Patrick S. Fragel

I’m Patrick S. Fragel, a criminal defence lawyer based in Traverse City, Michigan. For more than 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people across the state who are facing serious criminal charges. Before becoming a defence attorney, I served in the United States Army, where I learned discipline, focus, and resilience—qualities that continue to guide me every day.

I began my legal career as a prosecutor, which gave me valuable insight into how the state builds its cases. But over time, I saw how much leverage prosecutors hold and how overwhelming the system can be for defendants. That realisation led me to dedicate my career to criminal defence. Today, at my firm, I approach every case as if it’s going to trial, because preparation is everything when the stakes are this high.

Outside of the courtroom, I believe in staying sharp and balanced through fitness. I’m an avid runner, having completed the Marquette Half-Marathon and several local 5Ks, and I lift weights regularly to maintain both stamina and focus. Whether in training or in trial, my philosophy is the same: preparation, endurance, and fairness matter most.