FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense and DUI law firm representing clients charged with OWI, DUI, domestic violence, assault, drug crimes, weapon offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies throughout Southeast Michigan.
The firm is led by Matthew A. Fraiberg, a former prosecutor with more than 28 years of courtroom experience handling criminal and DUI cases throughout:
Oakland County
Wayne County
Macomb County
Detroit
Bloomfield Hills
Troy
Royal Oak
and surrounding Michigan courts
If you are facing criminal charges or a DUI, early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome.
A criminal case begins immediately after arrest.
So should your defense.
Yes. Some DUI and OWI cases may be dismissed when police lacked probable cause, violated procedure, or testing evidence is unreliable.
Often no. Many first offenders receive probation, counseling, fines, or education instead of jail.
Yes. Even misdemeanors can result in jail, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Only the prosecutor can dismiss criminal charges—not the alleged victim.
Only under specific legal exceptions such as probable cause, consent, or lawful search incident to arrest.
Most clients ask the same questions.
Not always. Many first-time offenders avoid incarceration.
DUI and OWI cases can lead to suspension, restrictions, or ignition interlock requirements.
Criminal charges can affect employment, licensing, and reputation.
In some cases, reduction, dismissal, diversion, or expungement may be possible.
These concerns are real—and early strategy matters.
Direct answer:
Remain silent
Ask for a lawyer
Do not answer police questions
Anything you say may strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Matthew Fraiberg explains:
“The prosecution starts building the case immediately. Early mistakes can become permanent evidence.”
Early legal intervention may improve:
Bond terms
Negotiation leverage
Resolution options
Dismissal opportunities
At arraignment:
Charges are read
Bond is set
Conditions are imposed
Having a lawyer early may help:
Reduce bond
Prevent jail
Avoid unnecessary restrictions
A judge may issue a bench warrant.
That may lead to:
Arrest
Bond revocation
Additional penalties
Immediate action matters.
Yes. Many charges are reduced or dismissed.
Dismissals commonly occur when:
Evidence is weak
Police violated constitutional rights
Witnesses contradict themselves
Search or seizure was illegal
Prosecutors cannot prove intent
Many cases are won before trial.
Fees depend on:
Charge severity
Court location
Complexity
Trial risk
Fraiberg & Pernie offers:
Transparent fee discussions
Strategic case evaluation
Personalized defense planning
Direct answer:
Court dates begin quickly
License penalties may start
Prosecutors review evidence
OWI cases move fast.
Matthew Fraiberg explains:
“The first 72 hours after an OWI arrest are often critical to defense strategy.”
Yes—many people do.
Possible outcomes include:
Probation
Fines
Counseling
Education programs
Jail risk rises with:
High BAC
Accidents
Repeat offenses
Injuries
Possibly.
Michigan may impose:
Suspension
Restrictions
Ignition interlock
Important: Secretary of State sanctions may be separate from criminal court penalties.
Yes.
Some OWI charges are reduced to OWVI when:
Evidence is weak
Breath testing is flawed
Constitutional issues exist
Matthew Fraiberg explains:
“Charge reductions usually come from leverage created early.”
Yes.
Breath test evidence may be challenged if:
Calibration was improper
Testing procedures were flawed
Medical conditions affected results
Officer training was insufficient
Excluding the test can significantly weaken prosecution evidence.
Yes.
Dismissals may happen when:
Evidence is weak
Statements conflict
Credibility issues arise
Constitutional violations occurred
No.
Only the prosecutor can dismiss criminal charges.
Witness cooperation may still affect negotiations.
Michigan’s 769.4a first-offender program may allow:
Probation
Deferred disposition
Dismissal upon successful completion
No permanent conviction
Commonly used in first-offense domestic violence cases.
Yes—frequently.
Dismissals often occur when:
Searches are illegal
Police lacked probable cause
Evidence is weak
Illegal searches can lead to suppression.
Felony firearm means possessing a firearm during commission of a felony.
Potential penalty includes:
Mandatory 2-year prison sentence
Defense often attacks the underlying felony.
Illegal carrying of a concealed weapon may be charged as a felony in Michigan.
Defense often focuses on:
Stop legality
Search legality
Possession issues
We analyze:
Police reports
Dashcam footage
Bodycam footage
Witness statements
Scientific evidence
We identify:
Illegal stops
Illegal searches
Rights violations
Procedural errors
We pursue:
Charge reductions
Dismissals
Favorable plea terms
If necessary, we prepare aggressively for trial.
Matthew Fraiberg explains:
“Most strong outcomes come from preparation and leverage—not last-minute courtroom drama.”
Clients choose Fraiberg & Pernie because of:
28+ years of criminal defense experience
Former prosecutor insight
Deep local court knowledge
Personalized representation
Responsive communication
Trial-ready preparation
Local court experience matters because:
Judges differ
Prosecutors differ
Procedures differ
Outcomes vary by county
Early action matters in every criminal case
Many charges can be reduced or dismissed
DUI and OWI cases often depend on procedure and evidence
License penalties may be separate from court penalties
Strong defense strategy can significantly change outcomes
If you are facing criminal charges or DUI allegations:
Your case has already started.
The prosecution is already building evidence.
Your defense should begin now.
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Protect your:
Freedom
Record
License
Career
Future