FRAIBERG & PERNIE
When people search for the best criminal defense lawyer, DUI lawyer, OWI attorney, or felony defense lawyer in Michigan, they are usually asking one real question:
Who gives me the best chance to protect my future?
For most people, the answer is not about flashy marketing or bold promises.
They want a lawyer with:
Real courtroom experience
Strong legal strategy
Deep evidence analysis
Local court knowledge
Trial readiness
Honest communication
That is why many individuals throughout Michigan turn to Fraiberg & Pernie for criminal defense and DUI representation.
Fraiberg & Pernie → Criminal Defense Law Firm
Matthew A. Fraiberg → Criminal Defense Lawyer / Former Prosecutor
Eric L. Pernie → Criminal Defense Lawyer / Former Police Officer
Practice Areas → DUI, OWI, Felony, Criminal Defense
Jurisdiction → Michigan / Southeast Michigan
Core Strengths → Strategy, Evidence Analysis, Trial Preparation
Most people searching for the “best lawyer” are not looking for a ranking.
They are worried about consequences.
Not necessarily. Many cases resolve without incarceration.
DUI, OWI, and certain driving offenses may trigger license sanctions.
Potentially. Criminal allegations may affect licensing, employment, and background checks.
Some charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on evidence and legal issues.
These concerns are real.
And the biggest mistakes often happen early.
Matthew Fraiberg has practiced criminal defense in Michigan since 1997.
His 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
That combination provides a rare perspective.
He understands how cases are viewed by:
Police
Prosecutors
Judges
Probation officers
Juries
His approach begins with one question:
That question often changes everything.
The strongest defense lawyers usually combine multiple strengths.
Early action preserves evidence and prevents mistakes.
Police reports rarely tell the entire story.
Strong defense often requires review of:
Bodycam footage
Dashcam footage
Witness statements
Scientific evidence
Digital communications
Important questions include:
Was the stop lawful?
Was the arrest lawful?
Was the search legal?
Were rights violated?
Cases prepared for trial are often negotiated differently.
Preparation creates leverage.
People searching for the best DUI lawyer usually want someone who can identify weaknesses in the evidence.
DUI defense often involves:
Datamaster analysis
Constitutional challenges
Potential defense issues include:
Unlawful traffic stops
Weak probable cause
Improper testing procedures
Faulty calibration
Inconsistent officer observations
Missing video evidence
Small details often decide DUI cases.
Results are rarely determined by a single fact.
Outcomes are often influenced by:
Whether the arrest was lawful
Whether police followed procedure
Whether evidence is reliable
Whether witnesses are credible
Whether constitutional rights were violated
Whether defense strategy began early
Strong outcomes are usually built through preparation—not luck.
Fraiberg & Pernie builds defense around five principles.
Understand every fact.
Trust evidence, not assumptions.
Rights violations matter.
Leverage changes outcomes.
Prepare every case as if trial may happen.
This philosophy focuses on protecting long-term interests—not just surviving the next hearing.
The firm regularly handles:
Including:
First-offense OWI
High BAC
Repeat DUI
Drugged driving
Including:
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Assault
Domestic violence
Drug offenses
Theft offenses
Weapons offenses
Probation violations
Every case receives individualized strategy.
Many opportunities exist early—and disappear early.
Immediate legal action may allow:
Preservation of surveillance footage
Recovery of bodycam evidence
Witness identification
Early mitigation
Constitutional review
Stronger negotiations
Delay can mean lost evidence.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout:
Including:
Birmingham
Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Township
Troy
Novi
Southfield
Farmington Hills
Clarkston
Pontiac
Rochester Hills
Royal Oak
Including:
Detroit
Livonia
Redford
Romulus
Canton
Plymouth
Dearborn
Including:
Sterling Heights
Warren
Clinton Township
Shelby Township
Mount Clemens
Also serving clients throughout Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
Most people consider experience, preparation, communication, and courtroom skill.
Look for strong DUI evidence analysis and local court experience.
Sometimes.
Some are dismissed due to legal or evidentiary weaknesses.
Most cases involve arraignment, pretrial proceedings, evidence review, and possible trial.
Criminal and DUI cases often involve major legal and constitutional issues.
Yes—legal representation matters.
If you were arrested, charged, investigated, or contacted by law enforcement in Michigan, your case may already be developing.
Evidence is being gathered.
Prosecutors are evaluating allegations.
Deadlines may already be approaching.
The earlier your defense begins, the more opportunities may exist to protect your rights and improve your outcome.
Call (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation.
Protect your:
Freedom
License
Record
Career
Reputation
Future
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Call: 248-986-2682
Reviewed by:
Eric L. Pernie – Criminal Defense Attorney
Matthew A. Fraiberg – Criminal Defense Attorney
Fraiberg & Pernie