FRAIBERG & PERNIE
If you were arrested, charged, contacted by detectives, served with a warrant, or told law enforcement wants to speak with you in Rochester or Rochester Hills, your case may already be moving—even if formal charges have not been filed.
That is one of the most important things people misunderstand.
Many criminal cases do not begin with arrest.
They begin with an investigation.
They begin with:
a detective phone call
a request to “come in and talk”
a search warrant
a subpoena
an informal interview request
The earliest decisions often shape the final outcome.
Matthew Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie of Fraiberg & Pernie represent clients facing criminal investigations, felony charges, misdemeanors, DUI offenses, domestic violence allegations, drug crimes, theft offenses, white-collar investigations, and probation violations in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and throughout Oakland County.
The firm defends cases by challenging:
evidence
constitutional violations
police procedure
interrogation tactics
witness credibility
prosecutorial assumptions
A criminal accusation is not a conviction.
A police theory is not proof.
The evidence still has to hold up.
Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Attorneys: Matthew Fraiberg & Eric L. Pernie
Practice Area: Criminal Defense
Court: 52-3 District Court
Location: Rochester / Rochester Hills
County: Oakland County
Phone: (248) 986-2682
This is one of the most common mistakes in criminal investigations.
People believe they can “clear things up” by talking to police.
They think:
“I’ll explain my side.”
“If I’m innocent, I should talk.”
“Once they hear me, this will go away.”
That instinct is understandable.
But it can be dangerous.
Police interviews are usually not designed to clear you.
They are designed to gather evidence.
That distinction matters.
The most damaging statements are often made before charges are filed.
Most criminal investigations do not begin with handcuffs.
They often begin with:
Anonymous complaints.
Witness statements.
Traffic stops.
Financial records.
Telephone records.
Search warrants.
Social-media activity.
Surveillance recordings.
Digital evidence.
Investigators then begin assembling information, interviewing witnesses, and attempting to establish a timeline.
Many people have no idea they are under investigation until law enforcement contacts them directly.
The first few days after learning that you may be under investigation are often the most important.
Many people instinctively begin explaining themselves.
Others start deleting information from their phones or social-media accounts.
Still others contact witnesses directly.
Those decisions can create serious problems.
Instead, important considerations may include:
Preserving evidence.
Identifying potential witnesses.
Reviewing available communications.
Evaluating search warrants.
Reviewing court records.
Avoiding unnecessary statements.
Developing an early defense strategy.
The earliest decisions frequently shape the outcome of the case.
This deserves serious attention.
You may receive a voicemail like:
“You’re not in trouble.”
“We just want your side.”
“Please call me back.”
“Help us understand what happened.”
It may sound informal.
Sometimes even friendly.
Do not assume that means the situation is minor.
If a detective contacts you, there is often an active criminal investigation.
That does not automatically mean charges are coming.
But it often means something important:
You may already be a target, subject, or key witness in a criminal case.
One conversation can affect:
charging decisions
arrest timing
search warrants
plea leverage
prosecutorial strategy
Speaking with a defense lawyer before returning that call can be critical.
Criminal investigations in Rochester and Rochester Hills frequently involve:
local police departments
Oakland County Sheriff investigators
multi-agency task forces
state investigators
digital forensic specialists
Investigations commonly involve:
domestic violence allegations
fraud investigations
drug crimes
theft offenses
white-collar investigations
assault allegations
campus-related allegations involving Oakland University
Modern criminal cases often involve extensive digital evidence.
That may include:
body camera footage
surveillance video
witness statements
search warrant evidence
phone extractions
text messages
social media evidence
GPS data
financial records
forensic downloads
Digital evidence can create risk.
It can also create defense opportunities.
After decades defending criminal cases, one pattern repeats.
Police reports may describe:
obvious guilt
strong confessions
reliable witnesses
overwhelming evidence
Then the defense reviews the actual evidence.
Sometimes the evidence tells a very different story.
Police conclusions are still human conclusions.
They can be:
mistaken
incomplete
biased
overly confident
influenced by assumptions
That is why one question matters above all:
What does the evidence actually prove?
That question drives strong criminal defense.
Rochester cases often involve unique local dynamics.
Common investigation zones include:
Downtown Rochester
Rochester Road
Auburn Road
University Drive
Walton Boulevard
M-59 corridor
Oakland University
Rochester Hills commercial districts
Rochester also has a unique client base.
Many defendants are:
business professionals
students
medical professionals
parents
university-affiliated individuals
first-time offenders
That changes the stakes.
Many clients are not primarily worried about jail.
They are worried about losing:
careers
licenses
security clearances
immigration status
educational opportunities
reputations
Strong defense means protecting long-term future—not just avoiding incarceration.
Modern criminal investigations increasingly depend upon electronic evidence.
Examples include:
Cellular telephones.
Text messages.
Email accounts.
Surveillance systems.
Social-media platforms.
GPS information.
Financial records.
Cloud-storage accounts.
Digital evidence may strengthen the prosecution’s position.
It may also create important opportunities for the defense.
The details matter.
Most misdemeanor and early felony proceedings from Rochester and Rochester Hills begin in the 52-3 District Court.
This court is known for:
structured procedures
strong compliance expectations
close supervision
serious bond enforcement
detailed case review
Court assignment can affect:
bond conditions
pretrial restrictions
negotiation leverage
defense timing
case strategy
Court culture matters.
Fraiberg & Pernie handles:
drug crimes
assault charges
theft crimes
embezzlement
fraud offenses
weapons charges
probation violations
felony charges
misdemeanor charges
Several themes appear repeatedly.
People frequently underestimate the importance of their own words.
Small inconsistencies occasionally become significant issues.
The earliest stages of an investigation are often among the most important.
Modern investigations frequently rely upon electronic evidence.
Early preparation often creates opportunities that may otherwise disappear.
Matthew brings prosecution-side insight.
His background includes:
Michigan attorney since 1997
Former city prosecutor
Former judicial clerk
Former legal research clerk
Extensive Oakland County litigation experience
Many lawyers ask:
“What deal can we get?”
Matthew starts elsewhere:
What does the evidence actually prove?
That mindset changes strategy.
Eric brings investigation-side insight.
His background includes:
Former police officer
Criminal defense attorney
Trial lawyer
Extensive courtroom experience
That perspective is valuable because investigations often hinge on:
interrogation tactics
police procedure
search warrants
arrest decisions
evidence collection strategy
Eric understands how cases are built from inside law enforcement.
That perspective can reveal weaknesses early.
Most misdemeanor and preliminary felony matters begin in the 52-3 District Court.
Yes.
Charges can be filed after investigation without immediate arrest.
Usually, speak with a criminal defense lawyer first.
Sometimes.
That depends on legal and evidentiary weaknesses.
Often yes.
Early intervention can significantly affect outcomes.
Yes.
Many investigations continue for weeks or months before charges are filed.
No.
Destroying evidence can create additional legal problems.
You should seek legal advice before answering questions.
Investigators typically continue reviewing evidence before deciding whether charges should be filed.
Absolutely.
In many cases, early intervention is extremely important.
Criminal cases do not always begin with arrest
Many begin with investigations
The most dangerous stage may be before charges
Statements matter
Evidence matters
Court strategy matters
Early legal intervention matters
The earliest decisions often shape the final outcome.
If you were arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement in Rochester or Rochester Hills, do not wait.
Evidence should be reviewed immediately.
Investigations should be handled strategically.
Defense planning should begin early.
The next few days may significantly affect your future.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Written by Matthew Fraiberg
Attorney Reviewed August, 2026
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience
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Fraiberg & Pernie is an Oakland County criminal defense law firm focusing on DUI and OWI defense in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester and Farmington Hills, Michigan.