PRO
also known as Matt Silva
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.
3
Practice Areas
19 years | 1,800 cases
19 years | 7,000 cases
19 years | 10,000 cases
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Fax
600 College Street, PO Box 1072, 28329, Clinton, NC, 28328
skalawyers.comSilva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC - Real Estate, 825 Gum Branch Road, Suite #135, Jacksonville, NC, 28546
skalawyers.com
Other places you can find Matthew online.
Showing 36 - 40 of 54 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Hit and Run / Resist, Obstruct, Delay
Mr. Silva was straight forward right off the bat. He did not try to sugar coat anything. He's very polite and an excellent lawyer. Everything he would tell me would happen, happened. My wife bumped a car in the parking lot and didn't think there was damaged so she left. A bystander called the police....
Thank you for the great review. I know it took a while to get your case dismissed, but that is just the nature of things. I am glad that you and your wife are able to move on without any criminal convictions. In my legal opinion, you do not have an obligation to help law enforcement with an investigation. I think what you did is perfectly legal. If law enforcement wanted to see your car they should have gotten a search warrant. I think they were just being lazy and vindictive by charging you. Nevertheless, it was dismissed so I am happy with the outcome. Best of luck in all your future endeavors and thank you for referring people to me.
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Outstanding Service
Mr. Silva was able to win my case against a DWI charge, due to my situation it took a little bit of time, however, in the end, it was worth the wait.
Thank you very much for the positive review. I am always happy when we are able to win in court. You didn't leave your name, so I am not quite sure which case this is, but I am appreciative of your business! Thank you for selecting me and if you or anyone you know ever has to confront legal problems, please give me a call! Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Posted by James (Matt) | June 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
A cut above the rest
Last summer I was traveling down to Topsail, NC from my home state of WV. About an hour away, I arrived at one of the most sophisticated “check points” I’ve ever encountered, in the middle of nowhere might I add. I was asked to pull over, step out of the car, and submit to a breathalyzer test. I had ...
James: Thank you for the great review. I was very pleased with the outcome. You were a great client to have! I know this was a stressful event for you and I appreciate all the effort you put forth toward the case. I hope that now this is behind you, you can move on with your life without the burden of being charged with a DWI. If you ever want to file an expunction, please let me know. Also, if you or anyone you know needs legal assistance please contact us. Again, thank you for the positive review and best of luck in all your future endeavors! - Matt
Posted by Tom | May 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely Professional
Mr Silva accepted my case after our initial consultation and was very honest with the possible outcomes. After meeting with several attorneys in town, I left Mr Silva's office with the trust and confidence that he was the BEST attorney for my case! His knowledge of the entire judicial process was ver...
Tom: Thank you for allowing us to handle this case. I know the alleged facts were spurious and I wish this sort of situation could be prevented. It is unfortunate that someone can swear out a warrant for such an egregious charge and have you arrested while in the middle of dinner with your family. I wish there was some way I could have gotten involved prior to your arrest. In any event, I am happy the charges were dismissed and that you and your family can move on with your life. If there is ever anything we can do you for you or someone you know, please do not hesitate to call. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Posted by James | April 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Didn't give up
I hired Me Silva to represent me in a DWI case in Onslow Co. I had wrecked my motorcycle a block from my house. The police came to my house 1 1/2 hours after the wreck, as I was making calls to have the bike moved and myself taken to the hospital. I had a couple of beers in my own home during that ti...
James: It was a pleasure representing you. I am pleased with the outcome and am happy this is behind you now. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call us!
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients. One of the absolute best for DUIs"
"Matt is a former prosecutor who excels at representing his clients. He is an excellent attorney."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great attorney!"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Silva is a true professional who devotes countless time and effort in zealously representing his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This lawyer is aggressive, knowledgeable and provides excellent services."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
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2017
10 Best Attorney, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2017
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Top 100 DWI Attorneys in North Carolina, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 40 Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
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
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in North Carolina, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
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
1998
Who's Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges, Who's Who
1998
National Dean's List, National Dean's List
2015 - Present
Chairman of Attorney Standards, Onslow County Bar
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC
2012 - Present
Managing Partner, Sweet-Silva Investments, LLC
2020 - 2020
Board Member, Albert Ellis Airport Advisory Commission
2012 - 2013
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 - 2014
Chief Executive Officer, Deppe Pines Memorial Park, LLC
2012 - 2013
Managing Partner, Silva and Sweet, PLC
2008 - 2012
Superior Court Prosecutor, District Attorney's Office
2008 - 2009
Chief of District Court for the 4th District, District Attorney's Office
2007 - 2009
Chief DWI Court Prosecutor, Prosecutor's Office - 4th District
2007 - 2008
District Court Prosecutor, District Attorney's Office
2007 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, 4th Prosecutorial District
2006 - 2006
Summer Associate, Terry N. Grimes, PC
2005 - 2005
Student Attorney, Elder Law Clinic, Wake Forest University School of Law
2003 - 2004
Assistant Manager & Formulation Chemist, Zeco, Inc.
2001 - 2002
Quality Control Chemist, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (formerly Barr Laboratories)
1996 - 2001
Research Technician, University of New Mexico Cancer Research Facility
2023 - Present
Onslow County Bar AssociationPresident
2013 - Present
4th Circuit Court of AppealsMember
2013 - Present
United States District CourtMember
2007 - Present
North Carolina State BarMember
2007 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Onslow County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Sigma Chi Alumni AssociationMember
2012 - 2014
Deppe Pines Memorial ParkPresident
We prevailed on every issue presented to the Court of Appeals. This case also changed the law on evidence and indictments in North Carolina.
We won on every issue addressed by the Court of Appeals.
We prevailed on every issue addressed by the Court of Appeals.
2020
NHTSA Certified Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor
2019
Certificate in DWI Detection and SFST
2019
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement
2014
CLE
2013
CLE
2012
CLE
2012
CLE
2011
CLE
2008
CLE
2007
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Certificate
2000
BS - Bachelor of Science
2016
Law Practice Management
2014
Criminal Defense, Family Law, & Corporations
2013
BLET Mock Trials
2012
Courtroom Skills: Proving Your Case
2012
BLET Mock Trials
2001
1999
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Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Matthew earned significant contribution points in 2020.
Wife owned guns- Husband charged with firearm by felon.
12 Jan 2026
Judge says no 2 times when asked to appoint another attorney even attorney said there was a conflict
12 Jan 2026
How can I settle 2 cases with just mine?
13 Jan 2026