OWI / DUI Lawyers in Oakland County, Michigan

Oakland County DUI Court Guide — OWI Defense in Oakland County District Courts

Facing an OWI or DUI charge in Oakland County, Michigan? The court handling your case generally depends on where the alleged offense occurred. Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing OWI, High BAC, OWVI, repeat OWI and drugged-driving charges in district courts throughout Oakland County.

This guide explains which courts handle Oakland County DUI cases, the communities they serve, what happens after an arrest and where to find more detailed court-specific information.

Fraiberg & Pernie | Birmingham, Michigan | (248) 986-2682

Quick Answer: Which Oakland County Court Handles a DUI or OWI?

Most misdemeanor OWI cases are handled in the district court with jurisdiction over the location of the alleged offense. Felony OWI cases generally begin in district court and may proceed to Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac after bindover.

Oakland County has 12 district court jurisdictions, including the four divisions of the 52nd District Court and the three locations of the 43rd District Court.

The court matters because each jurisdiction has its own scheduling, administrative procedures and local practices. Michigan’s OWI laws apply statewide, but the court handling your case determines where you appear and how the proceedings are administered.

For a broader explanation of OWI charges, defenses and driver’s-license consequences, visit our Michigan DUI and OWI Defense Guide.

Oakland County DUI and OWI Court Directory

The communities above are an overview, not a complete jurisdictional listing. Confirm the assigned court using your citation, arraignment notice or official court records.

48th District Court — Bloomfield Hills DUI and OWI Cases

The 48th District Court, located in Bloomfield Hills, handles criminal traffic and misdemeanor OWI matters arising within its jurisdiction.

Communities include Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and Sylvan Lake.

An OWI case in this court may involve arraignment, bond conditions, alcohol testing, discovery, pretrial conferences, motions and possible trial.

Representative 48th District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Reduced to Careless Driving
Attorney: Matthew Fraiberg

In a prior matter involving an 82-year-old driver with diabetes, an OWI charge was reduced to Careless Driving.

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Read the 48th District Court DUI and OWI Defense Guide.

52-4 District Court — Troy and Clawson DUI Cases

The 52-4 District Court handles cases arising in Troy and Clawson.

OWI investigations may involve traffic-stop observations, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, and body-camera or dash-camera recordings.

Representative 52-4 District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Dismissed
Attorney: Matthew Fraiberg

In a prior Troy case, dash-camera footage contradicted the officer’s description of the driving. Following litigation over the stop, the OWI charge was dismissed.

Read the 52-4 District Court Troy DUI and OWI Guide.

52-3 District Court — Rochester Hills DUI and OWI Cases

The 52-3 District Court handles matters arising in Rochester Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills and other communities within its jurisdiction.

Depending on the case, relevant issues may include road conditions, driving observations, police video, field sobriety testing and chemical evidence.

Representative 52-3 District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Reduced to Careless Driving
Attorney: Eric L. Pernie

In a prior Rochester-area case, road and weather conditions were relevant to the defense evaluation, and the charge was reduced.

Read the 52-3 District Court Rochester DUI and OWI Guide.

52-1 District Court — Novi DUI and OWI Cases

The 52-1 District Court is located in Novi and serves communities within its assigned jurisdiction.

Cases may involve traffic stops, accidents, parked vehicles, field sobriety testing and questions about whether the prosecution can establish the required elements of OWI.

Representative 52-1 District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Reduced to Disorderly Person
Attorney: Eric L. Pernie

In a prior Novi case involving a parked vehicle, the timeline and evidence concerning operation were important to the defense evaluation.

Read the 52-1 District Court Novi DUI and OWI Guide.

52-2 District Court — Clarkston DUI and OWI Cases

The 52-2 District Court, located in Clarkston, handles matters from Independence Township and other communities within its jurisdiction.

OWI charges involving commercial drivers may create consequences for a commercial driver’s license that differ from those affecting an ordinary operator’s license.

Representative 52-2 District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Reduced to Careless Driving
Attorney: Matthew Fraiberg

In a prior case involving a commercial driver, the defense examined breath-testing observation procedures. The OWI charge was reduced, and the client retained commercial driving privileges.

Read the 52-2 District Court Clarkston DUI and OWI Guide.

44th District Court — Royal Oak and Berkley DUI Cases

The 44th District Court serves Royal Oak and Berkley.

DUI cases may involve traffic stops, driving observations, field sobriety tests, chemical testing and bond conditions.

A prior Royal Oak OWI case handled by Matthew Fraiberg resulted in a reduced charge.

Read the 44th District Court Royal Oak DUI and OWI Guide.

47th District Court — Farmington Hills DUI Cases

The 47th District Court serves Farmington Hills and Farmington.

As in other Oakland County courts, the defense may evaluate whether police had a lawful basis for the stop and arrest and whether the evidence supports the charge.

Representative 47th District Court Case Result

Original charge: Operating While Intoxicated
Result: Dismissed
Attorney: Matthew A. Fraiberg

Read the 47th District Court Farmington Hills DUI and OWI Guide.

46th District Court — Southfield DUI and OWI Cases

The 46th District Court handles matters arising in Southfield and other communities within its jurisdiction.

OWI cases may involve police video, traffic-stop evidence, breath or blood testing, and pretrial proceedings.

Read the 46th District Court Southfield DUI and OWI Guide.

43rd District Court — Ferndale, Hazel Park and Madison Heights

The 43rd District Court operates through locations serving Ferndale, Hazel Park and Madison Heights.

The assigned division depends on the location of the alleged offense.

A prior Ferndale OWI matter handled by Matthew Fraiberg resulted in a reduction to Operating While Visibly Impaired.

45th District Court — Oak Park DUI and OWI Cases

The 45th District Court is located in Oak Park.

The court handles criminal traffic and misdemeanor matters arising within its jurisdiction.

An OWI defense may involve traffic-stop evidence, police observations, field sobriety testing, chemical-test records and possible driver’s-license consequences.

50th District Court — Pontiac DUI and OWI Cases

The 50th District Court serves Pontiac.

OWI matters generally proceed through arraignment, discovery, pretrial proceedings and either resolution or trial.

The defense may evaluate video, witness statements, chemical testing and constitutional issues.

51st District Court — Waterford DUI and OWI Cases

The 51st District Court serves Waterford Township.

OWI cases may involve local traffic enforcement, police observations, chemical testing and driver’s-license concerns.

A prior reckless-driving matter handled by Matthew Fraiberg in the 51st District Court resulted in a reduced charge.

What Happens After an Oakland County DUI Arrest?

Although each court administers its own calendar, Michigan OWI cases generally follow a similar process.

Arraignment

The court addresses the charge, applicable rights, bond and conditions of release.

Depending on the circumstances, conditions may include alcohol testing, reporting requirements or travel restrictions.

Discovery

The defense reviews available police reports, video, breath-testing records, blood-testing records, witness statements and other evidence.

Pretrial Proceedings

The parties address discovery, legal issues, negotiations and scheduling.

Motions

When supported by the facts and law, the defense may challenge evidence involving traffic stops, arrests, searches, statements or chemical testing.

Resolution or Trial

The case may proceed to a negotiated resolution, dismissal, plea, trial or sentencing.

Not every case follows the same path, and no particular outcome can be promised.

What Evidence Matters in an Oakland County OWI Case?

The most important evidence depends on the circumstances.

Common areas of review include:

• The reason for the traffic stop

• Dash-camera and body-camera recordings

• Driving observations

• Field sobriety testing

• Statements made during the investigation

• Probable cause for arrest

• DataMaster breath-testing records

• Blood collection and laboratory procedures

• Evidence concerning operation of the vehicle

• Constitutional and evidentiary issues

An OWI charge should be evaluated based on the complete evidence, not simply the BAC number or conclusions in a police report.

For a more detailed discussion, see the Michigan DUI and OWI Defense Guide.

What Happens to Your Driver’s License After an OWI Arrest?

Driver’s-license consequences depend on the offense, prior history, chemical-testing circumstances and case outcome.

Possible consequences include suspension, restrictions, ignition-interlock requirements or other Secretary of State sanctions.

An alleged chemical-test refusal can also create a separate administrative proceeding.

If you received implied-consent paperwork, review the applicable deadline promptly.

Read the Michigan Implied Consent Refusal Guide.

Felony OWI Cases and Oakland County Circuit Court

Most misdemeanor OWI cases remain in district court.

Felony OWI matters generally begin in district court and may proceed to Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac following bindover.

Felony OWI allegations may involve qualifying prior convictions, serious injury, death or other circumstances specified by Michigan law.

Learn about Michigan Felony Third-Offense OWI.

Oakland County DUI Court Guide — Frequently Asked Questions

Which Oakland County Court Will Handle My DUI?

Generally, the district court with jurisdiction over the location of the alleged offense. Your citation or court paperwork should identify the assigned court.

Does Every Oakland County Court Follow the Same OWI Law?

Yes. Michigan OWI statutes apply statewide, although court administration, scheduling and local procedures can vary.

Is a DUI in Troy Handled in the Same Court as a DUI in Birmingham?

No. Troy cases generally fall within the 52-4 District Court, while Birmingham cases generally fall within the 48th District Court.

Where Is a Rochester Hills OWI Case Heard?

Generally, the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills.

Where Is a Novi OWI Case Heard?

Generally, the 52-1 District Court.

Can an Oakland County DUI Be Reduced?

Sometimes. The possibility depends on the evidence, law, prior history, negotiations and individual circumstances.

Can an Oakland County DUI Be Dismissed?

Potentially. Dismissal depends on the evidence and applicable law and cannot be guaranteed.

Does a Felony OWI Stay in District Court?

Felony proceedings generally begin in district court and may continue in Oakland County Circuit Court after bindover.

Can I Challenge Breath-Test or Blood-Test Evidence?

Yes. Chemical-test evidence may be evaluated for procedural, scientific, documentation and legal issues.

Can a DUI Affect My Commercial Driver’s License?

Yes. OWI-related allegations and convictions can have significant CDL consequences.

Does My Attorney Need Experience in My Particular District Court?

Experience with the assigned court’s procedures can be useful, but the most important considerations include criminal-defense knowledge, evidence analysis, communication and preparation.

What Should I Bring to an OWI Consultation?

Bring your citation, bond paperwork, chemical-testing documents, court notices and any relevant photographs, recordings or other available information.

Oakland County DUI Attorneys — Matthew Fraiberg and Eric Pernie

Matthew Fraiberg — Former City Prosecutor and Judicial Clerk

Matthew Fraiberg is Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie and has practiced Michigan law since 1997.

His professional background includes service as a City Prosecutor, Judicial Clerk and Assistant Legal Research Clerk working with Oakland County Circuit Court judges.

His practice includes first-offense OWI, High BAC, repeat OWI, felony OWI, implied-consent matters and related criminal traffic offenses.

Eric L. Pernie — Former Bloomfield Township Police Officer

Eric L. Pernie is a Partner at Fraiberg & Pernie and a former Bloomfield Township Police Officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.

His training and experience include traffic enforcement, standardized field sobriety testing, police investigations and DataMaster breath-testing procedures.

Together, the attorneys bring perspectives from criminal defense, prosecution, judicial work and law enforcement.

Related Oakland County DUI and Criminal Defense Resources

• Michigan DUI and OWI Defense

• Michigan High BAC OWI

• Michigan OWVI Defense

• Michigan Felony Third-Offense OWI

• Michigan Implied Consent Refusal

• Oakland County Criminal Defense

• Michigan Criminal Defense Case Results

• Michigan DUI and Criminal Defense Video Library

Speak With an Oakland County DUI and OWI Lawyer

If you have been charged with OWI, OWVI, High BAC, repeat OWI or drugged driving in Oakland County, understanding which court is handling your case and what evidence may matter is an important first step.

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Oakland County, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Novi, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Clarkston, Pontiac and Waterford.

Fraiberg & Pernie
Birmingham, Michigan
Phone: (248) 986-2682

Contact Fraiberg & Pernie to request a confidential consultation.

Written by: Matthew Fraiberg, Managing Partner and Michigan criminal defense attorney, practicing since 1997.

Legally reviewed by: Eric L. Pernie, Partner and former Bloomfield Township Police Officer.

Last reviewed and updated: October 2026

This guide provides general legal information, not individualized legal advice. Court assignments and procedures should be confirmed through current court records. Prior case results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.