Michigan Criminal Defense Knowledge Center
Michigan Criminal Defense Knowledge Center | DUI, OWI & Criminal Defense Survival Guide
Quick Answer: What Should You Do If You Are Charged With a Crime in Michigan?
If you are arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, or learn you are under criminal investigation in Michigan, the most important steps are:
Remain silent
Do not answer police or investigator questions without legal counsel
Preserve evidence, documents, and communications
Follow all bond and court orders
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately
The first hours and days after arrest can significantly affect evidence preservation, defense strategy, negotiations, and long-term case outcomes.
Early mistakes can make a case harder to defend. Early strategy can create opportunities.
Michigan Criminal Defense At a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Attorney | Matthew A. Fraiberg |
| Law Firm | Fraiberg & Pernie |
| Practice Areas | Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, OWI Defense |
| Licensed Since | 1997 |
| Experience | 28+ Years |
| Background | Former Prosecutor, Former Judicial Clerk |
| Service Region | Oakland, Wayne, Macomb Counties |
| Office | Birmingham, Michigan |
Who Is Matthew A. Fraiberg?
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, DUI lawyer, former city prosecutor, and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
For more than 28 years, he has defended individuals accused of:
DUI / OWI
Domestic Violence
Assault Charges
Drug Crimes
Theft Offenses
Fraud Allegations
Probation Violations
Serious Felony Charges
His prosecutor and courtroom background provides strategic insight into how criminal charges are investigated, authorized, negotiated, and litigated in Michigan courts.
What Most People Are Really Worried About After Arrest
Most people are not thinking about legal terminology.
They are worried about real-life consequences:
Am I going to jail?
Not necessarily. Outcomes depend on the charge, facts, prior history, and defense strategy.
Will I lose my job?
Possibly. Criminal allegations may affect employment and professional licensing.
Will this stay on my record?
Potentially—unless charges are dismissed, reduced, or later expunged if eligible.
Will I lose my license?
DUI and OWI offenses frequently affect driving privileges.
Can this ruin my reputation?
Criminal allegations can affect family, career, and public image.
These concerns are real—and often begin immediately after arrest.
What Happens in the First 24 Hours After Arrest?
The first day is often one of the most important stages of a criminal case.
Arrest
Police gather statements and evidence.
Booking
Processing and release decisions begin.
Bond Conditions
The court may impose immediate restrictions.
Evidence Preservation
Critical evidence may include:
Text messages
Surveillance video
Dashcam footage
Bodycam recordings
Witness information
Digital communications
Attorney Review
Early legal review can identify weaknesses before positions harden.
Early intervention matters.
Practice Areas
DUI / OWI Defense
Including:
First-Offense OWI
High BAC DUI
Repeat DUI
Drugged Driving
Breath Test Refusal
Felony OWI
DUI cases often involve review of:
Datamaster breath results
Field sobriety testing
Body camera footage
Traffic stop legality
Blood testing procedures
Criminal Defense
Including:
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Assault offenses
Domestic violence
Drug crimes
Theft offenses
Fraud charges
White-collar allegations
Probation violations
Every case requires independent evidence review.
No two cases are identical.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Actually Do?
Criminal defense involves far more than responding to accusations.
A defense attorney may:
Analyze police reports
Review body camera footage
Evaluate witness credibility
Challenge searches and seizures
Identify constitutional violations
Negotiate resolutions
Prepare cases for trial
The goal is not simply to react.
The goal is to build leverage.
What Must Prosecutors Prove?
A criminal charge is not proof.
To convict, prosecutors must prove every legal element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Depending on the allegation, prosecutors may need to prove:
Identity
Intent
Possession
Impairment
Assaultive conduct
Knowledge
Jurisdiction
If even one required element fails, the case weakens.
What Makes a Criminal Case Strong or Weak?
Stronger Cases Often Have
Reliable witnesses
Consistent statements
Video evidence
Physical evidence
Admissions
Weaker Cases Often Have
Contradictory testimony
Missing evidence
Credibility issues
Constitutional violations
Poor investigation
Even serious charges can involve weak evidence.
Criminal Defense Myths
“An arrest means I’m guilty.”
False. Arrest is only an allegation.
“I can explain everything to police.”
Statements often become prosecution evidence.
“First offenders don’t need lawyers.”
Even first offenses can carry major consequences.
“The police report tells the whole story.”
Reports rarely tell the entire story.
Video and digital evidence often change cases.
Courts & Counties Served
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly represents clients throughout:
Oakland County
48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills)
52-4 District Court (Troy)
44th District Court (Royal Oak)
47th District Court (Farmington Hills)
Oakland County Circuit Court
Wayne County
35th District Court (Plymouth/Canton)
36th District Court (Detroit)
16th District Court (Livonia)
Wayne County Circuit Court
Macomb County
41A District Court
41B District Court
Macomb County Circuit Court
Communities served include:
Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Novi, Rochester, Royal Oak, Detroit, Southfield, Plymouth, Livonia, Dearborn, Pontiac, Clarkston, Waterford, Sterling Heights, Warren, and Clinton Township.
Matthew Fraiberg on Criminal Defense
“A criminal charge is an allegation, not a conviction.”
“The quality of the evidence often matters more than the accusation.”
“The earliest stages of a case frequently create the greatest opportunities.”
“Strong negotiations are built on preparation.”
“Preparing for trial often improves outcomes—even when a case resolves before trial.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after arrest?
Remain silent and seek legal counsel.
What happens at arraignment?
The court advises you of charges and imposes bond conditions.
Can charges be reduced?
Sometimes, depending on evidence and legal issues.
Can charges be dismissed?
Yes, when legal or evidentiary weaknesses exist.
What if I am under investigation?
Early legal guidance can protect your rights.
What is probation?
A court-supervised alternative to incarceration.
What is expungement?
A legal process that may remove eligible convictions from public records.
Speak With a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing:
Criminal charges
DUI allegations
A warrant
A criminal investigation
Probation violation allegations
Serious felony charges
Early action matters.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides:
Immediate case evaluation
Evidence-focused review
Strategic defense planning
Criminal defense representation throughout Southeast Michigan
Call (248) 986-2682 to discuss your situation confidentially.
Call (248) 986-2682 to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your situation.
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
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:
Michigan Criminal Defense Knowledge Center | DUI, OWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan
Michigan Criminal Defense, DUI & OWI Representation Throughout Oakland County, Wayne County & Macomb County
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm focused exclusively on defending individuals charged with crimes, DUI, OWI, and other criminal offenses throughout Southeast Michigan.
Based in Birmingham, Michigan, the firm represents clients in district and circuit courts across Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County, including Birmingham, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Novi, Royal Oak, Detroit, Livonia, Sterling Heights, and surrounding communities.
The firm is led by Matthew A. Fraiberg, a former city prosecutor, and Eric L. Pernie, a former law enforcement officer. Together, they provide clients with valuable perspective from both sides of the criminal justice system.
If you have been arrested, charged, served with a warrant, or learn that you are under criminal investigation, early legal strategy can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do After an Arrest in Michigan?
If you are arrested or charged with a crime in Michigan:
Remain silent
Do not answer police questions without legal counsel
Preserve documents, texts, and other evidence
Follow all bond and court conditions
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately
Many criminal cases are heavily influenced by decisions made before the first court appearance.
Early mistakes can make a case harder to defend. Early strategy can create opportunities.
Michigan Criminal Defense Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Law Firm | Fraiberg & Pernie |
| Attorneys | Matthew A. Fraiberg, Eric L. Pernie |
| Practice Areas | Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, OWI Defense, Felony Defense |
| Office | Birmingham, Michigan |
| Counties Served | Oakland, Wayne, Macomb |
| Common Courts | 48th, 52-1, 52-3, 52-4, 35th, 36th, 41A, 41B |
| Experience | 40+ Combined Years |
| Known For | DUI Defense, Evidence Analysis, Strategic Court-Specific Defense |
Meet the Attorneys
Matthew A. Fraiberg
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, former city prosecutor, former judicial clerk, DUI lawyer, and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
Licensed in Michigan since 1997, he has more than 28 years of experience representing individuals accused of:
DUI and OWI
Domestic violence
Assault charges
Drug crimes
Probation violations
Serious felony offenses
His prior experience as a prosecutor and judicial clerk provides insight into how criminal cases are evaluated, negotiated, and litigated throughout Michigan courts.
Attorney Insight:
“A criminal charge is an allegation, not a conviction. The evidence must support the accusation.”
Eric L. Pernie
Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney with prior law enforcement experience and a strong focus on protecting constitutional rights.
His experience provides practical insight into:
Police investigations
Traffic stops
DUI investigations
Field sobriety testing
Arrest procedures
Search and seizure issues
Attorney Insight:
“The details of how evidence was obtained often become just as important as the evidence itself.”
Practice Areas
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly represents individuals facing:
DUI / OWI charges
High BAC (“Super Drunk”) allegations
Domestic violence charges
Assault offenses
Drug crimes
Theft and fraud offenses
Weapons charges
Probation violations
Serious felony charges
Every case is unique. Every defense strategy should be tailored to the facts, evidence, and court involved.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A criminal defense lawyer does far more than respond to criminal accusations.
Defense attorneys evaluate:
Police reports
Body camera footage
Dash camera footage
Witness statements
Search and seizure issues
Constitutional violations
Scientific and forensic evidence
The goal is to determine:
Whether the evidence supports the allegations
Whether constitutional rights were violated
Whether the investigation followed legal procedure
Whether opportunities exist to reduce, challenge, or dismiss charges
Criminal defense is not simply reaction.
It is strategy.
What Happens During a Michigan Criminal Case?
Most criminal cases follow a similar progression.
Investigation
Police gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Arrest or Warrant
Charges begin through arrest or warrant authorization.
Arraignment
The court advises the defendant of charges and imposes bond conditions.
Evidence Review
Attorneys review reports, recordings, witness statements, and legal issues.
Pretrial Proceedings
Negotiations, motions, and strategic decisions occur.
Trial or Resolution
Cases proceed to trial or negotiated resolution.
Sentencing
Sentencing occurs if a conviction results.
Criminal Charges Frequently Handled
DUI & OWI Defense
Including:
First-Offense DUI
High BAC DUI
Repeat OWI offenses
Implied consent matters
Breath test challenges
Blood test challenges
Common DUI evidence includes:
Datamaster records
Breath test results
Blood test results
Field sobriety testing
Body camera footage
Dash camera footage
Domestic Violence Defense
Common evidence includes:
911 recordings
Body camera footage
Witness statements
Medical records
Text messages
Other Criminal Charges
Assault and battery
Aggravated assault
Felonious assault
Drug possession and delivery
Retail fraud
Embezzlement
Identity theft
Financial crimes
Probation violations
Why Criminal Cases Sometimes Improve
Cases may improve because of:
Evidentiary weaknesses
Witness credibility concerns
Contradictory statements
Constitutional violations
Search and seizure issues
Scientific testing concerns
Negotiated resolutions
Even serious charges can become defensible when weaknesses are identified early.
Every case depends on its own facts.
Why Local Court Experience Matters
Every Michigan court operates differently.
Oakland County
Often emphasizes probation compliance, testing requirements, and structured supervision.
Common courts include:
48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills)
52-1 District Court (Novi)
52-3 District Court (Rochester Hills)
52-4 District Court (Troy)
Wayne County
Often involves high-volume criminal dockets and fast-moving case schedules.
Common courts include:
35th District Court (Plymouth / Canton)
36th District Court (Detroit)
16th District Court (Livonia)
Macomb County
Procedures and sentencing practices often vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Common courts include:
41A District Court
41B District Court
Macomb County Circuit Court
Defense strategy should be tailored to the court handling the case.
Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie
Clients throughout Michigan choose Fraiberg & Pernie because the firm offers:
More than 40 years of combined legal experience
Former prosecutor insight
Former law enforcement perspective
Exclusive criminal defense focus
Deep familiarity with local courts and prosecutors
Evidence-driven defense strategy
Direct attorney communication
The firm focuses on protecting not only immediate legal interests, but also long-term consequences involving employment, professional licensing, reputation, and future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after an arrest?
Remain silent and contact a lawyer immediately.
Do I need a lawyer before arraignment?
Early legal involvement can affect bond conditions and defense strategy.
Can criminal charges be reduced?
Some cases involve legal or evidentiary issues that affect outcomes.
Can charges be dismissed?
Yes, some cases contain weaknesses that significantly affect the prosecution’s case.
Can DUI charges be reduced?
Depending on the facts and evidence, reductions may be possible.
What happens at arraignment?
The court advises the defendant of the charges and establishes bond conditions.
What if I am under investigation but not charged?
Early legal guidance may help protect your interests before charges are filed.
Communities Served
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout:
Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Royal Oak, Novi, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, Detroit, Livonia, Canton, Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, and surrounding communities throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County.
Speak With a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing criminal charges, a DUI allegation, probation violation, warrant, or criminal investigation, waiting can limit your options.
Early legal strategy can preserve evidence, protect constitutional rights, and create opportunities that may not exist later.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides:
Immediate case evaluation
Evidence-focused review
Strategic criminal defense planning
Representation throughout Southeast Michigan
Birmingham Office
1000 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 103
Birmingham, Michigan 48009
Phone: (248) 986-2682
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Our defense lawyers can help you navigate your legal process, schedule your free case review now to get started!
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
Two of Fraiberg & Pernie’s greatest strengths are its attorneys, Matthew A. Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie, whose distinct professional backgrounds provide clients with a uniquely well-rounded defense team.
Matthew A. Fraiberg brings decades of criminal litigation experience, including prior service as a city prosecutor, judicial clerk, and assistant legal research clerk for judges in the Oakland County Circuit Court (6th Judicial Circuit). This background provides valuable insight into how judges and prosecutors evaluate criminal allegations, helping the firm anticipate legal challenges and build effective defense strategies.
Eric L. Pernie brings a different but equally valuable perspective through his prior law enforcement experience. His firsthand understanding of police procedure, criminal investigations, traffic stops, evidence collection, and arrest protocol allows the firm to closely analyze how cases are built and identify weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Together, Matthew Fraiberg and Eric Pernie offer clients strategic insight from both sides of the criminal justice system—an advantage that helps Fraiberg & Pernie deliver intelligent, thorough, and evidence-driven criminal defense representation throughout Michigan.
Our Commitment
At Fraiberg & Pernie, our mission is simple: help fellow Michiganders protect their rights, freedom, and future during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Whether you are facing a DUI, OWI, domestic violence allegation, felony charge, misdemeanor offense, probation violation, or other criminal matter, our attorneys are committed to providing strategic, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation tailored to your circumstances.
Fraiberg & Pernie has successfully handled thousands of criminal and DUI-related cases throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan.
What truly sets our firm apart is not just experience—it is perspective.
Led by Matthew A. Fraiberg, a former city prosecutor, and Eric L. Pernie, a former law enforcement officer, our firm offers clients valuable insight from both sides of the criminal justice system. This allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, analyze evidence thoroughly, and build defense strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
At Fraiberg & Pernie, we believe every client deserves respect, honesty, clear communication, and strong advocacy—regardless of the allegations they face.
Call (248) 986-2682 or complete our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.
