Domestic Violence
Many people don’t realize that domestic violence refers to any significant altercation between two people who currently or at any time resided in the same household. It doesn’t matter if the instigator/abuser is a man or woman, young or old; the only thing that matters is justice. In Birmingham and throughout the rest of the state of Michigan, justice is served in court by having each party plead their case with help from domestic violence attorneys. In situations where first responders may too quickly jump to a conclusion, domestic violence attorneys, like ours at Fraiberg & Pernie, investigate the truth. Our domestic violence attorneys are not interested in how things appear, or who is saying what. We care only about making sure our clients are seen and treated as innocent until proven otherwise. Whether you are being charged with aggravated domestic assault, or this isn’t your first time facing charges, our domestic violence attorneys can come up with a strategy for ensuring you come out on the other side as unscathed as possible. Domestic violence is a serious crime, but there are also always two sides to every story. If you want to ensure yours is heard, you need our domestic violence attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie. Concerned about cost? Ask one of our domestic violence attorneys about how we can help you set up a personalized payment plan just for you so that your life in Birmingham is never compromised.
At Fraiberg & Pernie, we’re elated to be able to offer the services of our esteemed domestic violence attorneys to the deserving people of Birmingham, MI. Birmingham is a beautiful city in Oakland County with a vast assortment of parks, attractions, and spectacular homes tucked away in picturesque neighborhoods. Best of all, despite the fact that Birmingham boasts upwards of 20,000 residents, it’s still considered 67% safer than most other cities in the country. The people in Birmingham simply feel safe; it’s why it’s even known as one of the most “walkable” communities in the area. However, between passionate people, there’s always potential for trouble in paradise. The important thing to remember is, if/when you get into an altercation with someone you know/care about in Birmingham you need to arm yourself with a great defense. For more information about preserving your integrity – and life in Birmingham as you know it – reach out to our domestic violence attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie today.
Bloomfield Township
Domestic Violence Fighting for Justice of the Criminally Accused
Have you been accused of domestic violence in Oakland County? Oftentimes, domestic violence cases start from a heated argument. Emotions run high and criminal accusations can be made. These domestic violence allegations can lead to wrongful criminal convictions and damaged reputations. Did you also know that in most cases of domestic violence, police and other law enforcement often assume blame on the male in the situation and neglect to investigate other alternatives?
Have you been accused of domestic violence in Michigan? Discuss your best defense options now.
Understanding the Domestic Violence Charges Against You
Despite the blame game, domestic violence is a very serious offense. It has the potential to permanently alter the interpersonal relationships of everyone involved. The level of delicacy associated with such a case means that it must be handled appropriately by someone with the proper level of respect for the bigger picture. Being convicted of a crime involving domestic violence can mean a number of lifestyle changes. Even if you don’t serve jail time, there are many other repercussions associated with a domestic violence conviction:
- Fees/other costs
- Potential community service
- Potential anger management counseling
- Loss of friends/family relationships
- Damage to your reputation
- Loss of your career
- Alteration to your rights associated with children and firearms
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Michigan?
Being convicted of a crime involving domestic violence means the end of the life you once knew. The gravity of such a situation means the event itself is enough to impact the rest of the events that will follow. You need someone on your side that understands and can help guide you through it.
There are fees and costs, not to mention potential community service and anger management counseling. Loss of friends and family, damage to your reputation, loss of career, as well as the alteration to your rights associated with children or firearms, can all be attributed to a domestic violence conviction.
Our defense lawyers can help you navigate your legal process, schedule your free case review now to get started!
Injustice is to deny a citizen of the U.S. the right to a fair trial by neglecting pertinent evidence during an initial investigation. There are three sides to every story, and as Birmingham criminal defense attorneys, it is our responsibility to make sure that your side is expressed until absolute exhaustion. It is our duty to ensure that we have diligently asserted our position in the courtroom.
Get the Help You Need from Fraiberg & Pernie
Our team’s ability to administer such a fragile case fearlessly stems from our belief that justice will always prevail. It is the justice that each client at Fraiberg & Pernie deserves that drives our team to persevere in that fight. Life is stressful enough without the added complications of a domestic violence charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic abuse, please call 248-986-2682 or visit Fraiberg & Pernie. Our team serves the Tri-County Area of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.
With a team that includes a former police officer and a former city prosecutor, we have the insider knowledge to help you. Find out how we can help you during a FREE consultation!
In Michigan, the law defines domestic violence as “an assault or assault and battery by a spouse, former spouse, person residing or having resided in the same household as the victim, or person having a child in common with the victim.” This can refer to a current or ex-husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, roommate, extended family member, and more – but notice how there is no distinct preconceived correlation between gender/age and guilt. The state of Michigan recognizes the capability of anyone, both man or woman, young or old, to inflict domestic violence, which is why in such delicate matters, where two or more people are convincingly defending their own sides of the same story, our justice system must be willing to look beyond how things may appear to investigate and proclaim the truth. Many first responders might take one look at the scene of the crime and immediately come to a bias conclusion regarding fault; however, our open-minded domestic violence attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie know better, and will do whatever we can to ensure that your side of the story is given the fair chance it deserves. After all, domestic violence charges can come with some pretty significant penalties depending on the situation. For instance, Michigan law recognizes two separate classifications of domestic violence:
Domestic Assault (MCL 750.81)
A domestic assault charge does not require the victim to have sustained any injuries, and still criminal punishments include:
1st Conviction – A person’s first domestic assault conviction will be treated as a misdemeanor, punishable by as many as 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
2nd Conviction – A person’s second domestic assault conviction will still be treated as a misdemeanor, however secondary offense carries a heavier sentence of up to a full year in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
3rd Conviction – A person’s third domestic assault conviction is when charges are bumped from a misdemeanor to a full-blown felony. A felony domestic assault charge carries a much harsher sentence of up to two full years in prison and/or a $2500 fine.
Aggravated Domestic Assault (MCL 750.81a)
In order to be charged with aggravated domestic assault, a victim must have received serious or “aggravated” injuries requiring medical attention. Criminal punishments include:
1st Conviction – Though serious, a first time aggravated domestic assault is considered a misdemeanor, carrying the same weight as a standard second conviction domestic assault charge – up to one full year in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
2nd Conviction – Any subsequent aggravated domestic assault charges are immediately considered felonies, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $2500 fine.
To avoid the harshest possible sentence for your accused crime, you need the fiercest domestic violence attorneys to fight for you. At Fraiberg & Pernie, our team is comprised of some of the most diversely talented and understanding attorneys around. One of our attorneys in particular, Eric Pernie, boasts an extraordinary insight into all severities of domestic violence cases, thanks to his more than 10 years of experience in the field as a former police officer. In fact, our attorneys have effectively resolved thousands of cases over the years, which affords us the privilege of being overwhelmingly confident in our own capabilities to successfully defend you. Get in touch with our remarkable domestic violence attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie today to learn more about setting up a flexible payment plan to help ensure our superior legal services are affordable for you! Call 248-986-2682 or fill in the form in the sidebar for your free consultation.