Matthew B Nichols

I hired Attorney Matthew Nichols about one year ago, after I was arrested and charged with OUI while on vacation with friends and family in Maine. As an out of state resident, I was unfamiliar with the laws and procedures in the state of Maine. I spent a considerable amount of time researching both..., and scheduled a number of consultations with local trial attorneys that specialized in criminal defense, specifically representing individuals charged with OUI. I spoke with five attorneys before my initial consultation with Attorney Nichols. From the first time that we spoke and every time thereafter, Attorney Nichols was professional, thoughtful and conveyed a level of expertise that distinguished himself from his peers. He anticipated, and precisely answered all of my questions. Additionally, Attorney Nichols identified and discussed all of the collateral consequences associated with the pending case and any potential outcomes. Most importantly, he was sensitive to my lack of familiarity the with the criminal justice process in the state of Maine, and took time to thoroughly explain, in terms that I could understand, everything that I could expect to encounter moving forward. During this stressful and uncertain time, I took great comfort in the fact that Attorney Nichols was always accessible by both telephone and email, and he encouraged me to contact him with any questions or concerns that arose, regardless of the hour. In addition to accessibility, I appreciated Attorney Nichols’s candor and honesty. At every stage of the process, he explained both the “good and the bad,” leaving no room for surprises. Contrary to comments offered by a previous reviewer, Attorney Nichols never once lectured me or judged the questionable behavior that culminated in my arrest. Instead, he was thoughtful, professional and respectful at all times. Attorney Nichols always arrived to court early and prepared, and his knowledge of the law and ability as a trial attorney was impressive to watch. I noticed that his colleagues, including the state prosecutor and the judge that presided over my case, addressed Attorney Nichols with a level of deference that could only have been earned though many years of ethical and zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients. In fact, I was not surprised at the conclusion of my trial when the judge returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Matthew B Nichols has a fair amount of knowledge in Maine oui knowledge but his professionalism is atrocious. He does not care for your personal situation if not to criticize your personal habits where his opinion is not required or grounded. His work with the district attorney was not based on atte...mpting to make a better deal but keeping up his personal relationship with the DA. While I was with him and requesting professional advice he would dismiss my question until he was done dealing with the other lawyers in the immediate vicinity. Even when he was giving his advice he would take time to talk to his fellow lawyers before getting to my questions. As far as the litigation goes, during my hearings he was spending most of the time on his phone instead of being actively involved. He let far too much on record then was relevant. As a lawyer his aptitude was deplorable. As a professional he was egotistical. I would not recommend hiring this lawyer. If you do choose to; do not pay him up front.