Former Prosecutors, Experienced Advocates.I have personally handled thousands of criminal charges as a State's attorney and Defense Attorney.As a former DWI prosecutor, I know how the State is going to come after you.We handle hundreds of traffic related violations per month. Please let us help you!
Mr. Silva is a former Superior Court Prosecutor for Onslow and Jones counties. Having spent several years with the District Attorney's office, Mr. Silva gained tremendous trial experience in all areas of criminal law. In the final three years of Mr. Silva's time as Prosecutor, he completed more jury trials and maintained the highest conviction rate in all of District Four (Onslow, Jones, Duplin and Sampson counties).
Mr. Silva is thorough, yet efficient, when evaluating each case. He has a strong ability to evaluate complex factual scenarios. Mr. Silva is committed to achieving optimal results for his clients through an aggressive litigation strategy.
Practice areas
15 years, 1,800 cases
15 years, 7,000 cases
15 years, 10,000 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Romanian
Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC
2416 Commerce Road
Jacksonville, NC, 28546
Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC
101 West Main Street
PO Box 1072, 28329
Clinton, NC, 28328
Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC
Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC - Real Estate
825 Gum Branch Road, Suite #135
Jacksonville, NC, 28546
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 2007 | 06/23/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
10 Best Attorney | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2017 |
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2017 |
AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
Top 10 Under 40 | National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2016 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Top 100 DWI Attorneys in North Carolina | National Advocacy for DUI Defense | 2016 |
Top 40 Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in North Carolina | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
10 Best in North Carolina | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2015 |
Top 10 Under 40 | National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2015 |
Judicial Edition AV Preeminent Attorney | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
Top 10 Under 40 | National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2014 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
Top 100 DWI attorneys in North Carolina | The National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC | 2014 |
Who's Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges | Who's Who | 1998 |
National Dean's List | National Dean's List | 1998 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Chairman of Attorney Standards | Onslow County Bar | 2015 - Present |
Managing Partner | Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC | 2014 - Present |
Managing Partner | Sweet-Silva Investments, LLC | 2012 - Present |
Board Member | Albert Ellis Airport Advisory Commission | 2020 - 2020 |
Partner | Silva & Sweet, PLLC | 2012 - 2013 |
Chief Legal Officer | B2G Holding Company, Inc | 2012 - 2013 |
Chief Legal Officer | Dawg Food, Inc. | 2012 - 2013 |
Partner | Silva, Sweet & Kiernan, PLLC | 2012 - 2013 |
Chief Executive Officer | Deppe Pines Memorial Park, LLC | 2012 - 2014 |
Managing Partner | Silva and Sweet, PLC | 2012 - 2013 |
Superior Court Prosecutor | District Attorney's Office | 2008 - 2012 |
Chief of District Court for the 4th District | District Attorney's Office | 2008 - 2009 |
District Court Prosecutor | District Attorney's Office | 2007 - 2008 |
Chief DWI Court Prosecutor | Prosecutor's Office - 4th District | 2007 - 2009 |
Assistant District Attorney | District Attorney's Office, 4th Prosecutorial District | 2007 - 2012 |
Summer Associate | Terry N. Grimes, PC | 2006 - 2006 |
Student Attorney | Elder Law Clinic, Wake Forest University School of Law | 2005 - 2005 |
Assistant Manager & Formulation Chemist | Zeco, Inc. | 2003 - 2004 |
Quality Control Chemist | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (formerly Barr Laboratories) | 2001 - 2002 |
Research Technician | University of New Mexico Cancer Research Facility | 1996 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
4th Circuit Court of Appeals | Member | 2013 - Present |
United States District Court | Member | 2013 - Present |
North Carolina State Bar | Member | 2007 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
Onslow County Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
Sigma Chi Alumni Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
Deppe Pines Memorial Park | President | 2012 - 2014 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Journal of Peptide Research | Novel Cyclic Peptide Inhibits Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1-mediated Cell Aggregation. | 2001 |
Abstract. Blood. 94 (Supplement): 429a | Development of Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of LFA-1 Binding to ICAM-1 | 1999 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Impaired Driving Specialists - SFST Instructor's Course | NHTSA Certified Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor | 2020 |
NHTSA | Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement | 2019 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Certificate in DWI Detection and SFST | 2019 |
NC Bar Association | CLE | 2014 |
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | CLE | 2013 |
NC State Bar | CLE | 2012 |
NC State Bar | CLE | 2012 |
State Bureau of Investigation, Office of Attorney General & Secretary of State | CLE | 2011 |
NC Conference of District Attorneys | CLE | 2008 |
Wake Forest University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2007 |
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law | Certificate | 2005 |
University of New Mexico | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2000 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Coastal Carolina Paralegal Studies | Law Practice Management | 2016 |
Consigliere Night | Criminal Defense, Family Law, & Corporations | 2014 |
BLET Mock Trials | BLET Mock Trials | 2013 |
North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training | Courtroom Skills: Proving Your Case | 2012 |
BLET Finals | BLET Mock Trials | 2012 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State of North Carolina v. Jyree Dominic Noel | We prevailed on every issue presented to the Court of Appeals. This case also changed the law on evidence and indictments in North Carolina. |
State of North Carolina v. Kenis Ray Johnson | We won on every issue addressed by the Court of Appeals. |
State v. Dobbs | We prevailed on every issue addressed by the Court of Appeals. |
Posted by Kaitlyn
October 26, 2018
Posted by Thomas
September 10, 2018
Posted by Benjamin
May 24, 2022
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March 24, 2022
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January 18, 2022
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November 17, 2021
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October 30, 2021
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October 7, 2021
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October 4, 2021
Posted by anonymous
September 30, 2021
Grayson Cheek, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 13, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I had the pleasure to work opposite of Matt when he worked in the District Attorney’s office. We tried a 2-day jury trial. At all times Matt was professional and, honestly, friendly. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of his case and I knew mine. As a career defense attorney, I appreciated his demeanor and I knew it would serve him well if he ever ventured into private practice. Now that Matt is practicing criminal defense, I feel comfortable and I have full confidence in referring those seeking my help to him for matters in Onslow County. He’s one of the great ones.
Mark Rowe, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Matthew Vernon Silva is a powerful advocate for his clients. He is always prepared and very successful in the courtroom. The client who trusts his case to Matthew makes a wise decision, and I highly recommend his work.
Grayson Cheek, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 13, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I had the pleasure to work opposite of Matt when he worked in the District Attorney’s office. We tried a 2-day jury trial. At all times Matt was professional and, honestly, friendly. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of his case and I knew mine. As a career defense attorney, I appreciated his demeanor and I knew it would serve him well if he ever ventured into private practice. Now that Matt is practicing criminal defense, I feel comfortable and I have full confidence in referring those seeking my help to him for matters in Onslow County. He’s one of the great ones.
Mark Rowe, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Matthew Vernon Silva is a powerful advocate for his clients. He is always prepared and very successful in the courtroom. The client who trusts his case to Matthew makes a wise decision, and I highly recommend his work.
Channika Desilva, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Silva is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity.
Gregory Cade, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matthew is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services.
George Collins, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. We are members of the local bar and I have watched Mr. Silva in practice since he began. He is one outstanding lawyer, gentleman and scholar. I endorse him with greatest of confidence.
James Jordan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. It is my understanding that having worked in the district attorney's office is highly beneficial to any criminal defense attorney. I endorse this lawyer for his skill and thoughtfulness to clients.
Mark Clay, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Mr. Silva. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.
Jonathan Lacour, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients. One of the absolute best for DUIs
Donald Christian, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a former prosecutor who excels at representing his clients. He is an excellent attorney.
John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill,knowledge and understanding.i can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation.
Mark Murad, Unknown Attorney on Mar 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is a great attorney!
Dane Scalise, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Every now and again, you meet someone that you just KNOW has it all together. Mr. Silva is one of those people. It is clear that he is both very intelligent and capable. I certainly endorse him for a variety of practice areas, including criminal defense.
Eric Kopka, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Silva is a true professional who devotes countless time and effort in zealously representing his clients.
Elizabeth Carpenter, Unknown Attorney on Dec 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Cheryl Wulf, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on Nov 24, 2014
Relationship: Other
This lawyer is aggressive, knowledgeable and provides excellent services.
Michael Birchmore, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Silva is well known for his experience and ability to get great results for his clients. I highly recommend him to those in need of an effective lawyer.
Vance Davis, Unknown Attorney on Oct 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Silva is a skilled and talented lawyer as is demonstrated in his many fine contributions to the Avvo community. Having read many of his comments in the Avvo Q&A forum, I would not have any hesitation relying on his legal services and professional guidance.
Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Unknown Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Kenneth Love, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Silva spends a great deal of time sharing his legal expertise with the community. He is a first choice selection for anyone needing representation in Eastern North Carolina.