FRAIBERG & PERNIE

West Bloomfield - 48th District Court Criminal Defense

West Bloomfield Criminal Defense Lawyer

DUI, OWI, Felony & Reputation-Focused Defense in the 48th District Court

Quick Answer: What Happens After an Arrest in West Bloomfield, Michigan?

If you were arrested, charged with a crime, contacted by police, served with a warrant, or believe you are under investigation in West Bloomfield, Michigan, your case may be handled in the 48th District Court, located at 4280 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills.

The 48th District Court officially serves West Bloomfield Township along with Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, and Sylvan Lake.

For many people accused of a crime in West Bloomfield, the concern goes far beyond whether they will go to jail.

They want to know:

  • Will this damage my reputation?

  • Will my employer find out?

  • Could I lose my professional license?

  • Will this show up on a background check?

  • Can I continue traveling for work?

  • Can I enter Canada?

  • Will I lose my driver’s license?

  • Can the charge be reduced or dismissed?

  • Is there a way to keep this off my record?

These are important questions because a criminal case can affect much more than the courtroom.

It may affect your:

  • Career

  • Professional license

  • Driver’s license

  • Reputation

  • Security clearance

  • Firearm rights

  • Finances

  • Family

  • Insurance

  • Future opportunities

An arrest is an accusation.

It is not a conviction, and the prosecution still has the burden of proving the charge.

Fraiberg & Pernie represents people facing DUI, OWI, misdemeanor, felony, assault, domestic violence, drug, theft, probation, and other criminal charges arising in West Bloomfield and throughout Oakland County.


West Bloomfield Criminal Defense at a Glance

Category Information
Law Firm Fraiberg & Pernie
Primary Attorney Matthew Fraiberg
Location West Bloomfield, Michigan
Primary Court 48th District Court
Courthouse 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills
Practice Areas Criminal defense, DUI, OWI, felony and misdemeanor defense
Common Evidence Police reports, body-camera footage, video, witness statements, breath and blood testing
Common Concerns Jail, driver’s license, employment, professional licensing, reputation and criminal record
Defense Focus Evidence analysis, constitutional issues, negotiation, mitigation and trial preparation

What Court Handles Criminal Cases From West Bloomfield?

Many misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases arising in West Bloomfield are handled in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills.

The court has three district judges and serves seven Oakland County communities, including West Bloomfield Township.

The 48th District Court currently lists:

  • Judge Marc Barron

  • Judge Diane D’Agostini

  • Judge Kimberly Small

The court handles criminal matters, traffic cases, preliminary proceedings in felony cases, and other district-court matters.

Some hearings and arraignments may be conducted in person, while others may proceed remotely depending on the court’s notice and scheduling instructions.


Why Does the Court Matter in a West Bloomfield Criminal Case?

Criminal defense is not only about the statute charged.

The court, judge, prosecutor, bond conditions, probation practices, and local procedures can affect how a case develops.

A lawyer handling a West Bloomfield case should understand:

  • 48th District Court procedures

  • Arraignment practices

  • Bond conditions

  • Alcohol and drug testing requirements

  • Motion practice

  • Pretrial conferences

  • Probation procedures

  • Plea negotiations

  • Sentencing considerations

Knowing where the case is being heard helps the defense anticipate what may happen next.


Is the 48th District Court Strict?

The 48th District Court is known for taking criminal and drunk-driving cases seriously.

However, describing any court simply as “strict” can be misleading because bond conditions and sentencing decisions depend on the charge, judge, criminal history, facts, and individual circumstances.

In DUI and other cases, defendants may encounter conditions involving:

  • Alcohol testing

  • Drug testing

  • No-alcohol requirements

  • Travel limitations

  • Counseling

  • Reporting requirements

  • Additional bond conditions

The Michigan judiciary also lists the 48th District Court as operating a DWI Sobriety Court program.

The important point is simple:

Do not assume that a minor bond violation will be ignored.


What Happens During the First 24 Hours After an Arrest?

The first day after an arrest may involve:

  • Booking

  • Release

  • Bond

  • Conditions prohibiting alcohol or drug use

  • Alcohol or drug testing

  • Vehicle impoundment

  • Driver’s-license paperwork

  • Initial court scheduling

  • Contact with witnesses

  • Creation of police and video evidence

This is also when defendants frequently make avoidable mistakes.

They may contact witnesses, post about the arrest, misunderstand bond conditions, or fail to preserve evidence.

Early legal advice can help prevent those problems.


What Happens During the First Week?

The first week may involve:

  • Arraignment

  • Entry of an attorney appearance

  • Review of bond conditions

  • Requests for police reports

  • Requests for body-camera footage

  • Preservation of surveillance video

  • Identification of witnesses

  • Review of breath or blood evidence

  • Driver’s-license planning

  • Preparation for future court dates

Not every case develops the same way.

But the earlier the defense understands the evidence, the more effectively it can evaluate available options.


What Happens During the First Month?

During the first several weeks, the defense may begin receiving and reviewing discovery.

That can include:

  • Police reports

  • Body-camera footage

  • Dash-camera footage

  • Photographs

  • Witness statements

  • Breath-test records

  • Blood-test results

  • Laboratory reports

  • Search warrants

  • Digital evidence

  • Surveillance footage

This is often when the defense begins answering the most important questions:

What can the prosecution actually prove?

Was the evidence obtained lawfully?

Is the evidence reliable?

Are there inconsistencies?

Are there grounds for suppression, reduction, dismissal, or a different resolution?


Why Does Early Criminal Defense Strategy Matter?

Many criminal cases never reach trial.

That does not mean trial preparation is unimportant.

The strength of the defense often depends on work performed long before trial.

Early intervention may help an attorney:

  • Preserve surveillance footage

  • Obtain body-camera recordings

  • Identify favorable witnesses

  • Investigate the location

  • Review police conduct

  • Evaluate search and seizure issues

  • Examine chemical testing

  • Challenge statements

  • Address driver’s-license concerns

  • Develop mitigation

  • Prepare for negotiations

Evidence can disappear.

Witness memories can fade.

Video may be overwritten.

Deadlines can pass.

Starting early can preserve options that may not exist later.


West Bloomfield DUI and OWI Defense

OWI and DUI cases are among the criminal matters handled in the 48th District Court.

Michigan uses the term OWI — Operating While Intoxicated, although many people still search for “DUI.”

A West Bloomfield OWI investigation may involve:

  • A traffic stop

  • Accident investigation

  • Field sobriety tests

  • Preliminary breath testing

  • Evidential breath testing

  • Blood testing

  • Officer observations

  • Witness statements

  • Body-camera footage

  • Dash-camera footage

The BAC number is only one part of the case.


Can a West Bloomfield OWI Be Challenged?

Yes.

Potential issues may include:

  • Was there a lawful basis for the traffic stop?

  • Did the officer have probable cause to arrest?

  • Were field sobriety tests properly administered?

  • Were constitutional rights respected?

  • Was breath-testing equipment functioning properly?

  • Were testing procedures followed?

  • Was a blood draw lawful?

  • Was the blood sample properly handled?

  • Does video evidence support or contradict the police report?

  • Are witness statements reliable?

Not every issue results in dismissal.

The purpose of a careful review is to determine whether meaningful weaknesses actually exist.


What Is High BAC or “Super Drunk” OWI?

Michigan law provides enhanced consequences for certain first-offense OWI cases involving an alleged alcohol content of 0.17 or higher.

This is commonly called:

Potential consequences can include:

  • Increased maximum jail exposure

  • Driver’s-license suspension

  • Restricted driving requirements

  • Ignition interlock

  • Fines and costs

  • Community service

  • Alcohol treatment

  • Probation

  • Testing requirements

A reported BAC of 0.17 or higher does not automatically establish guilt.

The testing process and surrounding evidence still matter.


First-Offense OWI in West Bloomfield

For many people arrested for OWI in West Bloomfield, it is their first experience with the criminal justice system.

Common concerns include:

  • Will I go to jail?

  • Can I keep driving?

  • Will my insurance increase?

  • Will my employer find out?

  • Do I need alcohol testing?

  • Will I be placed on probation?

  • Can the charge be reduced?

  • Will I have a criminal record?

A first arrest should not be treated casually, but it also should not be assumed to have a predetermined outcome.

The case should be evaluated individually.


Repeat OWI and Felony OWI Cases

Prior drunk-driving convictions can significantly increase the consequences of a new OWI allegation.

Depending on the person’s record and circumstances, repeat-offense cases may involve:

  • Increased jail exposure

  • Felony prosecution

  • License revocation

  • Vehicle sanctions

  • Longer probation

  • Intensive treatment requirements

  • Increased financial consequences

Prior convictions should be carefully reviewed because their dates, nature, and legal significance can affect how a new case is charged.


Domestic Violence and Assault Defense in West Bloomfield

Domestic violence and assault cases can create immediate consequences even before guilt or innocence is determined.

Potential issues include:

  • Arrest

  • No-contact orders

  • Removal from a residence

  • Restrictions involving family members

  • Firearm concerns

  • Employment issues

  • Professional licensing consequences

These cases often depend heavily on:

  • Witness credibility

  • Conflicting statements

  • Body-camera footage

  • 911 calls

  • Text messages

  • Photographs

  • Medical evidence

  • Self-defense claims

  • Prior history between the parties

Domestic violence allegations should be investigated rather than assumed to be simple “he said, she said” cases.


Drug Crime Defense

Drug cases may involve allegations such as:

  • Possession

  • Possession with intent to deliver

  • Delivery

  • Prescription-drug offenses

  • Controlled-substance allegations

Important defense questions may involve:

  • Why did police stop or contact the defendant?

  • Was there a lawful search?

  • Was a warrant required?

  • Who actually possessed the substance?

  • Was the substance tested?

  • Can the prosecution prove knowledge?

  • Were statements obtained lawfully?

Search-and-seizure issues frequently play an important role in drug cases.


Theft, Retail Fraud, Embezzlement and Financial Crimes

Fraiberg & Pernie also represents clients facing theft-related allegations, including:

  • Retail fraud

  • Larceny

  • Embezzlement

  • Identity theft

  • Fraud allegations

  • Financial crimes

For professionals and business owners, collateral consequences can be particularly important because dishonesty-related convictions may affect employment, licensing, insurance, or professional reputation.

The amount of money involved, prior record, restitution, intent, and available evidence can all influence the case.


Felony Charges Arising in West Bloomfield

Felony cases generally begin in district court before potentially being transferred to Oakland County Circuit Court.

Early felony proceedings may include:

  • Arraignment

  • Probable-cause conference

  • Preliminary examination

  • Bond hearings

  • Discovery

  • Motion practice

A preliminary examination can be an important stage because the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to justify moving the felony case forward.

The defense should begin evaluating the evidence before that hearing rather than waiting until the case reaches circuit court.


What Happens if I Miss Court?

Failing to appear can create additional problems.

Potential consequences may include:

  • Bench warrant

  • Bond modification

  • Additional court appearances

  • Increased conditions

  • Possible arrest

If a court date has been missed, the issue should generally be addressed promptly rather than ignored.


What Happens if I Fail or Miss an Alcohol Test?

A positive, missed, or late alcohol test may be reported to the court.

Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include:

  • Increased testing

  • Additional bond conditions

  • Bond modification

  • A show-cause hearing

  • Possible bond revocation

If there is a legitimate explanation or testing problem, supporting documentation should be preserved.


Can I Travel for Work While My Case Is Pending?

Possibly.

The answer depends primarily on the bond order and any travel restrictions imposed in the case.

Never assume that employment automatically overrides a court order.

If permission is required, the issue should be addressed before the planned trip.


Can I Attend a Wedding, Concert, Sporting Event, or Social Function?

Usually the event itself is not the issue.

The issue is whether attending would violate your bond.

For example, if the court has ordered:

  • No alcohol consumption

  • Alcohol testing

  • Curfew

  • Travel restrictions

  • No contact with a particular person

those conditions continue to apply even during a wedding, sporting event, vacation, or other special occasion.


Can I Travel to Canada After a Criminal Charge?

Possibly.

Two different issues can arise:

  1. Whether the Michigan court permits the travel.

  2. Whether Canadian authorities permit entry.

Canadian immigration rules are separate from Michigan criminal law.

Certain convictions can create admissibility problems, so a person with important Canadian travel plans should evaluate those consequences before assuming entry will be permitted.


Will My Employer Find Out About My Arrest?

Possibly.

Whether an employer learns about a charge may depend on:

  • Background checks

  • Employer policies

  • Mandatory reporting requirements

  • Security clearance rules

  • Professional licensing rules

  • Job duties

  • Driving requirements

An arrest does not necessarily mean loss of employment.

But career consequences should be considered as part of the defense strategy when they are relevant.


Can a Criminal Charge Affect My Professional License?

Yes.

A criminal allegation or conviction may create reporting or disciplinary issues for some licensed professionals, including:

  • Physicians

  • Nurses

  • Attorneys

  • Accountants

  • Engineers

  • Financial professionals

  • Pilots

  • Commercial drivers

  • Other regulated professionals

Licensing consequences may be separate from the criminal court proceedings.

For that reason, waiting until after a plea or conviction to consider licensing consequences may be too late.


Will a Criminal Charge Appear on a Background Check?

It may.

What appears on a background check can depend on:

  • The type of search

  • Whether the matter is pending

  • Whether there was a conviction

  • Whether the case was dismissed

  • Whether the record was later set aside

  • The reporting practices of the company conducting the search

The criminal case and future record consequences should be considered together whenever possible.


Can I Keep a West Bloomfield Criminal Charge Off My Record?

Sometimes.

Potential outcomes may include:

  • Dismissal

  • Reduction

  • Diversion

  • Deferred proceedings

  • Delayed sentencing

  • Statutory deferral

  • Expungement or set-aside relief when legally available

Eligibility depends on the charge and circumstances.

Not every offense qualifies for every form of relief.


Can My Case Be Dismissed?

Possibly.

Dismissal may become an issue where there are significant weaknesses involving:

  • Unlawful searches

  • Unlawful traffic stops

  • Lack of probable cause

  • Unreliable witnesses

  • Suppressed evidence

  • Insufficient evidence

  • Constitutional violations

  • Scientific testing problems

  • Failure to prove an essential element

No responsible attorney can guarantee dismissal.

But every case should be evaluated to determine whether dismissal or suppression issues exist.


Can My Charge Be Reduced?

Sometimes.

A reduction may depend on:

  • Strength of the prosecution’s evidence

  • Criminal history

  • Driving record

  • Victim position

  • Restitution

  • Mitigating circumstances

  • Constitutional issues

  • Court

  • Prosecutor

  • Negotiations

  • Steps taken by the defendant after arrest

The defense should first understand the evidence before deciding whether a negotiated resolution is appropriate.


Common Evidence in West Bloomfield Criminal Cases

Evidence may include:

  • Police reports

  • Body-camera footage

  • Dash-camera footage

  • 911 recordings

  • Surveillance video

  • Text messages

  • Emails

  • Social-media posts

  • Cell-phone data

  • Witness statements

  • Breath-test records

  • Blood-test reports

  • Laboratory evidence

  • Photographs

  • Medical records

  • Search warrants

The existence of evidence does not necessarily mean the evidence is accurate, admissible, or persuasive.

The defense should determine what the evidence actually establishes.


Seven Mistakes to Avoid After an Arrest

1. Talking About the Case

Statements made to police, witnesses, friends, coworkers, or other people may later become evidence.

2. Contacting an Alleged Victim

If a no-contact order exists, even a well-intentioned message may create a new problem.

3. Posting on Social Media

Photos, comments, location information, or messages may be used against you.

4. Missing Court

Failure to appear may result in a warrant or additional bond consequences.

5. Violating Bond Conditions

Alcohol use, missed testing, unauthorized travel, or prohibited contact can complicate the underlying case.

6. Destroying or Deleting Evidence

Messages, photographs, videos, receipts, location data, and other information may later become important to the defense.

7. Assuming There Is No Defense

The police report represents the government’s version of events.

It should not automatically be treated as the final word.


Who Is Matthew Fraiberg?

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

He has practiced law in Michigan since 1997.

His professional background includes work as:

  • A former city prosecutor

  • A former judicial clerk

  • A former assistant legal research clerk in the Oakland County court system

His practice includes:

  • DUI and OWI defense

  • High BAC cases

  • Felony OWI

  • Domestic violence

  • Assault

  • Drug offenses

  • Theft and fraud allegations

  • Probation violations

  • Felony and misdemeanor criminal defense

His experience gives him perspective on how criminal cases may be evaluated by prosecutors, judges, probation departments, and law enforcement.


Who Is Eric L. Pernie?

Eric L. Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and co-founder of Fraiberg & Pernie.

Before becoming an attorney, Pernie served as a Bloomfield Township police officer.

That law-enforcement background can be particularly relevant when examining:

  • Traffic stops

  • OWI investigations

  • Field sobriety testing

  • Police reports

  • Arrest procedures

  • Search and seizure

  • Officer testimony

  • Body-camera evidence

Fraiberg & Pernie’s combined former prosecutorial and law-enforcement experience provides two different perspectives when evaluating a criminal case.


Why Consider Fraiberg & Pernie for a West Bloomfield Criminal Case?

People searching for a West Bloomfield criminal defense lawyer are often looking for more than someone who can simply appear in court.

They may need an attorney who understands how a criminal allegation can affect their career, reputation, driver’s license, professional credentials, and future.

Fraiberg & Pernie’s defense approach includes:

  • Criminal defense experience

  • DUI and OWI defense

  • Former prosecutorial experience

  • Former law-enforcement experience

  • Familiarity with Oakland County criminal courts

  • 48th District Court representation

  • Constitutional analysis

  • Evidence review

  • Breath and blood evidence evaluation

  • Driver’s-license strategy

  • Negotiation

  • Motion practice

  • Trial preparation

  • Attention to professional and reputational consequences

The central question remains:

What does the evidence actually prove?


Frequently Asked Questions About West Bloomfield Criminal Defense

What Court Handles a West Bloomfield Criminal Case?

Most misdemeanor and traffic cases arising in West Bloomfield Township are handled by the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills, which officially serves West Bloomfield. Felony cases generally begin in district court before potentially proceeding to Oakland County Circuit Court.

Where Is the 48th District Court?

The 48th District Court is located at 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a West Bloomfield OWI?

You are not automatically required to hire private counsel, but an OWI can involve criminal penalties, driver’s-license consequences, testing evidence, bond conditions, and long-term record issues. Legal representation can help evaluate those issues before decisions are made.

Will I Go to Jail for a First Offense?

It depends on the charge, record, facts, judge, and final outcome. Jail may be legally possible for some offenses but is not automatically imposed merely because a person has been arrested.

Can a West Bloomfield DUI Be Reduced?

Sometimes. Reductions depend on the evidence, criminal and driving history, prosecutor, court, and negotiations.

Can an OWI Be Dismissed?

Potentially, if significant legal, constitutional, scientific, or evidentiary weaknesses exist. Dismissal should never be promised without reviewing the case.

Can Police Search My Car?

Police searches are governed by constitutional rules and recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Whether a particular search was lawful depends on the facts.

Can Police Search My Home?

Generally, police need a valid warrant, consent, or a legally recognized exception. An unlawful search may create grounds to challenge resulting evidence.

Should I Talk to Police if They Say They Only Want My Side of the Story?

Statements can become evidence. A person under investigation should understand the legal consequences before deciding whether to provide a statement.

Can I Travel While My Case Is Pending?

Possibly. Review the bond order first. If court approval is required, obtain it before traveling.

Can I Go to Canada With a Pending Criminal Case?

Court permission and Canadian admissibility are separate questions. Canadian authorities apply their own immigration rules.

Can My Employer Find Out?

Possibly. Employer policies, background checks, licensing requirements, security clearances, and the nature of the job may affect disclosure.

Will a Criminal Charge Ruin My Professional License?

Not necessarily. The effect depends on the profession, licensing rules, charge, final outcome, and reporting requirements.

Can I Keep the Case Off My Record?

Possibly. Dismissal, statutory deferrals, diversion, or future set-aside relief may be available depending on the charge and circumstances.

What Should I Do First After an Arrest?

Read and follow every bond condition, avoid discussing the case publicly, preserve potentially useful evidence, attend all required court proceedings, and obtain legal advice before making major decisions about the case.

How Soon Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Early representation can be valuable because evidence preservation, bond conditions, driver’s-license issues, witness identification, and investigation may begin immediately.


Speak With a West Bloomfield Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested, charged, served with a warrant, contacted by police, or placed under investigation in West Bloomfield, Michigan, the decisions made early in the case can affect what happens later.

A defense should consider more than the criminal charge itself.

It should also consider your:

  • Criminal record

  • Driver’s license

  • Employment

  • Professional license

  • Reputation

  • Family

  • Finances

  • Future

Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients facing DUI, OWI, domestic violence, assault, drug, theft, felony, misdemeanor, and other criminal charges arising in West Bloomfield and throughout Oakland County.

The goal is to identify what actually happened, determine what evidence exists, challenge evidence where legally appropriate, and develop a strategy based on the circumstances of the individual case.

Contact Fraiberg & Pernie to request a confidential consultation with a West Bloomfield criminal defense lawyer.

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 Fraiberg

Attorney Reviewed August, 2026
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience


Reviewed by

Matthew Fraiberg – Criminal Defense Attorney
Eric L. Pernie – Criminal Defense Attorney
Fraiberg & Pernie – Oakland County Criminal Defense Lawyers

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.

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