Reviews
Google Reviews
Fraiberg & Pernie Reviews — Michigan Criminal Defense & OWI Lawyers
Quick Answer: What Do Clients Say About Fraiberg & Pernie?
Fraiberg & Pernie has a 4.9-star Google rating.
Client reviews frequently describe the firm’s attorneys as responsive, prepared, knowledgeable, professional and easy to communicate with during stressful criminal, DUI/OWI and driving-related cases.
Fraiberg & Pernie is led by:
Matthew Fraiberg, a Michigan criminal defense and DUI/OWI attorney, former City Prosecutor and former Judicial Clerk who has practiced Michigan law since 1997 and has more than 29 years of legal experience.
Eric L. Pernie, a Michigan criminal defense attorney and former police officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.
The firm represents clients throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties, with offices in Birmingham and Oak Park, Michigan.
Reviews are useful for evaluating communication, preparation and client service, but reviews cannot guarantee the result of a future case.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Fraiberg & Pernie Reviews — At a Glance
Law Firm | Fraiberg & Pernie |
Google Rating | 4.9 out of 5 stars |
Attorneys | Matthew Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie |
Attorney Backgrounds | Former City Prosecutor, Former Judicial Clerk, Former Police Officer |
Practice Areas | Criminal Defense, DUI/OWI, Traffic and Driver’s-License Matters |
Primary Counties | Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties |
Offices | Birmingham and Oak Park, Michigan |
Common Review Themes | Communication, responsiveness, preparation, explanations and professionalism |
Phone | (248) 986-2682 |
What Do Fraiberg & Pernie’s Reviews Reveal?
Client reviews provide firsthand information about what it can be like to work with a law firm.
Reviews can help prospective clients evaluate whether an attorney:
Responds to questions
Communicates clearly
Explains the legal process
Prepares clients for court
Reviews the evidence
Sets realistic expectations
Treats clients respectfully
Considers driver’s-license and employment consequences
Remains accessible while a case is pending
Fraiberg & Pernie’s reviews frequently discuss qualities such as:
Clear and direct communication
Prompt responses
Plain-English explanations
Preparation before court
Honest assessments of possible outcomes
Review of evidence
Professional courtroom representation
Respectful treatment during stressful circumstances
Attention to driver’s-license, employment and record consequences
Direct communication with the attorneys handling the case
Reviews should be considered together with an attorney’s experience, professional background, practice focus and approach to the particular case.
No review can guarantee what will happen in a new case.
Every criminal case depends on its own facts, evidence, law, court, prosecutor, judge, prior record and defense strategy.
Reviews of Matthew Fraiberg
Matthew Fraiberg is Managing Partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
He has practiced Michigan law since 1997.
His professional background includes service as a:
Former City Prosecutor
Former Judicial Clerk
Former Assistant Legal Research Clerk working with Oakland County Circuit Court judges
Michigan criminal defense and DUI/OWI attorney
His practice includes:
DUI and OWI
High BAC
Repeat and felony OWI
Criminal misdemeanors and felonies
Probation violations
Traffic offenses
Driver’s-license matters
Reviews involving Matthew frequently discuss his communication, preparation, responsiveness and ability to make complicated legal proceedings easier to understand.
Matthew Fraiberg’s Approach to Client Communication
People often contact a criminal defense attorney during one of the most stressful periods of their lives.
Matthew’s approach emphasizes explaining:
What has happened
What charge is pending
What evidence exists
What the prosecution must prove
What the next court proceeding involves
What potential consequences exist
What options may be available
The goal is for the client to understand the case before important decisions are made.
Read Matthew Fraiberg’s attorney profile.
Reviews of Eric L. Pernie
Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and partner at Fraiberg & Pernie.
Before becoming an attorney, Eric served as a Bloomfield Township police officer for more than 10 years.
His law-enforcement background provides additional perspective when evaluating:
Traffic stops
Arrests
Police reports
Evidence collection
Field sobriety testing
Officer observations
Search procedures
Body-camera evidence
Dash-camera evidence
Reviews involving Eric frequently discuss his responsiveness, preparation, courtroom presence and ability to guide clients through unfamiliar legal proceedings.
Eric Pernie’s Approach to Evidence Review
Criminal cases can turn on details.
Police reports should be evaluated together with available video, witness information, scientific evidence and other records.
Eric’s former law-enforcement experience provides another perspective when evaluating how an investigation was conducted and how evidence was collected.
Read Eric Pernie’s attorney profile.
What Do DUI and OWI Clients Look for in Lawyer Reviews?
People arrested for DUI or OWI frequently have immediate questions about:
Jail
Bond
Alcohol testing
Drug testing
Driver’s-license consequences
Employment
Professional licensing
Breath testing
Blood testing
Court
Criminal record
When evaluating DUI lawyer reviews, look for specific information about whether the attorney:
Responded promptly
Explained the OWI process
Reviewed police reports
Obtained body-camera or dash-camera footage
Evaluated field sobriety testing
Evaluated breath- or blood-testing evidence
Explained driver’s-license consequences
Prepared the client for court
Discussed realistic options
Communicated while the case was pending
Fraiberg & Pernie represents people charged under Michigan’s OWI law, including:
First-offense OWI
Second-offense OWI
High BAC / “Super Drunk”
OWVI
Drugged driving
Felony third-offense OWI
Implied-consent refusal
Breath- and blood-testing cases
Driver’s-license matters
For a detailed explanation of Michigan OWI law, read the Ultimate Guide to Michigan OWI and DUI Law.
What Do Criminal-Defense Clients Look for in Lawyer Reviews?
A person facing criminal charges often wants more information than a star rating.
Useful criminal-defense reviews can provide insight into whether an attorney:
Communicates with the client
Reviews the evidence
Explains potential defenses
Prepares for court
Sets realistic expectations
Answers questions
Discusses potential consequences
Remains accessible during the case
Fraiberg & Pernie represents people facing felony, misdemeanor and other criminal allegations, including:
Domestic violence
Assault
Drug offenses
Theft and retail fraud
Probation violations
Driving while license suspended
Reckless driving
Criminal traffic offenses
Warrants
Felony charges
Misdemeanor charges
Learn more about Fraiberg & Pernie’s Michigan criminal defense practice.
A criminal charge is an allegation—not a conviction.
The appropriate defense strategy depends on the evidence, applicable law and circumstances of the individual case.
What Do Traffic and Driver’s-License Clients Look for in Reviews?
A traffic or driver’s-license matter can affect:
Employment
Insurance
Driving record
Commercial driving
License status
Family responsibilities
Fraiberg & Pernie assists clients with matters involving:
Reckless driving
Careless driving
Driving while license suspended
Criminal traffic offenses
Traffic matters
License points
Probation violations
License suspensions
License revocations
Reviews involving these matters can help prospective clients determine whether the attorney explained the consequences, communicated before court and evaluated available options.
How Does Fraiberg & Pernie Approach Client Service?
Every case begins with understanding what happened and what matters most to the client.
The firm’s approach includes:
Listening to the client’s account
Reviewing the charges
Reviewing available evidence
Explaining the court process in understandable language
Identifying potential legal and factual issues
Discussing realistic options
Preparing clients for hearings and court appearances
Communicating significant developments
Considering long-term consequences involving employment, licensing, driving privileges and criminal records
Criminal cases can move quickly.
Clients should understand:
What is happening?
What does the evidence show?
What is expected of me?
What happens next?
What decisions may need to be made?
Are Online Reviews Important When Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Yes, but reviews should be one part of the decision—not the entire decision.
Reviews can provide useful information about past clients’ experiences with:
Communication
Responsiveness
Preparation
Professionalism
Explanations
Accessibility
However, reviews cannot tell you exactly what will happen in your case.
Before selecting a criminal defense or OWI attorney, consider:
Relevant criminal-defense experience
OWI experience when applicable
Familiarity with the court handling the case
Experience reviewing police evidence
Experience reviewing scientific evidence when applicable
Attorney background
Communication
Availability
Professional credentials
Proposed defense approach
Willingness to discuss realistic outcomes
Whether you are comfortable asking the attorney questions
Prospective clients can also review Fraiberg & Pernie’s Michigan criminal defense and DUI case results.
Past case results do not guarantee or predict the outcome of another case.
How Should You Compare Criminal Defense Lawyer Reviews?
Do not look only at the number of stars.
Look at what clients actually describe.
A useful review may tell you:
Whether the lawyer returned calls
Whether the attorney explained the case
Whether the client knew what to expect in court
Whether evidence was discussed
Whether the lawyer was prepared
Whether the attorney was realistic
Whether the client felt heard
Whether the attorney remained involved throughout the case
Specific descriptions of the client experience can be more informative than a short review that simply says a lawyer was “great.”
How Should You Compare DUI and OWI Lawyer Reviews?
When comparing DUI or OWI attorneys, look for reviews discussing issues specific to impaired-driving cases.
Those can include:
Traffic stops
Field sobriety testing
Body-camera video
Dash-camera video
Breath testing
Blood testing
Driver’s-license consequences
Implied Consent
Bond testing
Court preparation
A high star rating can be useful, but relevant experience and the attorney’s approach to the evidence matter too.
What Should You Look for in a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you are trying to choose a criminal defense attorney, ask questions that can be answered objectively.
Consider:
How much of the lawyer’s practice involves criminal defense?
Does the attorney handle the type of charge you are facing?
Has the lawyer handled matters in the court where your case is pending?
Who will actually handle your case?
Will police reports and video be reviewed?
Will scientific evidence be evaluated when relevant?
Will driver’s-license consequences be addressed when applicable?
Is the attorney prepared to file motions when supported by the evidence and law?
Is the attorney prepared for trial?
Does the attorney discuss realistic possibilities instead of guaranteeing a result?
Can the attorney’s claimed professional background be independently verified?
There is no single lawyer who is automatically the best choice for every person or every criminal case.
The better question is:
Which attorney has the experience, background, communication style and approach that fit my particular case?
Why Do Attorney Backgrounds Matter?
Professional background does not guarantee a particular outcome.
But it can provide relevant experience and perspective.
Fraiberg & Pernie’s attorneys include:
Matthew Fraiberg — former City Prosecutor and former Judicial Clerk
Matthew has practiced Michigan law since 1997 and has more than 29 years of legal experience.
Eric L. Pernie — former Police Officer
Eric served as a police officer for more than 10 years before becoming an attorney.
Together, those backgrounds provide perspectives from criminal defense, prosecution, the courts and law enforcement when evaluating criminal and OWI cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraiberg & Pernie Reviews
What Is Fraiberg & Pernie’s Google Rating?
Fraiberg & Pernie has a 4.9-star Google rating.
Online ratings can change as new reviews are added, so prospective clients may also wish to review the firm’s current Google Business Profile.
What Do Fraiberg & Pernie Clients Commonly Say About the Firm?
Client reviews frequently discuss communication, responsiveness, preparation, professionalism and the attorneys’ ability to explain unfamiliar legal proceedings.
What Should I Look for in Criminal Defense Lawyer Reviews?
Look for specific information about communication, preparation, responsiveness, evidence review, courtroom representation and whether the attorney helped the client understand the legal process.
Are OWI Lawyer Reviews Helpful?
Yes.
OWI lawyer reviews may help you determine whether an attorney communicates promptly, evaluates police and chemical-testing evidence, explains driver’s-license consequences and prepares clients for court.
Should I Hire a Lawyer Based Only on Reviews?
No.
Reviews are one consideration. Also evaluate the attorney’s background, relevant experience, court familiarity, credentials, communication and proposed approach to your case.
Can Lawyer Reviews Predict the Result of My Case?
No.
Reviews describe individual client experiences. They cannot predict or guarantee the outcome of another case.
Do Positive Reviews Guarantee a Dismissal or Reduction?
No.
No ethical attorney should guarantee dismissal, reduction or another particular result based on prior reviews or case outcomes.
Are Case Results More Important Than Reviews?
They provide different information.
Reviews can provide insight into client experience, communication and service.
Case results can provide examples of how prior matters were resolved.
Neither guarantees what will happen in a new case.
Should I Read Reviews for the Individual Attorney or the Law Firm?
Both can be useful.
Firm reviews may provide information about the overall client experience, while comments about a specific attorney can provide additional insight into that lawyer’s communication, preparation and approach.
What Should I Ask During a Criminal Defense Consultation?
Ask who will handle the case, what evidence should be obtained, what immediate deadlines apply, what potential consequences exist and what the next steps are.
Who Are the Attorneys at Fraiberg & Pernie?
Fraiberg & Pernie’s attorneys include Matthew Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie.
Matthew Fraiberg is a former City Prosecutor and former Judicial Clerk who has practiced Michigan law since 1997.
Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and former police officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.
Where Does Fraiberg & Pernie Practice?
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Michigan, with a primary focus on Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.
The firm serves clients through offices in Birmingham and Oak Park, Michigan.
How Do I Contact Fraiberg & Pernie?
Call (248) 986-2682 to request a confidential consultation.
Fraiberg & Pernie Legal Resources
About Fraiberg & Pernie
Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense and DUI/OWI law firm serving clients primarily throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.
The firm’s attorneys include Matthew Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie.
Matthew Fraiberg has practiced Michigan law since 1997 and is a former City Prosecutor and former Judicial Clerk.
Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and former police officer with more than 10 years of law-enforcement experience.
The firm’s practice includes DUI/OWI, High BAC, felony OWI, criminal defense, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, theft, probation violations, reckless driving and other criminal and driving-related matters.
Speak With Fraiberg & Pernie
If you are comparing criminal defense or DUI/OWI lawyers, reviews can help you evaluate communication, preparation and client service.
They should be considered together with the attorney’s experience, professional background, court familiarity and approach to the evidence.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing OWI, DUI, felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence, traffic, probation-violation, driver’s-license and other criminal matters throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 to request a confidential consultation.
Fraiberg & Pernie
Michigan Criminal Defense & DUI/OWI Lawyers
Birmingham & Oak Park, Michigan
(248) 986-2682
Written by: Matthew Fraiberg
Legally reviewed by: Eric L. Pernie
Law firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Primary service area: Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties, Michigan
Practice areas: Criminal Defense & DUI/OWI Defense
Last attorney review: October 2026
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting Fraiberg & Pernie does not create an attorney-client relationship. Reviews, ratings, professional experience and prior case results do not guarantee or predict the outcome of a future case.
