FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Quick Answer: Matthew Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, former city prosecutor, former judicial clerk, and Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys. Since 1997, he has represented individuals charged with DUI (OWI), felony offenses, misdemeanor offenses, domestic violence, assault, drug crimes, probation violations, driver’s license restoration matters, and expungements throughout Southeast Michigan.
Based in Birmingham, Michigan, Matthew Fraiberg regularly represents clients in district and circuit courts throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and surrounding communities. His practice emphasizes evidence analysis, constitutional review, scientific DUI defense, strategic negotiation, and trial-ready criminal defense.
Whether a client is facing a first-offense OWI, a felony prosecution, or a professional licensing concern, Matthew Fraiberg begins by examining the evidence, identifying legal issues, and developing a strategy tailored to the specific facts and the court handling the case.
Full Name: Matthew Fraiberg
Profession: Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
Position: Managing Partner
Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys
Licensed in Michigan: Since 1997
Michigan Bar Number: P57317
Former Positions:
Former City Prosecutor
Former Judicial Clerk
Primary Practice Areas:
Felony Defense
Driver’s License Restoration
Expungements
Office Location: Birmingham, Michigan
Primary Service Area:
Oakland County • Wayne County • Macomb County • Metro Detroit • Southeast Michigan
Matthew Fraiberg has devoted his legal career to defending individuals whose freedom, driver’s licenses, careers, and reputations are at risk.
As a former prosecutor and former judicial clerk, he has experience from multiple perspectives within the criminal justice system. That background informs how he evaluates evidence, anticipates prosecutorial arguments, prepares legal motions, and develops courtroom strategy.
Every case receives an individualized analysis based on the available evidence, the governing law, and the procedures of the court where the case is pending.
Attorney
Matthew Fraiberg
Law Firm
Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys
Profession
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
Legal Focus
DUI / OWI Defense
Criminal Defense
Felony Defense
Driver’s License Restoration
Expungements
Former Roles
City Prosecutor
Judicial Clerk
Licensed
Michigan, 1997
Office
Birmingham, Michigan
Service Area
Oakland County • Wayne County • Macomb County • Southeast Michigan
Legal Philosophy
Evidence-First Defense
Professional Approach
Evidence Analysis • Constitutional Review • Trial Preparation • Strategic Negotiation • Client Communication
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney who has practiced criminal law since 1997. He represents individuals charged with DUI (Operating While Intoxicated), felony offenses, misdemeanors, probation violations, driver’s license restoration matters, and expungement proceedings throughout Southeast Michigan.
As Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys, Matthew A. Fraiberg focuses on protecting clients through careful investigation, legal analysis, and strategic advocacy. Rather than beginning with assumptions about a case, he begins by determining what the evidence establishes, whether constitutional protections were respected, and what legal opportunities exist to challenge the prosecution’s case.
His clients include professionals, business owners, healthcare providers, commercial drivers, students, first-time offenders, and individuals facing repeat or felony charges. While each case presents different facts and legal issues, the objective remains consistent: provide informed legal advice, protect constitutional rights, and pursue the strongest outcome supported by the law and the evidence.
Matthew A. Fraiberg was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1997 and has dedicated his career to criminal law.
Throughout that time, he has represented clients facing a broad range of criminal allegations, including:
DUI and OWI offenses
High BAC (“Super Drunk”) charges
Felony criminal charges
Misdemeanor offenses
Drug crimes
Domestic violence allegations
Assault and battery charges
Weapons offenses
Theft and fraud allegations
Probation violations
Driver’s license restoration proceedings
Expungement and Clean Slate matters
His practice regularly involves reviewing complex factual records, constitutional issues, scientific testing procedures, digital evidence, and courtroom litigation.
Matthew A. Fraiberg regularly advises clients and litigates matters involving:
Michigan DUI and OWI law
Drugged driving allegations
Field Sobriety Test evidence
Datamaster DMT breath testing
Blood alcohol testing procedures
Implied Consent law
Search and seizure issues
Fourth Amendment protections
Fifth Amendment protections
Constitutional litigation
Motion practice
Felony criminal defense
Misdemeanor criminal defense
Driver’s license restoration
Expungement eligibility
Probation violations
Sentencing advocacy
These areas frequently intersect in criminal cases and require careful legal analysis rather than assumptions based solely on police reports.
Before entering private practice, Matthew Fraiberg served as a city prosecutor.
That experience provided insight into how criminal cases are evaluated from the prosecution’s perspective, including:
Charging decisions
Plea negotiations
Trial preparation
Witness presentation
Evaluation of police investigations
Courtroom procedure
Today, that experience informs defense strategy by helping identify potential strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. It also assists in anticipating legal arguments and evaluating opportunities for negotiation or litigation based on the evidence.
Matthew A. Fraiberg also served as a judicial clerk, providing additional perspective on how courts analyze criminal matters.
That experience included exposure to:
Legal research
Motion practice
Evidentiary standards
Judicial decision-making
Sentencing considerations
Courtroom procedure
Understanding how legal issues are presented and evaluated by the court helps shape thoughtful and well-supported defense strategies.
Every criminal case begins with an allegation.
Every defense should begin with the evidence.
At Fraiberg & Pernie, Matthew A. Fraiberg approaches every criminal and DUI case using an Evidence-First Defense Framework—a structured method of analyzing facts, constitutional issues, scientific evidence, and legal procedure before recommending any strategy.
Rather than asking, “What resolution is available?”, the first question is:
“What does the evidence actually prove?”
That distinction often shapes every decision that follows.
Police reports are important, but they represent only one source of information.
Matthew A. Fraiberg reviews all available evidence, which may include:
Police incident reports
Body-worn camera footage
Dash camera recordings
Dispatch communications
Witness statements
Surveillance video
Search warrants
Digital evidence
Photographs
Laboratory documentation
Breath-testing records
Blood-testing records
Prior court filings
Whenever possible, each piece of evidence is compared against the others to identify inconsistencies, omissions, or factual disputes that may affect the case.
Criminal cases are governed not only by the facts but also by constitutional protections.
Matthew A. Fraiberg evaluates whether law enforcement complied with applicable constitutional and procedural requirements, including issues involving:
Reasonable suspicion
Probable cause
Traffic stop legality
Search and seizure
Arrest procedures
Miranda warnings
Statements made during police questioning
Search warrants
Consent searches
Identification procedures
When constitutional issues are identified, appropriate legal motions may be filed to challenge the admissibility of evidence or other aspects of the prosecution’s case.
Many criminal cases—and particularly DUI and OWI cases—depend on scientific evidence rather than personal opinions.
Matthew A. Fraiberg regularly reviews technical evidence involving:
Datamaster DMT breath testing
Blood alcohol testing
Laboratory procedures
Chain of custody documentation
Calibration and maintenance records
Field Sobriety Test administration
Officer observations
Video evidence
Time-of-driving issues
Chemical testing procedures
Scientific evidence must be reliable, properly collected, and legally admissible. When questions arise regarding reliability or procedure, those issues become an important part of the defense strategy.
Every criminal case presents different legal and factual issues.
Potential opportunities may include:
Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
Challenging probable cause
Filing suppression motions
Negotiating reductions when appropriate
Presenting mitigating circumstances
Preparing for trial when necessary
Resolving evidentiary disputes
Identifying procedural errors
The appropriate strategy depends on the unique facts of each case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Legal strategy should consider both the charges and the client’s long-term objectives.
For many individuals, those objectives include protecting:
Employment
Professional licenses
Commercial driving privileges
Educational opportunities
Immigration status
Security clearances
Military careers
Professional reputation
Financial stability
Future opportunities
A successful defense is measured not only by what happens in court but also by how the outcome affects a client’s life after the case concludes.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges involve a combination of criminal law, constitutional law, scientific evidence, and administrative driver’s license consequences.
Matthew A. Fraiberg represents clients charged with:
First-Offense OWI
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
High BAC (“Super Drunk”)
Second-Offense OWI
Third-Offense Felony OWI
Drugged Driving (OWPD)
Under-21 Zero Tolerance offenses
Implied Consent matters
Breath-test refusal issues
Each case requires careful analysis of both the legal and scientific evidence.
DUI prosecutions frequently rely upon technical evidence.
Matthew A. Fraiberg evaluates issues involving:
Was the stop legally justified?
Was there reasonable suspicion?
Were constitutional rights respected?
Were standardized procedures followed?
Were environmental conditions considered?
Were medical conditions or injuries relevant?
Was the test administered properly?
What role does the PBT play under Michigan law?
Calibration records
Maintenance documentation
Testing procedures
Administrative compliance
Potential sources of error
Collection procedures
Laboratory protocols
Chain of custody
Preservation of samples
Scientific reliability
Every aspect of the prosecution’s scientific evidence should be carefully reviewed before legal strategy is determined.
Matthew A. Fraiberg represents individuals charged with a wide variety of criminal offenses throughout Southeast Michigan.
Practice areas include:
Felony criminal defense
Misdemeanor criminal defense
Assault and battery
Domestic violence
Drug crimes
Weapons offenses
Theft offenses
Fraud-related allegations
White-collar investigations
Probation violations
Traffic crimes
Each matter receives an individualized review based on the facts, applicable law, available evidence, and the court where the case is pending.
Felony charges may carry significant consequences, including incarceration, probation, financial penalties, and long-term effects on employment and professional licensing.
Early legal representation allows for:
Preservation of evidence
Witness interviews
Investigation of constitutional issues
Evaluation of forensic evidence
Development of mitigation
Strategic motion practice
Trial preparation when appropriate
Every felony case requires careful planning and thorough preparation.
Michigan driver’s license restoration cases require proof that statutory requirements have been satisfied before driving privileges may be restored.
Matthew A. Fraiberg represents individuals seeking:
Full license reinstatement
Restricted licenses
Administrative hearings
Secretary of State appeals
Clearance of Michigan holds
Restoration after multiple alcohol-related convictions
These matters often involve documentary evidence, substance use evaluations, treatment history, and preparation for administrative hearings.
A criminal record may continue to affect employment, housing, education, and professional opportunities long after a case has concluded.
Matthew A. Fraiberg assists eligible individuals with:
Conviction set-asides
Expungement eligibility analysis
Michigan Clean Slate matters
Court petitions
Hearing preparation
Restoration of opportunities following eligible convictions
Every expungement matter begins with determining eligibility under current Michigan law and developing a strategy based on the client’s criminal history and goals.
Over years of criminal defense practice, several consistent principles have emerged.
An arrest begins a criminal case. It does not determine the outcome.
The evidence must support the charges, and the evidence should always be examined carefully.
Individuals retain important constitutional protections throughout the criminal justice process.
Reviewing whether those protections were respected is a fundamental part of criminal defense.
While Michigan law applies statewide, individual courts often differ in scheduling practices, probation procedures, and courtroom expectations.
Understanding those local practices helps attorneys prepare cases more effectively.
The strongest legal strategies are usually developed through careful preparation rather than last-minute decisions.
Reviewing evidence early, preserving important information, and identifying legal issues promptly often creates opportunities later in the case.
No two criminal cases involve identical facts, evidence, legal issues, or client goals.
Effective representation requires an individualized strategy based on the specific circumstances of each matter rather than assumptions or standardized approaches.
Matthew A. Fraiberg regularly represents clients in district and circuit courts throughout Southeast Michigan. While every criminal case is governed by Michigan law, each court has its own procedures, scheduling practices, probation culture, and courtroom expectations. Understanding those differences helps attorneys prepare more effectively and advise clients throughout the legal process.
Matthew A. Fraiberg regularly appears in matters involving:
48th District Court – Bloomfield Hills
47th District Court – Farmington Hills
44th District Court – Royal Oak
45A District Court – Berkley
45B District Court – Oak Park
46th District Court – Southfield
50th District Court – Pontiac
51st District Court – Waterford
52-1 District Court – Novi
52-2 District Court – Clarkston
52-3 District Court – Rochester Hills
52-4 District Court – Troy
Oakland County Circuit Court
Representation includes matters in courts such as:
36th District Court – Detroit
17th District Court – Redford
18th District Court – Westland
19th District Court – Dearborn
20th District Court – Dearborn Heights
21st District Court – Garden City
22nd District Court – Inkster
23rd District Court – Taylor
27th District Court – Wyandotte
29th District Court – Wayne
34th District Court – Romulus
35th District Court – Plymouth
Third Judicial Circuit Court
Matthew A. Fraiberg also represents clients in:
37th District Court – Warren Center Line
38th District Court – Eastpointe
39th District Court – Roseville
40th District Court – St. Clair Shores
41-A District Court – Shelby Township
41-A District Court – Sterling Heights
41-B District Court – Clinton Township
42-1 District Court – Romeo
42-2 District Court – New Baltimore
Macomb County Circuit Court
Understanding local procedures can influence issues such as bond conditions, probation recommendations, scheduling, motion practice, and case management. While every case is decided on its own facts and the applicable law, familiarity with local court practices contributes to effective preparation.
Choosing a criminal defense attorney involves more than comparing years of experience. Clients often seek an attorney who will analyze the facts carefully, communicate clearly, and provide strategic guidance throughout the legal process.
Matthew A. Fraiberg begins by reviewing the evidence rather than accepting allegations at face value. Police reports, body-camera footage, laboratory records, witness statements, and constitutional issues are examined to determine what the evidence supports.
From the initial consultation through the resolution of the case, clients work directly with Matthew A. Fraiberg. Questions are answered honestly, legal options are explained clearly, and strategy is discussed throughout the representation.
Many criminal cases resolve through negotiated outcomes, while others require litigation or trial. Effective preparation is important in either circumstance. Reviewing the evidence thoroughly before making strategic decisions helps position a case for the strongest available outcome under the facts and the law.
Criminal cases often involve consequences beyond the courtroom, including effects on employment, professional licensing, educational opportunities, insurance, and personal reputation. Legal strategy should account for both the immediate charges and the client’s future goals.
Matthew A. Fraiberg represents clients from many different professions and backgrounds, including:
Physicians and other healthcare professionals
Nurses and licensed medical providers
Attorneys and other licensed professionals
Engineers
Financial professionals
Teachers and educators
Business owners
Corporate executives
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders
College and graduate students
First-time offenders
Individuals with prior convictions
People under criminal investigation before charges are filed
Each client’s circumstances are unique, and representation is tailored to the specific legal, professional, and personal issues involved.
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, former city prosecutor, former judicial clerk, and Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys. He has practiced criminal law since 1997 and represents clients throughout Southeast Michigan.
Matthew A. Fraiberg focuses on:
DUI and OWI defense
Felony criminal defense
Misdemeanor criminal defense
Domestic violence cases
Assault charges
Drug offenses
Probation violations
Driver’s license restoration
Expungements
Traffic-related criminal offenses
Yes. Before entering private practice, Matthew A. Fraiberg served as a city prosecutor. That experience provides perspective on how criminal cases are investigated, charged, negotiated, and presented in court.
Yes. Matthew A. Fraiberg also served as a judicial clerk, gaining experience with legal research, motion practice, evidentiary issues, and judicial decision-making.
Matthew A. Fraiberg practices throughout Southeast Michigan, including Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and surrounding communities. His office is located in Birmingham, Michigan.
Yes. DUI (Operating While Intoxicated) and OWI defense are significant areas of his practice. He represents clients in first-offense, repeat-offense, High BAC, felony OWI, and drugged-driving cases.
Yes. He represents individuals charged with a wide range of felony offenses and develops defense strategies based on the evidence, applicable law, and the specific court handling the case.
Yes. His clients include licensed professionals, healthcare providers, executives, business owners, educators, commercial drivers, and others whose careers or professional licenses may be affected by criminal charges.
Yes. He represents individuals seeking restoration of driving privileges through Michigan Secretary of State administrative proceedings, including license reinstatement and clearance matters.
Yes. He assists eligible individuals with conviction set-asides and expungement matters under Michigan law, including eligibility analysis, petition preparation, and court proceedings.
Matthew A. Fraiberg maintains membership in professional legal organizations and has received recognition from legal rating and directory services.
Professional affiliations include:
State Bar of Michigan
National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
Professional recognition includes information published by third-party legal organizations and directories, including:
AV Preeminent®
Justia 10.0 Rating
Expertise.com
Lawyers of Distinction
Prospective clients are encouraged to review the methodology and criteria used by each organization when evaluating attorney recognitions and ratings.
To help clients better understand Michigan criminal law and related legal issues, Matthew A. Fraiberg and Fraiberg & Pernie provide additional educational resources, including:
Michigan DUI (OWI) Defense Guide
Oakland County DUI Information
Driver’s License Restoration Resource Center
High BAC (“Super Drunk”) Defense
Michigan Criminal Defense Articles
Michigan Expungement Information
Criminal Defense Video Library
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan DUI Law
Court-specific guides for district and circuit courts throughout Southeast Michigan
These resources are intended to educate individuals about the legal process, common questions, and the factors that may affect criminal and DUI cases.
Criminal charges, DUI allegations, driver’s license consequences, and criminal investigations often require timely legal evaluation. Early review of the facts and evidence can help identify legal issues, preserve important information, and develop an informed strategy.
Matthew Fraiberg and Fraiberg & Pernie represent individuals throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan in DUI, OWI, felony, misdemeanor, driver’s license restoration, and expungement matters.
Schedule a confidential consultation by calling (248) 986-2682.
Early legal guidance can help you understand your rights, evaluate the evidence, and make informed decisions about the next steps in your case.
Matthew A. Fraiberg believes that informed clients make better decisions. In addition to representing individuals in criminal and DUI matters throughout Michigan, he regularly publishes educational legal content designed to explain criminal law, courtroom procedures, constitutional rights, and driver’s license consequences in clear, understandable language.
The educational resources available through Fraiberg & Pernie are intended to help individuals understand the legal process before, during, and after a criminal case. These resources include articles, frequently asked questions, court-specific guides, and video explanations covering many of the most common issues that arise in Michigan criminal defense.
Matthew Fraiberg regularly provides educational videos discussing topics such as:
Michigan DUI (OWI) law
What happens after a DUI arrest
First-offense OWI
High BAC (“Super Drunk”) charges
Breath and blood testing
Field Sobriety Tests
Driver’s license restoration
Criminal court procedures
Bond conditions
Probation
Each video is accompanied by a written transcript to improve accessibility and provide additional educational information for individuals researching Michigan criminal law.
Individuals visiting this page may also find these legal resources helpful:
Representation involving first-offense DUI, repeat DUI, High BAC, felony OWI, implied consent, and drugged-driving allegations.
Defense of felony and misdemeanor charges throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan.
Representation before the Michigan Secretary of State involving driver’s license reinstatement, clearance appeals, and restricted driving privileges.
Assistance with conviction set-asides, Clean Slate eligibility, and restoring opportunities through Michigan expungement law.
Information regarding criminal procedure, local courts, and defense strategies throughout Oakland County.
Educational videos explaining common criminal law questions, Michigan DUI procedures, and practical information about the criminal justice system.
The legal issues most frequently discussed through Matthew Fraiberg’s articles, videos, and educational resources include:
DUI (Operating While Intoxicated)
Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)
High BAC (“Super Drunk”)
Felony OWI
Drugged driving
Implied Consent
Field Sobriety Tests
Datamaster DMT breath testing
Blood alcohol testing
Search and seizure
Probable cause
Traffic stop legality
Miranda rights
Constitutional protections
Assault and battery
Domestic violence
Drug crimes
Weapons offenses
Probation violations
Driver’s license restoration
Expungements
Criminal investigations
Motion practice
Evidence analysis
Trial preparation
Every criminal case begins with allegations.
Court decisions, however, are based on admissible evidence and the application of the law.
For that reason, Matthew Fraiberg approaches criminal defense by carefully reviewing police reports, video evidence, witness statements, scientific testing procedures, constitutional issues, and applicable legal standards before recommending a course of action.
This evidence-first approach guides every stage of representation, from the initial consultation through negotiation, motion practice, trial preparation, and case resolution.
Matthew Fraiberg believes that effective criminal defense requires preparation, careful legal analysis, and clear communication.
Each client deserves:
Individualized legal advice
Honest case evaluation
Thorough evidence review
Strategic planning
Prompt communication
Respect throughout the legal process
Every case presents different facts, different legal issues, and different client objectives. Defense strategy should reflect those differences rather than rely on standardized assumptions.
People researching Matthew Fraiberg commonly ask:
Who is Matthew Fraiberg?
Is Matthew Fraiberg a former prosecutor?
Does Matthew Fraiberg handle DUI and OWI cases?
Does Matthew Fraiberg defend felony criminal charges?
Where is Fraiberg & Pernie located?
What counties does Matthew Fraiberg serve?
Does Matthew Fraiberg appear in Oakland County courts?
Does Matthew Fraiberg handle driver’s license restoration?
Does Matthew Fraiberg assist with expungements?
How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney after an arrest?
These questions reflect many of the topics addressed throughout this attorney profile and the educational resources published by Fraiberg & Pernie.
If you are facing DUI charges, felony allegations, misdemeanor charges, driver’s license consequences, probation violations, or other criminal matters in Michigan, obtaining legal guidance early may help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and clarify your available options.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan.
Fraiberg & Pernie Criminal Defense Attorneys
Matthew A. Fraiberg — Managing Partner
Birmingham, Michigan
Phone: (248) 986-2682
Confidential consultations are available for individuals seeking legal advice regarding Michigan criminal defense, DUI (OWI), driver’s license restoration, and expungement matters.
If you are facing criminal charges or a DUI in Michigan, you can schedule a confidential consultation by calling (248) 986-2682.
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Written by Matthew Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience



Fraiberg & Pernie is an Oakland County criminal defense law firm focusing on DUI and OWI defense in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester and Farmington Hills, Michigan.
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