FRAIBERG & PERNIE
If you were arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, or contacted by investigators in Oakland County, Michigan, early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Criminal charges in Oakland County may result in:
Jail or prison
Probation
Heavy fines
Driver’s license consequences
Employment issues
Professional licensing consequences
Permanent criminal record
Many criminal charges are reduced, dismissed, or favorably resolved through early intervention, evidence review, constitutional challenges, strategic negotiation, and trial-ready defense.
Fraiberg & Pernie → Criminal Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → Criminal Defense Attorney / Former Prosecutor
Region → Oakland County, Michigan
Common Charges → DUI, OWI, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft
Key Risks → Jail, probation, criminal record, license sanctions
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
His background includes:
Former City Prosecutor
Former Judicial Clerk
28+ years of criminal defense experience
He represents clients throughout Oakland County district courts and the Oakland County Circuit Court.
His core question in every case:
What does the evidence actually prove?
That evidence-first approach often creates leverage for dismissal, reduction, or favorable resolution.
Most clients ask the same questions.
Not necessarily. Many first-offense cases are resolved without incarceration.
Possibly. Criminal charges may affect employment and licensing.
DUI and certain driving offenses can trigger suspension or restrictions.
Some cases are dismissed because of legal or evidentiary weaknesses.
These concerns are real.
Early strategy matters.
Most criminal cases proceed through several stages.
The case may begin with:
Traffic stop
Police investigation
Arrest warrant
Complaint by another person
Evidence begins accumulating immediately.
At arraignment:
Charges are presented
Penalties explained
Bond conditions imposed
Future court dates scheduled
Bond decisions can affect work, travel, and daily life.
This often creates the first opportunity to:
Review evidence
Identify weaknesses
Discuss resolution
Begin negotiations
The court determines whether sufficient evidence exists for felony prosecution.
Felony cases may proceed to Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac.
Cases may conclude through:
Dismissal
Reduction
Diversion
Deferred sentencing
Plea agreement
Trial
Every stage creates opportunity.
The first days matter.
Remain silent
Preserve evidence
Follow bond conditions
Contact a defense attorney
Talking to police without counsel
Assuming charges are minor
Waiting too long to hire counsel
Deleting evidence
Violating bond
Contacting alleged victims
Avoiding mistakes can significantly improve options.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing:
Including:
OWI
OWVI
High BAC
Zero Tolerance
Potential consequences:
License suspension
Probation
Fines
Insurance increases
Criminal record
Often involves:
Family disputes
No-contact conditions
Credibility issues
Frequently involves:
Self-defense claims
Conflicting witnesses
Limited physical evidence
Common issues include:
Search warrants
Traffic stops
Vehicle searches
Constitutional protections
Some clients may qualify for diversion.
These charges may affect:
Employment
Licensing
Security clearances
Education
Require immediate attention because incarceration risk rises quickly.
Oakland County has long been known as one of Michigan’s more structured criminal court systems.
Many courts emphasize:
Detailed probation supervision
Strict compliance
Frequent testing
Careful case review
Because of this, court-specific strategy matters.
Known for detailed probation supervision and careful review.
Handles criminal and OWI matters in Novi.
Serves Clarkston and surrounding communities.
Handles Rochester Hills and nearby areas.
One of the county’s busiest courts.
High-volume criminal and traffic docket.
Serves Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights.
Handles felony matters and appeals.
Every court operates differently.
Yes.
Defense strategies may include:
Challenging unlawful stops
Challenging illegal searches
Challenging witness credibility
Suppressing evidence
Identifying constitutional violations
Strategic negotiation
Some cases are dismissed, reduced, or resolved without incarceration.
Many people focus only on jail.
But criminal charges can also affect:
Employment
Professional licenses
Nursing licenses
Medical licenses
Teaching certifications
Immigration status
Housing
College admissions
Security clearances
These collateral consequences can be life-changing.
Misdemeanors often resolve in months. Felonies may take longer.
A warrant may issue.
Depends on bond conditions.
A hearing where evidence is reviewed and negotiations may begin.
Some are dismissed due to factual or legal weaknesses.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Oakland County, do not wait.
Early legal action can significantly affect your options.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with:
DUI / OWI
Domestic violence
Assault
Drug offenses
Theft crimes
Probation violations
Misdemeanors
Felonies
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Protect your:
Record
License
Career
Future
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
Reviewed by
Eric L. Pernie – Criminal Defense Attorney
Matthew A. Fraiberg – Criminal Defense Attorney
Fraiberg & Pernie
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