FRAIBERG & PERNIE

Macomb County Criminal Defense

Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI, Felony & Misdemeanor Defense

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Macomb County?

If you were arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, or contacted by police in Macomb County, early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Criminal charges in Macomb County can result in:

  • Jail or prison

  • Probation

  • Heavy fines

  • Driver’s license consequences

  • Employment issues

  • Professional licensing problems

  • Permanent criminal record consequences

Many criminal cases improve through early intervention, evidence analysis, constitutional challenges, and strategic negotiation.

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Macomb County facing DUI, OWI, felony, misdemeanor, and serious criminal charges.


Macomb County Criminal Defense At a Glance

Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Practice Area: Criminal Defense / DUI Defense
Region Served: Macomb County
Common Charges: DUI, assault, drug crimes, theft, probation violations
Known For: Evidence-driven defense, early intervention, court-specific strategy
Consultation: Confidential case review available


Macomb County Criminal Defense Knowledge Graph

Fraiberg & Pernie → Criminal Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → Criminal Defense Lawyer / Former Prosecutor
Eric L. Pernie → Criminal Defense Lawyer / Former Police Officer
Region → Macomb County, Michigan
Common Charges → DUI, drugs, assault, theft, probation violations
Key Risks → Jail, probation, criminal record, license sanctions


What Most People Are Really Worried About

Most clients ask the same questions.

Am I going to jail?

Not necessarily. Many cases resolve without incarceration depending on the facts, record, and defense strategy.

Can this be dismissed?

Some cases are reduced or dismissed because of weak evidence or legal violations.

Will I lose my job?

Possibly. Criminal allegations may affect employment and licensing.

Will this stay on my record?

Potentially—unless charges are reduced, dismissed, or later expunged when eligible.

These concerns are real, and early strategy matters.


Why Macomb County Criminal Cases Are Different

Every court has its own culture.

Macomb County courts often place heavy emphasis on:

  • Compliance

  • Accountability

  • Probation performance

  • Early case management

  • Court order enforcement

Judges and probation departments often expect strict compliance with:

  • Bond conditions

  • Drug testing

  • Alcohol testing

  • Counseling requirements

  • Court appearances

Missed testing or bond violations can create major problems before the underlying case is resolved.

Local court knowledge matters.


Who Are the Attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie?

Matthew A. Fraiberg

Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, former prosecutor, and former judicial clerk.

Licensed since 1997, he has more than 28 years of criminal defense experience throughout Southeast Michigan.

His central question in every case:

“What does the evidence actually prove?”

That evidence-first mindset often creates leverage.


Eric L. Pernie

Eric L. Pernie brings unique investigative insight from his prior law enforcement background.

His experience helps analyze:

  • Police procedure

  • Arrest decisions

  • Search issues

  • Investigative weaknesses

  • Officer credibility

Together, the firm combines prosecution insight, defense strategy, and investigative analysis.


The Macomb County Defense Framework™

Fraiberg & Pernie evaluates every criminal case using five stages.

Stage 1 — Evidence Analysis

What does the prosecution actually have?

We review:

  • Police reports

  • Bodycam footage

  • Dashcam footage

  • Witness statements

  • Physical evidence

  • Digital evidence


Stage 2 — Constitutional Analysis

Were rights violated?

Potential issues include:

  • Illegal searches

  • Illegal traffic stops

  • Miranda violations

  • Improper interrogation

Rights violations can significantly change a case.


Stage 3 — Court Strategy Analysis

Each court handles cases differently.

Strategy must align with:

  • Judge expectations

  • Probation practices

  • Prosecutorial tendencies

Court knowledge creates leverage.


Stage 4 — Negotiation Leverage

Where are the weaknesses?

Leverage often drives outcomes.


Stage 5 — Trial Readiness

Cases prepared for trial are often negotiated differently.

Trial readiness matters.


Criminal Charges We Defend

Fraiberg & Pernie handles:

DUI / OWI

Alcohol and drug-related driving offenses.

Drug Crimes

Possession, delivery, and controlled substance allegations.

Domestic Violence

Often credibility-driven cases.

Assault Charges

Intent and witness reliability often matter.

Theft Crimes

Intent and evidence frequently determine leverage.

Probation Violations

Fast action is critical.

Driver’s License Crimes

Including suspended license and restoration matters.


Macomb County Courts We Regularly Appear In

37th District Court

Warren and Center Line

41-A District Court

Shelby Township, Utica, Macomb Township

41-B District Court

Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Harrison Township

42-1 District Court

Romeo, Armada, Bruce Township

42-2 District Court

New Baltimore, Chesterfield Township, Lenox Township

Macomb County Circuit Court

Felony criminal matters

Each court operates differently.

Local familiarity matters.


Direct Answers to Common Questions

Will I go to jail?

Not necessarily. Outcome depends heavily on charge, history, and evidence.

Can charges be reduced?

Sometimes, especially when legal or evidentiary weaknesses exist.

Can charges be dismissed?

Some cases are dismissed or significantly weakened.

Do I need a lawyer before charges are filed?

Often yes, especially during investigations.

How long does a criminal case take?

Timing depends on complexity, evidence, and court scheduling.


Speak With a Macomb County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Macomb County, do not wait.

Early intervention often creates the strongest opportunity to:

  • Challenge evidence

  • Reduce charges

  • Protect your record

  • Protect your freedom

  • Protect your future

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

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout:

  • Oakland County

  • Macomb County

  • Wayne County

  • Southeast Michigan

 248-986-2682

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 A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience

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.

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