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Matthew Wayne Kilgo

Criminal defense Attorney at Marietta, GA

4.9   48 reviews
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    60%
    Felony and misdemeanor defense practice; records restrictions and expungements; traffic citations and ordinance violations in municipal courts.

    15 years, 500 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%

    15 years, 350 cases

  3. Expungement
    20%
    I have worked extensively with clients on expungements, record restrictions (the same but very different things in Georgia, based on the year of conviction), sealing records in court and with law enforcement, and retroactive first offender petitions.

A 1996 graduate of Auburn University, that same year I began law school at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 1999.  I worked as a prosecutor in Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton counties, briefly served in the United States Marine Corps, assisted in the investigation and prosecution of copyright infringement cases for the music industry, and for the past decade I have represented individuals charged with crimes in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Altharetta, in fact the entire metro area, from Dahlonega to Macon, Carrollton to (almost) Augusta.  For the past five years I have trained the public in almost 300 Second Amendment/Use of Force seminars; I have been a guest speaker nationwide on law enforcement matters, and have worked in both state and federal courts to protect my clients’ rights in a number of different types of criminal cases.  These days, my true passion lies in gun-rights issues.  I am a baseball coach, an assistant scoutmaster, and love to teach my sons to shoot. 

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Contact Matthew

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The Law Offices of Matthew W. Kilgo, LLC
278 North Marietta Parkway NE
Suite 101
Marietta, GA, 30060

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  48 customer reviews
Posted by Wanda | October 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
With Matthew’s expertise, he was able to resolve a serious issue that has haunted me for over fifty years. Upon meeting Matthew he assured me that he could and would resolve my problem once and for all. I placed my trust in Matthew and he did not let me down. In just a few short weeks, problem solved! I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Thanks, Matthew.
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Posted by Brian | September 2, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Dynamite attorney
My son was in an incident involving a firearm. It had troublesome legal and ethical issues for him. I called US LawShield. Matt Kilgo conferred with me as an attorney for USLS. Matt was exemplary. He inconvenienced himself to do a good job. He researched the legal issues thoroughly and gave me legal and ethical advice. He was very professional, as well as human and empathetic. The matter turned out very favorably.
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Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
We hired Matthew Kilgo and was very pleased with his serices
Matt took care of our issue and always kept us informed of where the case was heading and what to expect. His communication skills were great. We were very happy the way the case was handled and very pleased with the outcome.
Posted by Amanda & Michael | March 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the best
When we first started with our case, we didn't know what to do then we found Matt, he was so very helpful, and we won our case, he made it so easy and helped with and question we had.
Posted by Alex | November 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
I called Matt while I was traveling and dealing with federal issues. The stress for me was great but he assured me that everything was going to work out. Once I made it back into town and met at his office I hired him immediately. Matt is very knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend him to anyone that needs help!
Posted by John | November 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated and Professional
Matt was very professional and personable in his approach. He gathered all the necessary information and walked me through every possible scenario. He was clear and consistent in his communication with me and would get back to me quickly when I had a question. His fees were reasonable and easy to understand (no hidden fees). Furthermore, he has good rapport with the court and knows how to navigate complicated legal situations. What I appreciate the most is that Matt is frank with you and will let you know if your case would be better handled with another attorney with more expertise and experience in a specific field. Thanks, Matt!
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Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Would Recommend - incredibly professional
Incredible experience working with Matthew. Helped me rectify a clerical error from the courthouse while renewing my firearms license at the beginning of COVID. Needed to generate some applicable paperwork and file a motion for reconsideration. Intelligent, well spoken, clear and active communication throughout the experience. Thorough and professional, fully capable of navigating the maze of COVID and executing even when my local courthouse was 90% shut down. End of the story is I got my license renewed successfully within a matter of weeks. Would recommend to anyone in need of a lawyer in general and certainly to anyone who needs someone who specializes specifically in the realm of firearms.
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Posted by Michael | May 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Handgun Carry Permit
Had some very specific issues with applying for my Georgia WCP. Matthew is an incredible resource. My situation was very unique and required lots of detail and research. I had a solution in no time at all. I greatly appreciate the hard work he had done for me and, I am very impressed at the speed I got the results.
Posted by CHARLES | March 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
AMAZING SERVICE. FIRST OFFENDER
I had a first offender that was not filed correctly. Mr. Kilgo took care of it and got it filed which reinstated my rights, gave me the proper paperwork for me to apply for my Georgia Weapons Carry License and helped me with the whole process. Would recommend to everyone who needs representation or legal advice.
Posted by Ryan | January 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best possible outcome: 10/10 highly recommend
Long and the short of it is a decade ago I made a mistake. One that has been with me and keeping me down. Matt went through a game plan and along the way kept me apprised of updates and changes (court times and refilings). The road was long but in the end total exoneration and the case and all materials pertaining to are sealed. Best outcome possible. I can’t get the time back but I got my freedoms and liberties back. Matt is my go to I recommend him for any criminal proceedings/ expungements.
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Posted by Mariana | January 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced and Sharp!
Mr. Kilgo helped me to successfully attain a protective order against a criminal stalker. His knowledge of Georgia law is not only extensive but quick-spoken. He helped me prepare for my court appearance and ensured that we prepared a strong case against my stalker. You want a lawyer who knows the law and who is charismatic and clear-focused. Mr. Kilgo is exactly the type of attorney (and person) I'd want in my corner when my freedom is on the line. I am thankful to have found an excellent resource!
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Posted by SHERRY | November 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
MATTHEW KILGO
MATT KILGO REPRESENTED ME LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE SENTENCED TO 2 YEARS AND WITH MATTHEW KILGOS OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM I WAS SENTENCED WITH TIME SERVED AND WAS ABLE TO SEE MY FAMILY MUCH SOONER THAN I EXPECTED.
Posted by John | October 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HEAVEN SENT
Mr. Kilgo did a excellent job for my wife, their isn't enough space or the alloted characters i'm allowed to give this man the PRAISE he deserves,but long story short my wife had a potential of facing 2yrs and he drastically reduced it to her being home soon. I thank God for me being allowed to find Mr. Kilgo and for him using Mr. Kilgo as well. Mr. Kilgo I applaud you. God bless you and your family and your practice. Thank you Again
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Posted by Andrew | October 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great DUI Lawyer
Matt Kilgo is not the cheapest attorney out there, but who wants a cheap attorney? He is worth every penny! Matt will put his extensive knowledge of DUI law into getting you the best outcome you can get, for your particular situation. He calls you back and explains the process in its entirety, easing the shock of this traumatic event. The moment you meet him you’ll see what kind of person he is, not only a great lawyer but a good guy.
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Posted by James | September 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Excellent at what he does. As a client from out of state, he was easy to contact and very easy and candid to talk to. He knows the Georgia legal system and used his vast resources to our advantage. He was able to discuss the case and advised me openly with no surprises. He gave me a very informed explanation of the process and what I could and could not expect. No promises on the end result were made except for the fact that he would explore every avenue available to reach the best possible outcome for me. I ended up with a greatly reduced charge and felt very satisfied with his entire process. I'm very grateful to him and his firm and would recommend him to to my closest friends and family.
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Posted by John | April 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Traffic Violation
I hired Matt to help me with the three charges I had in Fulton County court: Knowingly Driving on Suspended Registration, Failure to Maintain Insurance, and Driving on Expired License. Matt was able to work with the prosecutor and have the first two charges dropped, meaning I did not get any points on my license, have any restrictions placed on my license, or have to pay a big fine. I walked away paying only $140 in fines/court costs, which is much less than the tickets themselves would have been, and the potential fines could have been in the thousands of dollars. Thanks again Matt!
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Posted by Erica | August 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Attorney
Mr.Kilgo is a friend of my family and when I got into some trouble with possession, Kilgo was immediately responsive and ready for action. Kilgo stayed on top of my case for 8 months. Calling me weekly with updates. I am 19, so having a felony was a very scary situation. Kilgo was always on top of his work and knew exactly what to do. Kilgo got my felony drug possession dismissed after 8 months. Your results may vary, but one thing is for sure. Kilgo is an amazing attorney and i would definitely rehire him if I ever needed help again.
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Posted by Matthew | February 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great DUI Defense!
Matt handled a DUI case for a long time client of mine. While I've been a practicing attorney for over twenty years, I recognize that my client needed an expert in DUI law. Matt was able to get the breath test thrown out before trial. Matt also won the remainder of the DUI case at trial. Hiring Matt was the best decision we ever made and my client is very happy with the results.
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Posted by Patricia | January 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Service !
I am one to recognize great work. Matt is a great attorney, very professional and, made the process seamless for me. I would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by Paul | July 28, 2015
Absolute Professional
Matt did an outstanding job! He is exceptionally knowledgeable in the law. He always kept us well informed and was readily available to answer all of our questions. I would definitely call Matt again if the need arises.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.1 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Hawkins Spizman Kilgo
  • 2015 - Present
  • Associate/Partner
  • Law Offices of Donald C. Turner and Associates
  • 2009 - 2009
  • Associate
  • Hawkins Law Firm
  • 2009 - 2015
  • Regional Counsel, Anti-Piracy Legal Affairs
  • Recording Industry Association of America
  • 2006 - 2009
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Fulton County District Attorney's Office: Atlanta, Georgia
  • 2004 - 2006
  • Assistant Solicitor General
  • Cobb County Solicitor General's Office: Marietta, Georgia
  • 2002 - 2004
  • Assistant Solicitor General
  • City of Atlanta Solicitor's Office: Atlanta, Georgia
  • 2000 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2010
  • Georgia State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • Auburn University, Auburn
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1996

Legal Cases

  • State v. M.G., Clayton County State Court
  • As a result of our strong case preparation and argument, the judge granted all our motions and suppressed (threw out) all the evidence of DUI.

Associations

  • Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Cobb County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Charles A. Wofford Academic Scholarship
  • Scottish Rite Foundation of Georgia
  • 1998

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia Winter Conference, 2008
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2008
  • National Computer Forensics Institute Law Enforcement Training, 2008
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2008
  • Georgia Public Safety Training Center
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2008
  • National District Attorneys Association Summer Conference 2008, Tucson, Arizona
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2008
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2008
  • National District Attorneys Association Summer Conference 2007, Portland, Oregon
  • Copyright/Trademark Infringement Investigation and Prosecution
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)
Given (8)
Endorse Matthew
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt Kilgo is one of the state's leading experts on firearms law. He is also one of the top DUI attorneys in the state. It is crucial to hire an attorney who excels in jury trials, and Matt's results for his clients show that he is an excellent choice for anyone charged with a crime."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is a former prosecutor and great lawyer. He is smart, dedicated, and hard-working. I would trust him with any DUI related case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend this lawyer. Matt is a dedicated and masterful attorney who combines his experience and relationships acquired as a prosecutor into an extremely successful method of defending his clients. He was always fair as a prosecutor, and if I were in need, I would certainly want to have Matt on my side."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is a great advocate for his clients. Anyone who has him as their lawyer is lucky to have him on their side."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt Kilgo is one of the best in Atlanta, in my opinion. With his years of experience and meticulous case prep., its no wonder I'm always overhearing the prosecution striking an excellent deal with Matt for his clients. Test case, refusal case, it doesnt matter- Mr. Kilgo will show up on time and prepared, and everyone in the courthouse knows it. EW"
Intellectual property Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Co-worker
"I had the opportunity to work with Matt on a host of copyright infringement cases over the course of several years. Matt always displayed an insatiable desire to achieve the best results for his clients, even when it meant ruffling the feathers of his opponents. Matt possesses a detailed understanding of the law and is a credit to our profession."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Matt Kilgo is the number one lawyer I recommend to handle a DUI case in metropolitan Atlanta. If Matt accepts your case; rest assured that he is on it. He works tirelessly to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients. Judges and prosecutors know that Matt is there to make a difference in the outcome - and he does. His extensive experience in handling every aspect of a criminal case puts him in a unique position to evaluate the charges against you. iIf you or someone you care about is charged with DUI, I suggest you call Matt Kilgo."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am honored to have the privilege to endorse Matt Kilgo. I know Matt to be a dedicated, knowledgeable, and aggressive attorney, with a personable and compassionate side to the representation of his clients. As a fellow member of the criminal defense bar, I am proud to have Matt as a colleague and recommend his services without hesitation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is an experienced and aggressive DUI defense attorney. He started out as a prosecutor, where he learned the law and gained vauluable courtroom experienece. No\w Matt is putting that knowledge and thirst for justice to work for his clients. His clients undoubtedly enjoy the excellent results he achieves."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"A criminal case isn't something that you'd want to trust to a lawyer who only "dabbles" in criminal Law. Matt is a former prosecutor who worked some of the toughest jurisdictions in Georgia, and now he brings that experience to the table for people accused of DUI. I endorse his work. His skill and knowledge have earned him a great reputation among the defense bar, and he gets great results for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am a fortunate fellow. As a criminal defense lawyer, I was able to avoid Matt when he was a prosecutor. We never had a case together, and I am thankful for it. He was known then as a tenacious relentless prosecutor. Now, he brings those attributes to the "defense of the wrongly accused". Matt is in my study group, the Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers group, and from that, I know he is armed with the most current information and strategy available in the defense of criminal cases particularly DUIs. He's really smart, too; even though he went to Auburn."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I would not hesitate to endorse Matt. He is extremely knowledgeable about DUI Defense."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. In addition to his reputation and experience, you can tell a great lawyer by the company he keeps. Matt not only has the reputation and experience but has worked with such giants in the area of DUI practice as Don Turner and Bob Chestney. You won't find a finer DUI lawyer anywhere."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is one of a group of attorneys that I regularly rely upon in making decisions in my practice. Matt is one of the sharpest criminal defense lawyers that I know, and he works tirelessly investigating and preparing his cases. This combination leads to exceptional results for his clients. Matt possesses the skills to negotiate a great resolution in your case and the willingness to take your case to trial if necessary. I endorse Matt Kilgo without hesitation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I give my full endorsement of Matthew's work. He is well known in the legal community as an attorney that fights for his clients. He has advanced training in criminal and DUI defense that sets him apart from other attorneys. He will fight for your rights."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I had the good fortune of working with Matt when we were regional counsel for the Recording Industry Association of America. Matt handled the southern region of the United States. He is smart, confident, personable, and was always an outstanding resource and terrific colleague. If I had a client or friend who needed an attorney with expertise in either criminal defense or the enforcement of intellectual property rights, I'd recommend Matt without hesitation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I can state without exception that there's no lawyer I know who does more for his clients than Matt Kilgo. He makes himself available at all hours to his clients and I know from talking with him at 11:30 PM that he's thinking about clients even when they're not thinking of him! None of this is to say that he's not well-qualified and competent to handle any criminal matter. With experience as solicitor, district attorney and defense lawyer, Mr Kilgo brings much and varied experience to all his cases. Anybody would do well to retain him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is very knowledgeable about misdemeanors and felonies based on his years of experience as a prosecutor in the Cherokee County, Cobb County and City of Atlanta Office of the Solicitor General and as Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County District Attorney's office. He also served as General Counsel in the Office of the Recording Industry Association of America. Matt has a presence that translates well with judges, prosecutors and juries and he is very successful in getting the best outcomes/results for his clients. As a fellow colleague, I strongly endorse Matt Kilgo's work and his contribution to the legal profession here in the State of Georgia."
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Criminal defense
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense