Business Details
Trusted Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers in Birmingham, MI
Fraiberg & Pernie is a dedicated legal practice serving clients in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties, Michigan. Our team combines decades of combined legal experience with unique insights from former prosecutorial and law enforcement backgrounds. We specialize in criminal defense, DUI/OWI cases, traffic violations, and related legal matters, prioritizing personalized representation and strategic defense tailored to local court systems.Our attorneys, Matthew A. Fraiberg and Eric L. Pernie, bring specialized expertise from roles as a former City Prosecutor and police officer respectively, offering clients a comprehensive understanding of both sides of the legal process. We focus on protecting client rights, minimizing consequences, and achieving favorable outcomes through courtroom experience and thorough case analysis.
Services
DUI Defense
Criminal Defense
Traffic Tickets
Controlled Substance Charges
Domestic Violence
License Restoration
Expungement
Felony Defense
Misdemeanor Defense
Probation Violation
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined legal experience in Michigan courts
- Our team includes a former City Prosecutor and former police officer
- We provide personalized defense strategies tailored to local jurisdictions
- We guarantee transparent communication and ethical legal practices
- We offer flexible payment plans for accessible legal representation
Associations and certifications
- Lead Counsel Rating in Drunk Driving Defense
What people say
Experienced attorneys
Successful outcomes
Dedicated support
Thorough case analysis
Ethical representation
Services
DUI Defense
Our DUI defense practice specializes in challenging impaired driving charges across Southeast Michigan. With attorneys possessing former prosecutorial and law enforcement experience, we analyze breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test validity, and traffic stop legality. We develop customized defense strategies for first-time and repeat offenses, including BAC challenges, procedural violations, and alternative sentencing options while maintaining strict adherence to Michigan's OWI laws.
Criminal Defense
We provide comprehensive criminal defense representation for felony and misdemeanor charges in Michigan courts. Our practice covers assault, drug possession, domestic violence, and probation violations. Our attorneys leverage insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategies and police procedures to challenge evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and secure charge reductions while protecting clients' constitutional rights throughout the legal process.
Traffic Tickets
Our traffic ticket defense service focuses on minimizing the consequences of moving violations in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. We challenge speeding tickets, red light violations, and reckless driving charges by examining radar calibration records, officer testimony, and traffic control devices. Our goal is to prevent license points, insurance rate increases, and potential license suspensions through courtroom representation and negotiated plea bargains.
Controlled Substance Charges
We defend clients facing drug-related charges including possession, use, and distribution of controlled substances. Our approach examines search warrant validity, chain of custody issues, and lab testing procedures. We challenge Michigan's drug laws by investigating police misconduct, Fourth Amendment violations, and forensic testing inconsistencies while exploring alternative sentencing options and rehabilitation programs for eligible clients.
Domestic Violence
Our domestic violence defense practice addresses assault allegations within familial or intimate relationships. We challenge evidence credibility, examine police report inconsistencies, and protect clients' rights during protective order hearings. Our defense strategies include self-defense claims, witness credibility assessments, and challenging forensic evidence while addressing potential employment, housing, and child custody implications for clients in Southeast Michigan.
People
Matthew A. Fraiberg
Attorney
Practicing law since 1997, Matthew Fraiberg brings former City Prosecutor experience to criminal defense. His background includes judicial clerkships and business executive roles, providing unique insights into complex legal matters and asset protection strategies for business owners facing criminal charges.
Eric L. Pernie
Attorney
A former police officer with 10+ years of law enforcement experience, Eric Pernie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ferris State University. His practical knowledge of field sobriety testing and police procedures enhances DUI defense strategies while maintaining active membership in the Oakland County Bar Association.
Questions
What factors determine DUI charge severity in Michigan?
Michigan DUI charges depend on BAC level, prior convictions, and incident circumstances. First offenses typically carry 93-day jail max while third offenses become felonies with 1-5 year prison terms. Super Drunk (BAC 0.17+) charges have enhanced penalties.
How can criminal charges affect my future?
Criminal convictions can impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications, and insurance rates. Felony convictions may result in permanent firearm restrictions and voting rights limitations during incarceration periods.
What happens during license restoration hearings?
License restoration requires demonstrating sobriety through treatment records, character references, and compliance with legal requirements. Our attorneys prepare documentation and present cases before Michigan's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division to reinstate driving privileges.
Do I need an attorney for traffic tickets?
Legal representation is recommended for traffic tickets that could result in license points, insurance increases, or employment impacts. Attorneys can challenge evidence validity and negotiate reduced penalties in court.
How does prior criminal history affect current charges?
Prior convictions can enhance current charges, increase penalties, and affect sentencing options. Our attorneys analyze prior records to develop defense strategies that minimize the impact of previous offenses on current legal matters.
What payment options are available for legal services?
We offer adjustable payment plans to make quality legal representation accessible. Our flexible billing arrangements accommodate different financial situations while maintaining the same high standard of legal service for all clients.
