J. Matthew Bolton

PRO

J. Matthew Bolton

4.8
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 20 years

Family Lawyer at Johnson City, TN
Practice Areas: Family, Litigation, Criminal Defense

605 E. Unaka Ave, Johnson City, TN

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About J.

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 45%

45%
Litigation 30%

30%
Criminal Defense 25%

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2022
...
+ 2
Platinum Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 20 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cox Bolton, LLP

605 E. Unaka Ave, Johnson City, TN, 37601

lawyerfirm.com/attorneys/j-matthew-bolton/

J. Matthew Bolton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

51 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 51 reviews

Posted by Lesley | March 03, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Trusted Advocacy When It Mattered Most

Matt advocated for me with integrity and confidence, ensuring my interests were protected while keeping the process as smooth as possible. I truly felt that I had someone in my corner who cared not just about the legal outcome, but about my long-term stability and peace of mind. always felt informed,... prepared, and supported every step of the way. Communication was prompt and transparent, and every question I had was answered with patience and expertise. What stood out most was the balance of strength and strategy

Posted by Don | February 03, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Extremely competent!

Mr. Bolton is an amazing attorney! He expertly handled my case with a 100% positive outcome. I never felt alone from the time I first talked with him. He got my case dismissed and the charge expunged from my record without having to reschedule my court date.

Posted by Cassidy | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

A trucking mom and her daughter

Matt Bolton is an incredible attorney and true to his motto, “I’m only as good as my client,” he shows up ready to work with you, not just for you. He is willing to listen, actually hear your concerns, and build a case around the truth of your situation, not just the technicalities. From day one, ...he was confident, prepared, and fully invested. He never second guessed the direction of the case and always planned several steps ahead. Matt is quick on his feet, sharp in the moment, and able to adapt instantly. But what really stood out was his presence — calm, collected, but absolutely determined. His assistants were a pleasure to work with as well. They treated my daughter with great care when the situation called for it, which meant the world to me. I’m an over the road truck driver. I honestly did not think it would be possible for me to get primary custody. But thanks to Matt, I did. It was a first for him and a first for Judge Green. Matt helped me fight for my daughter and win. He made sure her voice was heard and backed everything with truth, clarity, and solid preparation. Working with Matt felt like having a teammate, not just legal representation. If you are ready to show up and fight for what is right, he will meet you there and see it through.

Posted by Katie | July 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Rights terminated and adoption

This is not the first time I’ve hired Matt. Once in 2017, he got 5 reckless felons off my record and expunged. We just hired Matt October of 2024 to terminate my ex husbands parental rights to allow my now husband to adopt my son!! He was very straightforward with the whole process keep us informed ...as soon as he knew and worked with us every step of the way. Now as of July 2025 my son is now legally my husband’s !! We are so happy and so very grateful for Matt and being the amazing lawyer that he is!! We will definitely go back and use him again if we need to !! He’s one of the only lawyers I trust to get the job done. Thank you so much

Posted by Bill | June 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Puts the C and S in Client Service!!

Matt pulled out all the stops for me and my [then] spouse. His assistance offered us the smoothest divorce we could've accomplished - and I mean ON THE SPOT. He even unexpectedly called me on a weekend to double check some matters with me. His greatest assistance, for me, was with a motion, rarely ...accomplished, involving a very sensitive matter. He got the job done! THANK YOU Matt!

See All Client Reviews

J. Matthew Bolton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse J.
Joshua Gene Kesling headshot
Joshua Kesling

Litigation lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Bolton is a fantastic attorney who has gotten wonderful results for his clients for 12+ years. I highly recommend his services."

Joshua Vernon Hoeppner headshot
Joshua Hoeppner

Real estate lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Bolton as opposing counsel in a complex real estate civil dispute. At all times, I have found Mr. Bolton to be a thoroughly-prepared and exceptionally effective advocate on behalf of his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney within his areas of practice."

Jacqueline M. Eaton headshot
Jacqueline Eaton

Family lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Attorney Bolton on several family matters. He was always responsive to calls and emails, which helps resolve a matter quickly for the clients. His frankness is refreshing and appreciated. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Melvin Arthur Vaughn II headshot
Melvin Vaughn

General practice lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Friend

"I attending law school with Matt. He is a phenomenal, hardworking attorney and I've only heard great things about him in his practice. I highly endorse Matt."

Bryson Moore Aldridge headshot
Bryson Aldridge

Litigation lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Joseph Bell headshot
William Bell

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bolton is a hard working attorney who zealously defends individuals charged with crimes. I have seen firsthand Mr. Bolton's work result in very favorable outcomes for his clients. I recommend Mr. Bolton if you have a criminal case in the Tri-Cities or in Federal Court."

David Lynn Robbins headshot
David Robbins

General practice lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt Bolton is a dedicated advocate for his clients. His ability to think outside the box has lead to great results for clients in many different types of cases. I would recommend Matt for representation especially in complex issues involving specific areas of the law."

Dustin R. T. Sullivan headshot
Dustin Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Other

"John is a great Attorney for his clients!"

Jonathan P. Whitehead headshot
Jonathan Whitehead

Unknown lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Justin Michael Lovely headshot
Justin Lovely

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Alton Young Jr. headshot
William Young

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amy Suzanne Lawrence headshot
Amy Lawrence

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Charles Gregory Schierer headshot
Charles Schierer

Federal crime lawyer

Joshua Gene Kesling headshot
Joshua Kesling

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Partner, Herndon, Coleman, Brading and Mckee, LLP

Associations

2006 - Present

Washington County Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

2006 - Present

American Bar Association, Domestic Relations Section

Member

2006 - Present

American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Civil Litigation Committee

Member

2006 - Present

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2010 - 2011

Washington County Bar Association

President

Education

2006

Appalachian School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (main)

BS - Bachelor of Science

Activity

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