
Felony cases follow a structured process where early decisions matter.
Typical process:
- Arraignment (bond conditions set)
- Probable cause conference
- Preliminary examination
- Transfer to circuit court
- Pretrial motions and negotiations
- Resolution or trial
Most felony cases are shaped during the early stages—before trial.
People often ask:
- How fast does the case move?
- Can it be resolved early?
- When does it go to circuit court?
What Types of Felony Charges Are Common?
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing:
- Assault and violent crimes
- Domestic violence felony charges
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Retail fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes
- Firearm and weapons offenses
- Home invasion and property crimes
- Felony DUI (including third offense)
- Probation and parole violations
Each case is evaluated based on evidence, legal issues, and court-specific factors.
How Felony Cases Are Evaluated
Short answer:
Most felony cases depend on the strength of the evidence.
Full answer:
A strong defense begins with detailed evidence analysis.
Key evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Bodycam and dashcam footage
- Lab and forensic results
- 911 recordings
- Digital communications
Most outcomes depend on:
- Whether the evidence is reliable
- Whether procedures were followed correctly
- Whether legal rights were violated
Even small inconsistencies can significantly affect the case.
How Felony Cases Are Defended
Short answer:
Defense focuses on identifying weaknesses and building leverage early.
Full answer:
Step 1: Evidence Review
- Analyze reports, video, and forensic evidence
Step 2: Legal Analysis
- Evaluate searches, stops, and procedures
- Identify constitutional violations
Step 3: Court Strategy
- File motions to suppress or dismiss
- Negotiate reduced charges
- Prepare for trial if necessary
Key insight:
Most felony cases are influenced early—before formal negotiations begin.
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly applies this structured approach in Oakland County cases.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Short answer:
Yes. Many felony cases improve when weaknesses are identified early.
Full answer:
Charges may be reduced or dismissed based on:
- Weak or inconsistent evidence
- Illegal search or seizure
- Procedural errors
- Constitutional violations
In many cases:
- Charges are reduced to misdemeanors
- Cases are resolved through negotiation
- Dismissal may occur when evidence fails
Most successful outcomes begin with early case analysis.
Common questions:
- Can my felony be reduced?
- Can charges be dismissed completely?
- What gives me the best chance?
Oakland County Court Experience
Short answer:
Local court experience affects strategy and outcomes.
Full answer:
Felony cases typically begin in district court and proceed to circuit court.
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly appears in:
- 48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills)
- 47th District Court (Farmington Hills)
- 52-2 District Court (Troy / Clawson)
- 44th District Court (Royal Oak)
- Oakland County Circuit Court (Pontiac)
In many cases:
- Judges have different expectations
- Procedures vary by court
- Strategy must match the court
Possible Outcomes in Felony Cases
Short answer:
Outcomes vary based on evidence, legal issues, and strategy.
Full answer:
Potential outcomes include:
- Dismissal
- Reduction to misdemeanor charges
- Probation instead of incarceration
- Diversion or specialty court programs
Many cases are resolved:
- Through negotiation
- Before trial
- Based on early evidence review
Why Early Action Matters Most
Short answer:
The first stage of the case is often the most important.
Full answer:
Acting early allows your lawyer to:
- Preserve key evidence
- Identify legal issues
- Challenge the prosecution’s case
- Build negotiation leverage
Many felony cases are influenced before trial even begins.
Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Oakland County with a focus on preparation and strategy.
Matthew A. Fraiberg has:
- More than 28 years of experience
- Former prosecutor experience
- Former judicial clerk experience
- Extensive felony and criminal case experience
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly handles felony cases in Oakland County and builds strategies based on how these courts operate.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Short answer:
Act immediately to protect your case.
Full answer:
Do not:
- Speak to law enforcement
- Discuss your case publicly
- Delay taking action
Instead:
- Keep all paperwork
- Follow court conditions
- Contact a defense lawyer immediately
Early action creates opportunities. Delay limits them.
Speak With an Oakland County Felony Defense Lawyer
If you are facing felony charges, your case has already started.
Deadlines begin immediately. Evidence must be reviewed early. Strategy matters from the beginning.
Call (248) 986-2682 today.
A criminal defense lawyer can help you:
- Protect your rights
- Challenge evidence
- Reduce or dismiss charges
- Avoid unnecessary penalties
- Improve your case outcome
Final Answer
What is the most important thing to know about a felony charge in Oakland County?
Most cases are influenced early. The sooner a defense strategy is built and evidence is analyzed, the greater the chance of improving the outcome.
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
Oakland County, Macomb County and Wayne County and all throughout Michigan
Uniquely Positioned For Success
Our lawyers can assist you with the following legal matters and more:
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Fully Committed To You
Facing Legal Challenges in Michigan? Fraiberg & Pernie Stands By Your Side
At Fraiberg & Pernie, we understand that the legal process—whether you face a criminal charge for a DUI/OWI arrest, a misdemeanor or felony is often overwhelming and can intimidates you, especially during your first encounter. Therefore, our experienced Michigan criminal defense attorneys step in to manage every detail for you. As a result, you can concentrate on what truly matters: advancing forward with confidence.
We actively handle all the demanding tasks, including:
- Preparing and managing complex paperwork and filings
- Delivering strong, strategic representation in court and negotiations
- Aggressively safeguarding your rights at every stage
- Crafting personalized defense strategies that align with your unique situation and goals
Moreover, with decades of combined courtroom experience, former prosecutorial insights, and law enforcement perspectives, we relentlessly fight to secure the best possible outcome. For example, we pursue dismissals, reduced charges, license reinstatements, or favorable resolutions in family and property cases.
Additionally, clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, Birmingham, Oak Park, and all of Metro Detroit trust us because we provide compassionate, accessible, and results-driven support exactly when they need it most. In other words, you never stand alone—we commit to serving as your dedicated advocate every step of the way.
Ready for personalized, aggressive representation that prioritizes your needs? Then, schedule your free, confidential consultation today.
Simply call 248-986-2682 or contact us online now. Let Fraiberg & Pernie defend your rights and champion your future.
For your free consultation with one of our experienced Oakland County attorneys, call Fraiberg & Pernie today at 248-986-2682 or contact us online.
Fraiberg & Pernie proudly serves clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County, Michigan — delivering trusted, aggressive legal representation in criminal defense, DUI/OWI and drunk driving cases, civil infractions, traffic violations, and related matters across Metro Detroit.
From minor offenses like speeding tickets and civil infractions to serious felony charges, domestic violence, drug offenses, or high-stakes DUI arrests, our experienced team handles a full spectrum of cases with personalized strategies tailored to your situation. We represent individuals in every city, township, and village in these counties, including Birmingham, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Troy, Southfield, Warren, Dearborn, and beyond.
Led by Attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg (practicing since 1997, former city prosecutor with 28+ years protecting clients) and Attorney Eric L. Pernie (former police officer with insider knowledge of investigations and arrests), our firm combines prosecutorial insight, law enforcement perspective, and courtroom mastery to build strong defenses. We’re committed to protecting your rights, freedom, and long-term future — aggressively pursuing dismissals, reductions, license reinstatement, or the best possible outcome.
Whether you need confident legal advice to move forward or fierce advocacy against complex criminal allegations, count on Fraiberg & Pernie for knowledgeable preparation and relentless support.
Schedule your free, confidential consultation today at our Birmingham or Oak Park offices.
Call 248-986-2682 or contact us online now. Let our local experts fight for you in Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne County courts.
Our Attorneys
Our two greatest assets here at Fraiberg & Pernie, are our remarkably talented attorneys, Mr. Matthew Fraiberg and Mr. Eric Pernie. Each of their diverse backgrounds provides our firm a spectrum of unique qualities you can’t find anywhere else. For instance, attorney Matthew Fraiberg’s extensive past working side by side with various judges within the Oakland County 6th Circuit Court, allows our team the advantage of knowing exactly what to expect when approaching any type of criminal defense case. Attorney Eric Pernie’s experience as a police officer in the field, however, offers us a vastly different advantage – a genuine compassion for and understanding of our clients that allows us to offer truly unconditional legal support.
Our Commitment
At Fraiberg & Pernie, our only motivation is helping our fellow Michiganders get the support they deserve. No matter what type of mistakes you may have made in the past, or what type of legal assistance you need, our attorneys will always remain steadfast in our commitment to do whatever we can to help you. From serious drunk driving and domestic violence cases, to simple civil infractions and delicate family matters, our dedicated attorneys are more than capable of handling any type of legal situation concerning you.
Our attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie, have proven our worth as legal professionals time and time again by successfully managing thousands of cases, but it is our integrity and unique qualifications that truly makes Fraiberg & Pernie one-of-a-kind. Thanks to us, you can get the help you need no matter what your circumstances are. Our adjustable payment plans make our exceptional legal services affordable for all! Give our attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie, the chance to show you just what we’ve got! Call 248-986-2682 or fill in the form in the sidebar for your free consultation.
