FRAIBERG & PERNIE
Yes. A DUI or OWI conviction can affect your driver’s license, criminal record, employment opportunities, insurance rates, and future driving privileges. Early legal representation allows an attorney to review evidence, identify defenses, and protect your rights from the beginning of the case.
Follow all bond conditions, preserve all paperwork, comply with testing requirements, avoid discussing the case publicly, and contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Early action often creates opportunities to review evidence before it becomes more difficult to obtain.
Most DUI, OWI, High BAC, and drunk driving offenses occurring in Clawson are handled in the 52-4 District Court in Oakland County.
Law enforcement agencies serving Clawson actively investigate and prosecute DUI and OWI offenses, and courts often expect immediate compliance following arrest.
Yes. A DUI conviction may affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, insurance premiums, educational opportunities, and future criminal penalties.
Yes. DUI cases can be challenged based on constitutional issues, police procedures, testing methods, evidentiary weaknesses, and factual disputes.
As soon as possible. Important evidence such as body camera footage, dash camera recordings, breath testing records, and witness information should be reviewed early.
Most defendants face bond conditions, alcohol testing requirements, probation screening procedures, and preparation for upcoming court appearances.
Most DUI, OWI, High BAC, and drunk driving offenses occurring in Troy are handled in the 52-4 District Court.
Both cities are generally served by the same court, but every case is evaluated based on its own facts, evidence, and circumstances.
The court is widely regarded as structured, compliance-focused, and attentive to alcohol-related offenses.
Many first-offense DUI cases do not result in incarceration, but outcomes depend on the specific facts, BAC level, prior history, and compliance with court conditions.
Many DUI cases resolve within several months, although timelines vary depending on complexity and litigation.
In some cases, prosecutors may agree to reduce charges when legal or evidentiary issues affect the strength of the case.
The 52-4 District Court is known for structured supervision, alcohol testing requirements, probation screening procedures, and strict compliance expectations.
Many defendants charged with DUI offenses are required to participate in alcohol testing while their cases are pending.
The court advises the defendant of the charges, imposes bond conditions, and schedules future court dates.
Common conditions may include:
No alcohol consumption
Alcohol testing
Drug testing
Travel restrictions
Reporting requirements
PSI stands for Presentence Investigation. Courts often use this process to gather information before sentencing.
Yes. Probation screening and evaluation are often part of the DUI court process.
A failed test may result in bond violations, additional restrictions, increased supervision, or other sanctions.
Understanding local court procedures, judicial expectations, and prosecutorial practices can help shape defense strategy.
OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated. It is Michigan’s primary drunk driving offense.
For most drivers, a BAC of .08 percent or higher may result in an OWI charge.
OWVI stands for Operating While Visibly Impaired and is generally considered a less serious alcohol-related offense than OWI.
A High BAC charge generally applies when a person’s BAC is .17 percent or higher.
Yes. High BAC cases typically carry enhanced penalties and additional driver’s license consequences.
Super Drunk is the commonly used term for Michigan High BAC offenses involving an alleged BAC of .17 or greater.
Some High BAC cases may qualify for reductions when legal or evidentiary issues affect the prosecution’s position.
Yes. Drivers may still face charges if officers believe they were impaired by alcohol, drugs, or another intoxicating substance.
Many DUI cases involve driver’s license consequences, but the exact outcome depends on the charge, prior record, and case resolution.
Some drivers may qualify for restricted driving privileges depending on the circumstances.
A restricted license allows limited driving privileges under specific legal conditions.
An ignition interlock is a breath-testing device installed in a vehicle that must be passed before the vehicle will start.
High BAC cases frequently involve ignition interlock requirements.
Refusal may trigger separate driver’s license consequences under Michigan’s implied consent law.
Depending on the circumstances, administrative and legal remedies may be available.
The duration depends on the offense, prior record, and applicable Michigan law.
Not necessarily. Many first-offense DUI cases result in probation, fines, testing requirements, and driver’s license consequences rather than incarceration.
Most first-offense DUI charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors.
Some first-offense cases may qualify for reduced charges when weaknesses exist in the evidence.
Dismissals may occur when significant constitutional, legal, or evidentiary problems exist.
Many DUI cases resolve within several months, although timelines vary.
A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences and may remain on a person’s record unless otherwise addressed under Michigan law.
Many drivers experience substantial insurance premium increases following a DUI conviction.
Yes. Certain professions require disclosure of criminal convictions and alcohol-related offenses.
Second-offense DUI cases generally involve enhanced penalties and increased driver’s license consequences.
Yes. Michigan law imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Third-offense DUI charges may be prosecuted as felony offenses.
The risk of incarceration increases significantly with repeat offenses.
Repeat offenses often involve substantial driver’s license sanctions and revocations.
Yes. Criminal history frequently influences how prosecutors evaluate a case.
Every case is unique, but repeat offenses often receive greater scrutiny from courts and prosecutors.
Experienced legal representation is especially important because the potential consequences are significantly greater.
Yes. Body camera footage often provides valuable evidence regarding officer observations, field sobriety testing, and arrest procedures.
Dash camera recordings may provide important information regarding driving behavior and police interactions.
Common evidence includes:
Police reports
Body camera footage
Dash camera recordings
Breath test results
Blood test results
Field sobriety testing observations
Witness statements
Officer testimony
No. Environmental conditions, injuries, medical issues, fatigue, and improper instructions can affect performance.
Yes. Improper administration or interpretation may affect reliability.
Breath-testing devices require proper maintenance, calibration, operation, and documentation.
Yes. Collection procedures, storage methods, testing protocols, and chain-of-custody issues may affect reliability.
Probable cause refers to the legal justification required for law enforcement to make an arrest.
Potentially. Unlawful stops may create legal challenges affecting the admissibility of evidence.
Common defenses may involve constitutional violations, improper police procedures, testing errors, unreliable evidence, or factual disputes.
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether motions are filed, and whether significant litigation is required.
Many people believe legal representation is worthwhile because of the potentially serious consequences of a conviction.
Potential costs include:
Court fines
Court costs
Insurance increases
License sanctions
Treatment expenses
Lost employment opportunities
Many individuals experience substantial financial consequences following a DUI conviction.
Most DUI cases are resolved before trial through negotiations, motions, or other legal proceedings.
No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome in any criminal case.
Yes. The impact depends on the profession, employer, and circumstances of the case.
Many criminal background checks reveal DUI convictions.
Certain professions may require disclosure or review following a DUI conviction.
Commercial drivers often face additional licensing consequences.
Potentially. Licensing boards may review alcohol-related offenses.
Some educational employers and licensing authorities evaluate criminal convictions.
Certain employers and government agencies may consider criminal history during clearance reviews.
Some educational institutions ask applicants to disclose criminal history.
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney with more than 28 years of experience representing individuals charged with DUI, OWI, High BAC, and criminal offenses throughout Michigan.
His background includes:
Former prosecutor experience
Former judicial clerk experience
More than 28 years of criminal defense experience
Thousands of criminal and DUI cases handled
Clients often choose the firm because of its extensive DUI experience, evidence-focused defense strategies, familiarity with the 52-4 District Court, and commitment to early intervention.
The firm represents clients throughout Clawson, Troy, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Oakland County, Metro Detroit, and courts throughout Southeast Michigan.
Early representation allows an attorney to preserve evidence, evaluate police procedures, address bond conditions, review testing records, identify defenses, and begin developing a strategy before critical opportunities are lost.
Most DUI cases are influenced early. Evidence review, compliance with court conditions, and early legal strategy frequently play a major role in determining the outcome.