FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm representing clients charged with felony offenses, DUI and OWI crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence charges, probation violations, firearm offenses, and other serious criminal matters throughout Southeast Michigan.
Michigan criminal defense attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg has decades of experience defending clients in Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and courts across Michigan.
If you were arrested, charged with a felony, contacted by police, or served with a warrant in Michigan, call Fraiberg & Pernie immediately at (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
A felony is a criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison under Michigan law.
Felony charges may lead to:
State prison sentences
Long-term probation
Permanent criminal records
Driver’s license consequences
Employment barriers
Professional licensing consequences
Immigration consequences
Firearm restrictions
Early legal representation is critical because felony cases begin moving immediately after investigation or arrest.
Quick Answer:
Early defense strategy creates more opportunities to challenge evidence, reduce charges, negotiate favorable outcomes, and protect constitutional rights.
The earliest stages of a felony case often determine:
bond conditions
evidence preservation
witness statements
negotiation leverage
suppression issues
case strategy
Delaying legal representation may limit defense options.
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
Michigan attorney since 1997
Former city prosecutor
Extensive felony and DUI defense experience
Representation throughout Southeast Michigan courts
Strategic criminal defense litigation experience
Matthew Fraiberg regularly handles:
felony criminal defense
DUI and OWI defense
domestic violence defense
drug crime defense
assault and violent crime defense
firearm and weapons offenses
probation violation defense
driver’s license restoration matters
“Felony cases are often influenced long before trial. Early intervention creates opportunities to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and improve the outcome of the case.”
— Matthew A. Fraiberg
Most Michigan felony cases follow a structured legal process.
Police investigate allegations, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and submit charges to prosecutors.
The court formally advises the defendant of the charges and determines bond conditions.
Attorneys review evidence, discuss negotiations, and evaluate possible case resolution strategies.
The court determines whether probable cause exists for the felony case to proceed.
Circuit court proceedings may involve:
motions
evidentiary hearings
plea negotiations
constitutional challenges
trial preparation
Strong felony defense strategies are often developed before trial preparation begins.
A felony defense lawyer develops a legal strategy designed to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, reduce long-term consequences, and prepare the strongest possible defense.
Fraiberg & Pernie regularly:
Files motions to suppress evidence
Challenges witness credibility
Negotiates strategically with prosecutors
Prepares aggressively for trial
Preparation creates leverage.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients charged with:
Drug possession and drug delivery crimes
Cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine charges
Assault and violent crimes
Domestic violence felony offenses
Firearm and weapons crimes
Theft, fraud, and embezzlement
Home invasion and burglary charges
White-collar criminal offenses
Probation violations
Repeat offender felony cases
Every felony case requires an individualized defense strategy based on the facts, evidence, and legal issues involved.
Michigan felony convictions may result in:
Prison sentences
Extended probation
Substantial fines
Restitution obligations
Permanent criminal records
Driver’s license suspension
Employment consequences
Housing difficulties
Immigration consequences
Professional licensing problems
Early legal intervention can significantly affect long-term outcomes.
Fraiberg & Pernie develops felony defense strategies by:
Reviewing all available evidence immediately
Identifying constitutional issues
Investigating procedural errors
Challenging unlawful searches
Building negotiation leverage
Filing targeted defense motions
Preparing every case for possible trial
Strong preparation often influences case outcomes before trial begins.
Quick Answer:
Yes. Some felony charges may be reduced depending on:
evidentiary weaknesses
constitutional violations
witness credibility issues
illegal searches
procedural mistakes
negotiation strategy
Every case depends on its specific facts and evidence.
No.
Many Michigan felony cases resolve through:
negotiated plea agreements
reduced charges
dismissals
sentencing agreements
diversion opportunities
However, preparing every case for trial often strengthens negotiation leverage and defense positioning.
Every criminal case is different, and prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Examples of felony defense results may include:
Felony charges reduced after evidentiary review
Drug charges challenged due to unlawful search issues
Assault allegations resolved through negotiation strategy
Probation violations addressed without incarceration
Favorable plea negotiations achieved through early intervention
Early legal strategy often changes the direction of a criminal case.
Clients throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan choose Fraiberg & Pernie because the firm provides:
Strategic criminal defense representation
Direct attorney communication
Aggressive evidence analysis
Extensive courtroom experience
Local court familiarity
Early-stage legal intervention
Trial-focused preparation
Structured felony defense strategy
The firm focuses on protecting:
freedom
criminal records
driving privileges
professional futures
long-term opportunities
Felony cases may take several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the case, evidence, negotiations, and court scheduling.
Yes. Bond is typically addressed during arraignment, although conditions depend on the offense, allegations, and criminal history.
Sometimes. Charge reductions may occur when legal weaknesses, constitutional violations, or evidentiary issues exist.
Yes. Some felony cases are dismissed because of unlawful searches, evidentiary problems, procedural defects, or constitutional violations.
No. Sentencing depends on criminal history, the allegations, evidence, plea negotiations, and defense strategy.
You should speak with a Michigan criminal defense attorney before answering questions from investigators or law enforcement.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents criminal defense clients throughout Southeast Michigan.
Troy
Novi
Birmingham
Bloomfield Hills
Royal Oak
Southfield
Rochester Hills
Detroit
Livonia
Dearborn
Canton
Plymouth
Westland
Northville
Sterling Heights
Warren
Clinton Township
Shelby Township
Roseville
Mount Clemens
If you are facing felony charges in Michigan, immediate legal representation is critical.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and courts across Southeast Michigan.
Call (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation with Michigan criminal defense attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg.
Early legal action can significantly affect the outcome of your case, your freedom, your criminal record, and your future.
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
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship.
In Michigan, a felony charge means a serious criminal offense. Specifically, it carries a possible sentence of more than one year in state prison — and in the most severe cases, even life. Therefore, the stakes are immediately high. First, police file the charge in district court. Next, the court holds an arraignment and usually a preliminary exam. Then, if the judge finds probable cause, the case moves — or “binds over” — to Oakland County Circuit Court for plea or trial.
Common Michigan felony charges include drug possession or delivery, felonious assault, criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, and higher-value theft or fraud. Because felony procedures move step by step, early defense action matters. Fraiberg & Pernie felony defense attorneys in Birmingham challenge evidence early, attack weak procedures, and push for dismissals or reductions in Oakland County courts.
Yes — without question. Felony charges create prison risk, heavy fines, and lifelong consequences. In addition, a conviction can affect voting rights, firearm rights, and employment opportunities. Therefore, handling a felony case alone creates serious danger.
Instead, experienced counsel changes outcomes. First, a defense lawyer protects your rights during questioning and hearings. Next, counsel challenges improper evidence. Then, your attorney negotiates from a position of preparation. Fraiberg & Pernie work regularly with Oakland County prosecutors and judges. As a result, we often secure bond reductions, evidence suppression, and favorable plea terms for Birmingham clients. Early representation, therefore, creates real leverage.
Felony defense costs vary by case. First, charge severity matters. Next, complexity and motion practice matter. Also, trial risk affects fees. For example, lower-level drug felonies differ from high-level violent felonies. Consequently, pricing must match scope.
Serious felony defense often range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the case and the facts. it’s important to know, every case differs. Therefore, Fraiberg & Pernie start with a free consultation. Then, we evaluate facts and likely workload. Next, we give clear, transparent pricing. In other words, clients understand cost and value upfront. Because the consequences of a felony conviction are long-term, strong defense investment protects your future.
Yes — and quite often through early legal action. First, we file motions to suppress illegal searches or seizures. Next, we challenge probable cause. In addition, we test witness reliability and evidence handling. Then, where appropriate, we negotiate strategic plea reductions.
Many Birmingham and Oakland County felony cases reduce to misdemeanors. Others dismiss entirely. However, results improve when defense starts early. Fraiberg & Pernie press these issues at preliminary exams and in Circuit Court. As a result, early, thorough defense frequently changes the charge level and outcome.
Felony charges in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland Counties cover several major categories. Although details vary, exposure remains serious. Therefore, each charge demands focused defense.
Common examples include:
Drug possession and delivery felonies
Felonious assault
Criminal sexual conduct (CSC)
Home invasion
High-value larceny and fraud
Weapons offenses
Embezzlement
Penalty ranges depend on felony class, from lower classes up to life-maximum offenses. Because classification drives sentencing, charge analysis comes first. Then, defense strategy follows.
Penalties depend on felony class. For instance, Class H felonies may carry up to 2 years. Next, many Class E felonies carry up to 5 years. Higher classes increase from there — sometimes up to life. However, first-time offenders sometimes qualify for alternatives.
For example, courts may allow probation, diversion, or reduced pleas. Youthful defendants may qualify for HYTA status. Therefore, defense counsel should raise these options early. Fraiberg & Pernie advocate for non-prison outcomes whenever facts allow — especially in Birmingham-area cases.
Generally, a felony conviction stays on your record permanently. However, Michigan Clean Slate laws allow certain eligible felonies to be set aside. Typically, eligibility begins after 7 to 10 years without new offenses. Therefore, record review matters.
A felony record affects jobs, housing, and licensing. Because of that, avoiding conviction is always the first goal. When needed, expungement becomes the next step. Fraiberg & Pernie help Birmingham clients evaluate eligibility and pursue record-clearing or non-conviction strategies.
The preliminary exam happens in district court. There, prosecutors must show probable cause. If they fail, the case can reduce or dismiss. Therefore, this hearing matters greatly.
First, the prosecution presents basic evidence. Next, the defense cross-examines witnesses. Then, the judge decides whether to bind the case to Circuit Court. Fraiberg & Pernie use these hearings to challenge proof, expose weaknesses, and block or limit bind-over whenever possible.
Frequently, yes. Courts may grant cash, surety, or personal recognizance bond. In addition, judges can modify conditions. Therefore, early bond advocacy helps.
Fraiberg & Pernie move quickly at arraignment and bond hearings. First, we present stability factors. Next, we argue proportional terms. As a result, many Birmingham clients secure release and prepare their defense more effectively.
Experience and preparation drive results. First, our team brings decades of felony defense across Oakland County — from district prelims through Circuit Court trials. Next, we scrutinize every detail, from arrest through evidence handling. Then, we build tailored strategies for each client.
With free 24/7 consultations, aggressive motion practice, and a strong record of dismissals and reductions, Fraiberg & Pernie remain a trusted Birmingham-area felony defense firm focused on protecting your future
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.