Matthew Vernon Silva

PRO

Matthew Vernon Silva

also known as Matt Silva

5.0
250 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Jacksonville, NC
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

2416 Commerce Road, Jacksonville, NC

About Matthew

Biography

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!

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

19 years | 1,800 cases

35%
DUI and DWI 35%

19 years | 7,000 cases

35%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 30%

19 years | 10,000 cases

30%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 11
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2020 2019 2018
...
+ 6
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 18 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC

2416 Commerce Road, Jacksonville, NC, 28546

skalawyers.com

Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC

600 College Street, PO Box 1072, 28329, Clinton, NC, 28328

skalawyers.com

Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC

Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC - Real Estate, 825 Gum Branch Road, Suite #135, Jacksonville, NC, 28546

skalawyers.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Matthew online.

Matthew Vernon Silva's Reviews

Showing 41 - 45 of 50 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Brian | September 10, 2014 | Licensing

Changed my life!

After contacting numerous attorneys regarding my license I lost 10 years ago with no luck. I contacted Mr. Silva, he was very attentive and knowledgeable in handling my legal issuses. He has changed my life and I am forever grateful. He accomplished what NO other attorney could! Thank you Mr. Silva

Matthew Silva

Replied last September 10, 2014

Brian: Thank you for the review. Most people do not realize how difficult it is to get a driver's license back until it is too late. Fortunately, we were able to find that one small window to cure the situation. If I can ever do anything for you in the future, or your friends, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Posted by Brian | May 06, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding

Matt Silva is highly knowledgable and give sound legal a advice. I have used him from everything from divorce to corporate issues.

Matthew Silva

Replied last May 06, 2014

Brian: Thank you for the positive review. You are a great person to work with and I look forward to a long business relationship. I believe you have a strong corporate structure and will thrive in the coming years. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my firm.

Posted by Trista | April 21, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Highly recommended

I hired Mr. Silva in 2012 for DUI charges. He was very easy to work with. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I would not recommend anyone else for this type of case. I was very happy with the service he provided.

Matthew Silva

Replied last April 21, 2014

I am very happy at the outcome of your case. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let us know!

Posted by MOISE | December 09, 2013 | DUI & DWI

THANK YOU!!!

I was in Jacksonville North Carolina one year ago. I was traveling to visit friends and drove from NY to NC on a short period of time. I pulled into a driveway after hanging with my friend to put directions in my phone and next thing I know a random woman pulled-in behind me speaking on the phone ...to someone, long behold it was the sheriff department. I had no idea what was going on, the police officer proceeded with DUI/DWI procedures with me and I was not happy with it at all. I have been pulled over before, at least not while I am not driving the vehicle or in the vehicle, I had out-of-state license plates and not aware of my surrounding, so because I refused the Alcohol Breath Test he arrested me. I was so confused and needed some help on what just happened and what was I going to do from this point. I returned to NY in the next few days and like most, I received lots mail from other Attorneys mailing me asking to represent me. I called many of them in that town, they did not have a set price and some did not make feel confident as if they would have my best interest at heart. I finally spoke with Mr. Silva’s office which he made me feel like my situation was unique and he wanted to represent me and offered me a set price for my case not a penny more. I chose him base on his knowledge, years of experience as prosecutor and he was very up front and was willing to talk to me about the case for while without charging me for anything. I had a long hard year of this case, but I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Mr. Silva has been nothing short of amazing, professional throughout the whole process, his legal teams are the best; I was always greeted with a wonderful greeting on the phone and great service by Amber and his staff. I would highly recommend Mr. Silva. Thank you!

Matthew Silva

Replied last December 09, 2013

Moise, I cannot say how happy I am that your case was dismissed. You were a pleasure to work with. I had a strong belief, in the beginning, that the case would have a positive outcome, but there are always uncertainties. Thank you for choosing my law firm and allowing us to represent you. If you have any other needs in NC, please do not hesitate to call! Sincerely, Matt Silva.

Posted by damaris | November 08, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Simply Amazing !!!

My son was stationed in North Carolina in the Marine Corps and was arrested and charged with 5 felonies,although he was never in any previous trouble the degree of the charges were extreme and he was looking at mandatory jail time. We live in Florida and when we looked into lawyers in North Carolina ...Mr.Silva had great reviews,we called him and he was honest about the situation and what he could do for us ,we put our faith into him from states away knowing nothing about north Carolina laws, when we met at the jail in person he gave me hope and spoke truthfully about the case, he was extremely nice to us and our son making sure my son was okay daily while he was in jail and very knowledgeable about my son's situation, my son had a 250000 secured bond and only spent 3 weeks in jail and was released at 1200 dollars bond, Mr.Silva took care of our legal issues without us having to return to North Carolina ,his charges were dropped to misdemeanors and only received unsupervised probation and court fees, my son almost lost many years of his life for a childish mistake ,so to us Mr.Silva was a true blessing and we are truly grateful to him for his hard work, we will never forget him and believe he is worth every penny...he is the man to have on your side......THANK YOU MR.SILVA !!!!!

Matthew Silva

Replied last November 11, 2013

Thank you so much for this review! I enjoyed working with you and your family and I hope nothing but the best for you in the future. I am very pleased that this situation was resolved with a positive solution. If there is anything else we can do for you, please do not hesitate to call. You are a valued client and I will always be willing to help.

See All Client Reviews

Matthew Vernon Silva's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Grayson Howard Cheek headshot
Grayson Cheek

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 13

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 Lynwood Rowe headshot
Mark Rowe

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 13

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 Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 07

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 A Cade headshot
Gregory Cade

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

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 L. Collins headshot
George Collins

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 04

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 Karl Jordan IV headshot
James Jordan

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 18

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 V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

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 Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to clients. One of the absolute best for DUIs"

Donald Brandon Christian headshot
Donald Christian

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is a former prosecutor who excels at representing his clients. He is an excellent attorney."

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

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 Issa Murad headshot
Mark Murad

Unknown lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great attorney!"

Dane R. Scalise headshot
Dane Scalise

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

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 Michael Kopka headshot
Eric Kopka

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 15

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 B Carpenter headshot
Elizabeth Carpenter

Unknown lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cheryl Ann Wulf headshot
Cheryl Wulf

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Other

"This lawyer is aggressive, knowledgeable and provides excellent services."

Michael David Birchmore headshot
Michael Birchmore

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 11

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 Tate Davis headshot
Vance Davis

Unknown lawyer | Oct 03

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 headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Unknown lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kenneth Love Jr. headshot
Kenneth Love

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

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."

View All Endorsements
Grayson Howard Cheek headshot
Grayson Cheek

Criminal defense lawyer

George L. Collins headshot
George Collins

Personal injury lawyer

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer

Gregory A Cade headshot
Gregory Cade

Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer

James Karl Jordan IV headshot
James Jordan

Criminal defense lawyer

Casey Scott Starling headshot
Casey Starling

Real estate lawyer

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Immigration lawyer

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Business lawyer

Donald Brandon Christian headshot
Donald Christian

Criminal defense lawyer

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer

Dane R. Scalise headshot
Dane Scalise

General practice lawyer

Bobby L. Bollinger Jr. headshot
Bobby Bollinger

Workers compensation lawyer

Elizabeth B Carpenter headshot
Elizabeth Carpenter

Criminal defense lawyer

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael David Birchmore headshot
Michael Birchmore

Criminal defense lawyer

Vance Tate Davis headshot
Vance Davis

Elder law lawyer

Jay Scott Finnecy headshot
Jay Finnecy

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Michael Kopka headshot
Eric Kopka

Military law lawyer

Kenneth Love Jr. headshot
Kenneth Love

Litigation lawyer

Brandon Rice Roseman headshot
Brandon Roseman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

2023 - Present

Onslow County Bar Association

President

2013 - Present

4th Circuit Court of Appeals

Member

2013 - Present

United States District Court

Member

2007 - 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

2000 - Present

Sigma Chi Alumni Association

Member

2012 - 2014

Deppe Pines Memorial Park

President

Sample of Legal Cases

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.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2020

Impaired Driving Specialists - SFST Instructor's Course

NHTSA Certified Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor

2019

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Certificate in DWI Detection and SFST

2019

NHTSA

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement

2014

NC Bar Association

CLE

2013

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CLE

2012

NC State Bar

CLE

2012

NC State Bar

CLE

2011

State Bureau of Investigation, Office of Attorney General & Secretary of State

CLE

2008

NC Conference of District Attorneys

CLE

2007

Wake Forest University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

Certificate

2000

University of New Mexico

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

Coastal Carolina Paralegal Studies

Law Practice Management

2014

Consigliere Night

Criminal Defense, Family Law, & Corporations

2013

BLET Mock Trials

BLET Mock Trials

2012

North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training

Courtroom Skills: Proving Your Case

2012

BLET Finals

BLET Mock Trials

Publications

1999

Abstract. Blood. 94 (Supplement): 429a Development of Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of LFA-1 Binding to ICAM-1

Languages

English

Spanish

Romanian

Activity

Top Contributor

Matthew earned significant contribution points in 2020.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution