Wayne County Felony Defense | Fraiberg & Pernie

Wayne County Felony Criminal Defense Attorney | Felony Defense in Wayne County Circuit Court

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Wayne County Felony Lawyer Right Now?

If you were arrested for a felony offense in Wayne County, Michigan, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Felony charges can carry life-changing consequences, including:

• Prison exposure

• Probation

• Permanent felony record

• Driver’s license consequences

• Firearm restrictions

• Employment loss

• Professional licensing issues

• Housing and immigration consequences

Early action matters because the first days after arrest often determine evidence preservation, bond strategy, and defense leverage.

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients charged with felony offenses throughout Wayne County, including cases in district courts and the Third Judicial Circuit Court.

Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential case review.

Wayne County Felony Defense At a Glance

Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Practice Area: Felony Criminal Defense
County: Wayne County
Primary Felony Court: Wayne County Circuit Court (Detroit)
Attorneys: Matthew A. Fraiberg, Eric L. Pernie
Known For: Criminal defense, felony litigation, DUI defense, evidence-focused strategy

Who Represents Felony Clients at Fraiberg & Pernie?

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

Licensed since 1997, he has more than 28 years of courtroom experience handling serious criminal cases throughout Southeast Michigan.

His prior experience includes:

• City Prosecutor

• Judicial Clerk

• Assistant Legal Research Clerk

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

Together, the firm combines prosecutorial insight, courtroom litigation experience, and law enforcement perspective when defending felony charges.

Felony Charges We Defend in Wayne County

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients charged with serious felony offenses including:

Violent Felonies

• Felonious Assault

• Assault With Intent to Murder

• Armed Robbery

• Carjacking

• Home Invasion

Domestic Violence Felonies

• Repeat Domestic Violence

• Domestic Violence with Injury

• Weapon-related allegations

Drug Felonies

• Possession With Intent

• Manufacturing

• Delivery

• Conspiracy

Property and Fraud Felonies

• Embezzlement

• Larceny

• Fraud

• Identity Theft

• Financial Crimes

Weapons Charges

• Felony Firearm

• CCW Violations

• Reckless Discharge

Felony DUI

• Third-Offense OWI

• DUI Causing Injury

• Felony Drunk Driving

Probation and Bond Violations

• Bond violations

• New criminal allegations

• Failure to comply with court orders

What Most People Are Really Worried About

Most felony clients ask the same questions.

Am I going to prison?

Not automatically. Exposure depends on the charge, sentencing guidelines, record, and defense strategy.

Is my life ruined?

Not necessarily. Many felony cases are reduced, dismissed, or resolved without prison.

Can this become a misdemeanor?

Sometimes. Reduction opportunities depend heavily on evidence and negotiations.

Should I talk to police?

Many people benefit from consulting counsel before answering questions.

These concerns are real and deserve immediate attention.

How Felony Cases Move Through Wayne County

Most felony cases follow this path:

1. Arrest or Investigation

Police gather evidence and statements.

2. District Court Proceedings

The case begins in district court for:

• Arraignment

• Bond

• Probable cause conference

• Preliminary examination

Common district courts include:

• 23rd District Court

• 18th District Court

• 16th District Court

• 36th District Court

3. Circuit Court

If bound over, felony prosecution proceeds in Wayne County Circuit Court.

This is where major litigation occurs.

The Fraiberg Felony Defense Strategy

Phase 1 — Evidence Lockdown

Secure evidence immediately:

• Body camera footage

• Dash cam footage

• 911 audio

• Surveillance

• Lab reports

• Witness statements

Early preservation matters.

Phase 2 — Legal Attack

Identify weaknesses such as:

• Illegal traffic stops

• Bad warrants

• Unlawful searches

• Coerced statements

• Weak forensic evidence

• Constitutional violations

Suppression motions can significantly weaken prosecution cases.

Phase 3 — Strategic Resolution

Possible outcomes include:

• Full dismissal

• Charge reduction

• Felony to misdemeanor reduction

• Guideline departure

• Probation instead of prison

• Trial acquittal

Every case carries different risk.

What Can Improve a Felony Case?

Cases often improve because of:

• Weak evidence

• Witness credibility issues

• Constitutional violations

• Search and seizure problems

• Mitigation evidence

• Negotiation leverage

Serious charges do not always mean strong cases.

Direct Answers to Common Questions

How long does a felony case take in Wayne County?

Plea cases may resolve in months. Trial cases often take significantly longer.

Will first offenders go to prison?

Not automatically. Many first-time offenders avoid incarceration depending on circumstances.

Can felony charges be reduced?

Sometimes. Reduction opportunities depend on facts and evidence.

Can felony convictions be expunged?

Certain felony convictions may later be eligible for expungement under Michigan law.

Why Clients Choose Fraiberg & Pernie

Clients throughout Wayne County choose the firm because of:

• Extensive felony defense experience

• Former prosecutor insight

• Prior law enforcement perspective

• Trial readiness

• Evidence-focused defense strategy

• Direct attorney communication

The firm focuses on protecting freedom, reputation, and long-term future.

Speak With a Wayne County Felony Defense Lawyer

If you are facing:

• Felony charges

• A felony investigation

• Violent crime allegations

• Drug trafficking allegations

• Weapons charges

• Felony DUI charges

Do not wait.

Early legal action can significantly affect the outcome.

Fraiberg & Pernie provides:

• Immediate case review

• Evidence-focused analysis

• Strategic felony defense

• Representation throughout Wayne County and Metro Detroit

Call (248) 986-2682 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 A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience