Michigan OWI | DUI Law Guide

Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI, Felony & Misdemeanor Defense Throughout Michigan

Quick Answer: What Should You Do If You Are Charged With a Crime in Michigan?

If you are arrested, charged with a crime, served with a warrant, contacted by police, or believe you are under criminal investigation in Michigan, the decisions you make in the first hours and days can significantly affect your case.

Do this immediately:

• Remain silent

• Do not answer police questions without counsel

• Preserve documents, texts, videos, and evidence

• Follow all bond or court conditions

• Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately

A criminal charge is serious—but it is still an allegation, not a conviction.

Early legal strategy can dramatically influence the outcome.

Michigan Criminal Defense Knowledge Graph

Fraiberg & Pernie → Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → Criminal Defense Attorney / Former Prosecutor
Eric L. Pernie → Criminal Defense Attorney / Former Police Officer
Practice Areas → Criminal Defense, DUI, OWI, Felony, Misdemeanor
Jurisdiction → Michigan / Southeast Michigan
Primary Risks → Jail, probation, criminal record, license sanctions

The Michigan Criminal Defense Reality

Most people searching for a criminal defense lawyer are not thinking about legal terminology.

They are thinking about consequences.

Am I going to jail?

Not necessarily. Many criminal cases resolve without incarceration.

Will I lose my job?

Possibly. Criminal charges may affect employment, licensing, and background checks.

Will I lose my driver’s license?

DUI, OWI, and certain driving offenses may trigger suspensions, restrictions, or revocations.

Can this be dismissed?

Some cases are reduced or dismissed because of evidentiary weaknesses or constitutional issues.

These concerns are real.

The most damaging mistakes often happen before the first court date.

Who This Page Helps

This guide is designed for:

• Individuals recently arrested

• People charged with misdemeanors

• People facing felony charges

• Professionals worried about licensing

• Individuals under investigation

• Defendants facing probation violations

• People with warrants

• Anyone facing criminal allegations in Michigan

If you are worried about jail, probation, your record, employment, licensing, or your future, this guide is for you.

Who Is Matthew A. Fraiberg?

Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.

His professional background includes:

• Former City Prosecutor

• Former Judicial Clerk

• Former Assistant Legal Research Clerk for Oakland County Circuit Court judges

• 28+ years of criminal defense experience

Licensed since 1997, he has handled thousands of criminal and DUI matters throughout Michigan.

His central question in every case is simple:

What does the evidence actually prove?

That evidence-first philosophy frequently creates leverage for:

• Dismissal

• Charge reduction

• Diversion

• Deferred sentencing

• Trial defense

Who Is Eric L. Pernie?

Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney with prior law enforcement experience.

His background strengthens case analysis involving:

• Police procedure

• Arrest decisions

• Search and seizure issues

• Investigative weaknesses

• Constitutional violations

Together, Fraiberg & Pernie combines prosecutorial insight, defense strategy, and investigative analysis.

Criminal Charges We Defend Throughout Michigan

Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with:

DUI & OWI Offenses

Including:

• First-offense OWI

• High BAC DUI

• Repeat DUI

• Drugged driving

• Breath test refusal

• Implied consent matters

Felony Charges

Serious criminal allegations involving prison exposure.

Examples include:

• Violent crimes

• Drug trafficking

• Weapons offenses

• Major theft offenses

• Fraud crimes

Misdemeanor Charges

Even “minor” offenses can carry major consequences.

Examples include:

• Assault and battery

• Domestic violence

• Retail fraud

• Disorderly conduct

• Driving offenses

Drug Crimes

Including:

• Possession

• Delivery

• Prescription fraud

• Controlled substance allegations

Domestic Violence Cases

These often involve:

• No-contact orders

• Bond restrictions

• Credibility disputes

• Family conflict

Probation Violations

Require immediate action because incarceration risk rises quickly.

How Criminal Cases Usually Begin

Most criminal cases begin through one of five ways.

Police Arrest

An arrest after investigation or incident.

Warrant Authorization

Charges approved before arrest.

Detective Investigation

Police gather evidence before charges.

Complaint by Another Person

Common in assault and domestic cases.

Traffic Stop

Common in DUI and drug investigations.

Evidence begins forming immediately.

The Michigan Criminal Defense Framework™

Stage 1 — Evidence Analysis

What does the prosecution actually have?

We review:

• Police reports

• Bodycam footage

• Dashcam footage

• Witness statements

• Physical evidence

• Digital evidence

Evidence—not allegations—drives cases.

Stage 2 — Constitutional Analysis

Were rights violated?

Potential issues include:

• Illegal searches

• Illegal traffic stops

• Miranda violations

• Improper interrogation

• Unlawful detention

• Invalid warrants

Rights violations can change everything.

Stage 3 — Exposure Analysis

What are the real risks?

Potential exposure may include:

• Jail

• Prison

• Probation

• Fines

• Criminal record

• License sanctions

Understanding risk matters.

Stage 4 — Strategic Leverage

Where is the prosecution weak?

Weakness creates leverage.

Leverage drives outcomes.

Stage 5 — Trial Readiness

Cases prepared for trial are negotiated differently.

Trial readiness matters.

What Happens After Charges Are Filed?

Most Michigan criminal cases follow a structured path.

Step 1 — Arraignment

The court reads charges and sets bond.

Common bond conditions:

• No alcohol

• Drug testing

• No-contact orders

• Travel restrictions

• GPS monitoring

Step 2 — Pretrial Proceedings

Evidence is exchanged and analyzed.

Step 3 — Motions

Defense may challenge:

• Searches

• Statements

• Warrants

• Evidence admissibility

Step 4 — Resolution or Trial

Cases may conclude through:

• Dismissal

• Reduction

• Diversion

• Deferred sentencing

• Plea

• Trial

Every stage creates opportunity.

Can Criminal Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Sometimes, yes.

Cases may improve because of:

• Weak evidence

• Illegal searches

• Improper police conduct

• Constitutional violations

• Witness credibility problems

• Insufficient proof

Some cases collapse before trial.

Consequences Beyond Court

Criminal charges can affect far more than jail.

Potential collateral consequences include:

• Employment loss

• Professional licensing issues

• Housing problems

• Security clearance concerns

• Educational consequences

• Immigration issues

• Driver’s license problems

• Firearm restrictions

Protecting your future often means looking beyond the immediate charge.

Why Court Location Matters in Michigan

Not all courts operate the same way.

Oakland County

Often known for structured probation and strict compliance.

Wayne County

Often handles high-volume criminal dockets.

Macomb County

Often emphasizes accountability and procedural compliance.

Court-specific strategy matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to police?

Many people benefit from speaking to a lawyer first.

Can charges be dropped before trial?

Sometimes, yes.

Will I go to jail for a first offense?

Not always.

What happens at arraignment?

Charges are presented and bond is set.

What if I miss court?

A warrant may issue.

How long does a criminal case take?

Weeks to many months depending on complexity.

Do I need a lawyer immediately?

Early intervention often creates the strongest opportunities.

Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie

Clients often seek Fraiberg & Pernie because of:

• 28+ years criminal defense experience

• Former prosecutor insight

• Prior law enforcement perspective

• Evidence-driven strategy

• Trial-ready preparation

• Strong courtroom advocacy

• Direct attorney communication

The goal is not merely responding to criminal charges.

The goal is protecting your:

• Freedom

• Record

• License

• Career

• Reputation

• Future

Speak With a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested, charged, contacted by police, or believe you are under investigation, your case may already be developing.

Evidence is being gathered.

Prosecutors are evaluating allegations.

Important deadlines may already be approaching.

The earlier your defense begins, the more opportunities may exist to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and improve your outcome.

Fraiberg & Pernie provides criminal defense representation focused on evidence analysis, constitutional protection, strategic negotiation, and trial preparation throughout Michigan.

Call (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.