FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Domestic Violence allegations in Michigan often trigger immediate arrest, emergency bond conditions, no-contact restrictions, and court proceedings that begin almost immediately.
A Domestic Violence arrest does not automatically result in a conviction.
Many cases involve:
Conflicting witness accounts
Credibility disputes
Self-defense claims
Constitutional issues
Incomplete investigations
Evidentiary weaknesses
Early legal intervention often becomes one of the most important factors affecting the outcome.
Michigan criminal defense attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg and Fraiberg & Pernie represent individuals accused of Domestic Violence throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Assault and Battery
Aggravated Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Second Offense
Domestic Violence Third Offense
Jail
Probation
No-Contact Orders
Counseling Requirements
Firearm Restrictions
Employment Consequences
Family Court Consequences
MCL 769.4a
Matthew A. Fraiberg
More than 28 Years
Former City Attorney Prosecutor
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Since 1997
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney, former prosecutor, assault defense lawyer, and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
For more than 28 years, he has represented individuals accused of:
Domestic Violence
Assault Charges
Felony Assault
Probation Violations
DUI and OWI Charges
Serious Criminal Offenses
His experience includes extensive representation throughout district and circuit courts across Southeast Michigan.
Domestic Violence generally involves allegations between:
Spouses
Former Spouses
Dating Partners
Household Members
Family Members
Individuals Sharing a Child
Physical injury is not always required.
Many prosecutions arise from allegations involving:
Threats
Attempted Violence
Physical Contact
Offensive Touching
The first few days often have a significant impact on the case.
Police respond and make an arrest.
Judges frequently impose:
No-contact orders
Alcohol restrictions
Drug testing
GPS monitoring
Important evidence may include:
Text messages
Photos
Video recordings
Witness statements
911 calls
Early evidence review often identifies issues before positions become fixed.
To obtain a conviction, prosecutors generally must prove every required legal element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors must generally establish:
Identity
Assault or battery
Required relationship
Intent
Additional proof regarding injury allegations may be required.
The prosecution may also rely upon prior convictions.
The burden of proof remains entirely with the prosecution.
Potential misdemeanor penalties.
Enhanced misdemeanor penalties.
Potential felony penalties.
Additional penalties may apply depending on circumstances.
Every case depends on its own facts and history.
Domestic Violence cases often involve:
Immediate restrictions may prevent communication.
Personal Protection Orders may overlap with criminal proceedings.
Parenting-time disputes sometimes arise.
Federal and state consequences may affect firearm rights.
Background checks may create professional consequences.
Often one of the most important forms of evidence.
Emergency calls frequently shape the prosecution’s case.
Credibility often becomes a central issue.
May support or challenge injury allegations.
Frequently provide context missing from police reports.
Visual evidence often becomes significant.
Dismissals may occur because of:
Insufficient evidence
Contradictory statements
Credibility issues
Constitutional violations
Investigation deficiencies
Witness problems
Every case must be evaluated individually.
Reductions may occur because of:
Evidentiary weaknesses
Negotiated resolutions
Mitigation evidence
Legal challenges
Strategic early intervention
MCL 769.4a may allow certain eligible first-time offenders to avoid a public conviction.
Successful completion of probation may prevent a public conviction from appearing on the individual’s record.
Eligibility depends on the facts, history, and applicable law.
“An arrest is not proof. The evidence still must support the allegation.”
“The first days after a Domestic Violence arrest frequently create the greatest opportunity to identify weaknesses in the case.”
“Video evidence often tells a more complete story than the initial report.”
“Many people underestimate how quickly bond conditions can affect family, employment, and daily life.”
“For eligible individuals, understanding available deferral options can be extremely important.”
“Strong preparation often creates opportunities both inside and outside the courtroom.”
“Many Domestic Violence cases ultimately turn on credibility rather than physical evidence.”
“Every Domestic Violence allegation should be independently investigated.”
Avoid:
Violating no-contact orders
Contacting the alleged victim indirectly
Discussing the case online
Ignoring court requirements
Speaking with investigators without legal counsel
The prosecutor generally controls charging decisions.
Not necessarily. Outcomes depend on the facts and circumstances.
Some cases involve evidentiary or legal weaknesses.
In some situations, negotiated resolutions may be possible.
A Michigan statute that may allow certain first-time offenders to avoid a public conviction.
A court order restricting communication with the alleged victim.
A Personal Protection Order issued through civil court proceedings.
Potentially. State and federal consequences may apply.
Domestic Violence allegations may affect family court proceedings.
Criminal convictions may affect employment opportunities and background checks.
False allegation defenses sometimes arise and should be evaluated based on the evidence.
Because Domestic Violence allegations may affect criminal records, employment, firearm rights, and family matters, many individuals seek legal representation.
48th District Court
52-1 District Court
52-3 District Court
52-4 District Court
36th District Court
17th District Court
19th District Court
41A District Court
41B District Court
42-1 District Court
Local procedures often affect bond conditions, negotiations, and case management.
People frequently seek Matthew Fraiberg because of:
More than 28 years of criminal defense experience
Former prosecutor background
Domestic Violence and assault defense experience
Familiarity with Southeast Michigan courts
Evidence-focused defense strategies
Trial preparation experience
If you have been accused of Domestic Violence, Aggravated Domestic Violence, or another assault-related offense in Michigan, early legal guidance can be critical.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides:
Immediate case evaluation
Evidence-focused review
Strategic defense planning
Representation throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan
Call (248) 986-2682 to schedule a confidential consultation.
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
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Fraiberg & Pernie is an Oakland County criminal defense law firm focusing on Domestic Violence and DUI and OWI defense in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Novi and Farmington Hills, Michigan.