$ 300-450 per hour
Matthew Whiddon Peterson
About Matthew
Biography
As a Boston criminal defense lawyer serving clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts, I bring a Harvard Law School education and a deep personal commitment to every case I handle.
Because I am a trial attorney, I prepare every matter with the rigorous expectation of going to court. My practice focuses on defending clients against DUI/OUI, drug charges, violent offenses, and firearms-related cases. Additionally, I represent individuals in LTC license matters—including denials, suspensions, and appeals—as well as arraignments, clerk magistrate hearings, and criminal appeals. I take the time to explain your options and guide you through the legal process while fighting to protect your rights.
I take your case personally. I am known for my relentless advocacy and for exploring every possible angle to win for my clients.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
10 years | 300 cases
Immigration
25%
10 years
DUI and DWI
15%
10 years
Child Custody
10%
10 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 7 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in Alabama for 10 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson
55 Union Street, Suite: 400, Boston, MA, 02108
Law Office of Matthew Peterson
15 Church Street, Salem, MA, 01970
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Matthew Whiddon Peterson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 59 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Driving on a Suspended License
I was pulled over without realizing or having notice of my license being suspended and am facing a criminal charge due to this. I was understandably confused and very stressed about what I could be facing after looking online and seeing the worst possible outcomes. I looked around and was referred...
Posted by Matthew | May 31, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great lawyer.
Great lawyer. Professional and prompt. Great to work with, and very attentive. 10/10 would use again!
Posted by Faisal | May 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Oui dismissed
Matthew is a rockstar he saved my life! I was charged with an OUI on 11/27/2021. Matthew worked tirelessly to see this case through and all charges were dismissed. Always showed up, stayed in touch and updated me regularly. I recommend Matthew to anyone that finds themselves facing criminal charges....
Posted by Chad | February 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Happy Client!
Matthew and his office helped us out last year in what could have been a sticky situation. His assessment of the case and possible outcomes was spot-on and, as things turned out, the resolution could not have been better. He is clearly a gifted attorney, who understands the law and how to advocate ...
Posted by Lionel | February 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He's the best
Attorney Matthew Peterson understand people's problems. He always makes himself available to answer any questions the client might have. He's the best of the best.
Matthew Whiddon Peterson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Peterson works hard for his clients and provides high quality representation to everyone he represents."
"I have worked with Attorney Peterson on several matters, each time impressed with his grasp of the issues and focus. He is a very capable and committed advocate. I endorse him without reservation."
"Matthew Peterson is an experienced and dedicated practitioner whose thoroughness in every aspect of legal representation sets him apart."
"I've worked with Matthew for years, first as his supervisor at the public defenders office and then as a lawyer in the community. He is a thoughtful and aggressive advocate who provides the best possible defense to his clients. I expect him to have a long and successful career and I do not hesitate to endorse him."
"Matt Peterson is a dedicated, phenomenal lawyer. I recommend him to any one without hesitation, for he always commits himself to obtaining the best result for his clients."
"Matt is an excellent young criminal defense lawyer. He’s top level in competence, knowledge, and totally committed to advocacy on behalf of his clients."
"Mr. Peterson is a consummate professional. It is a pleasure to work in the same courtroom. I have found him to be prepared to handle his matters, well-versed in the law, and dedicated to the interests of his clients."
"I recommend Attorney Peterson for criminal defense cases. Attorney Peterson is a hard-working, bright Attorney with a keen understanding of criminal defense work. I recommend Attorney Peterson for criminal defense cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Peterson is hard-working, knowledgeable and talented in his areas of practice."
"I am happy to endorse Matthew Peterson. Matthew advocates tirelessly for his clients and does not shy away from a courtroom. He is competent and detail-oriented. As a colleague, he is professional and friendly. I would enthusiastically recommend him to anyone in search of a criminal defense attorney."
"Matthew is a great lawyer. Intelligent and personable."
"Matthew fights for his clients and is an intelligent, impressive lawyer both in and out of the courtroom."
Eduardo Masferrer
Criminal defense lawyer
Alan Hoch
Litigation lawyer
Christopher Earley
Wrongful death lawyer
William Alford
Criminal defense lawyer
Shane Taylor
DUI and DWI lawyer
Moshae Donald
Divorce and separation lawyer
Brian Lockwood
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Miller
Criminal defense lawyer
Leonard Milligan
Criminal defense lawyer
Erin Opperman
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter O'Karma
Criminal defense lawyer
Alexander Conley
Criminal defense lawyer
Justin Drechsler
Civil rights lawyer
Lindsay Mims
Immigration lawyer
Jason Darley
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Friedlander
Criminal defense lawyer
Megan Allgood
Family lawyer
Taft Hughes
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2019
Top 40 under 40, American Institute of Trial Attorneys
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2018
10 Best - Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Immigration Attorney, Three Best Rated
2018
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Defender of the Year, Harvard Defenders
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson
2015 - 2016
Law Clerk, Circuit Judge Roderick P. Stout
2014 - 2015
Student Attorney, Criminal Justice Institute
2014 - 2014
Intern, Committee for Public Counsel Services
2013 - 2013
Student Attorney, Harvard Predatory Lending and Consumer Protection Clinic
2013 - 2013
Intern, Law Office of Howard Friedman
2012 - 2013
Intern, Jeff Deen Law PC
2011 - 2015
Student Attorney, Harvard Defenders
Associations
2018 - Present
Boston Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2018 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Mobile Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Alabama State BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Trafficking Charges - Suppression Granted
Dismissed after Motion to Suppress Granted
OUI Case - Not Guilty in Bench Trial
Not guilty after bench trial
Theft, Firearm Charge
Not Guilty after Jury Trial
Attempted Murder - Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
OUI - Not Guilty
Not Guilty after Bench Trial
Domestic Violence - Not Guilty after Jury Trial
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Rape Charge Dismissed
Dismissed on pre-trial motion
Education
2015
Harvard University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
University of South Alabama
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Criminal Law CLE
Criminal Charges and the Effect on Immigration Status
Publications
2019
Legal Blog
Massachusetts Legal Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Will My Criminal Case Get Me Deported?
07 Dec 2019
Legal Guide
Can I Work While My Adjustment of Status Petition is Pending?
07 Dec 2019
Legal Guide
What is Bail Review in Massachusetts?
07 Dec 2019