After enlisting in the Marine Corps, Mr. Terry went back to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from California State University, Chico in 2003. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May 2009 and passed the California Bar Exam two months later.
Mr. Terry began working with one of the high-volume top-tier DUI defense firms after spending the entire summer following his first year in law school watching jury trials in the San Diego courthouse. Throughout law school, he worked full time at the firm while attending Thomas Jefferson School of Law in the evenings.
Eager to get in the thick of the action, Terry began arguing DMV administrative hearings daily – literally cross-examining dozens of police officers & civilian witnesses every month. As he sharpened his advocacy skills, he began winning DMV hearings that many considered to be un-winnable. Word of his ability spread: local firms began to approach Mr. Terry, asking him to train their employees in his unique approach; other firms hired him outright, to argue on behalf of their clients on a per-hearing basis.
Mr. Terry continued to excel at oral advocacy, becoming certified by the State Bar under the PTLS program, arguing (and winning) multiple motions to suppress evidence (resulting in full dismissals), writs of mandamus in civil court (against the DMV) and even arguing before the Court of Appeals – the very day he found out he passed the California Bar Exam. He second chaired multiple DUI trials; misdemeanors and felonies.
In July of 2010, Terry graduated from the National College of DUI Defense Summer Session, held at Harvard Law School. He has since graduated from the rigorous summer program in the following two years: 2011 and 2012. He actively participates in continued training with the various NCDD events. In April of 2011, Terry graduated from La Pier’s rigorous DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course; he is certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests under NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Once an associate attorney and trial lawyer for Cole Casey’s firm, Mr. Terry continued to argue the gamut: jury trials, DMV license suspension hearings, pre-trial motions and appellate matters for the firm. In May of 2011, the associate became partner: the two lawyers decided to create Casey & Terry, LLP – an exclusive DUI Defense practice.
Though both attorneys never lost a jury trial in the following months, Mr. Terry decided to step out on his own and launch the Law Offices of Matthew Terry, APLC. The focus continues to be on DUI cases, jury trials with an expanded approach to appellate matters and writs of mandamus. His practice continues to be fully committed to excellence in advocacy. He is usually found in the midst of a DUI jury trial.
The Terry Firm is now re-writing the rules of client representation in terms of comprehensive, rigorous advocacy. Attorney Terry has been described as “obsessively diligent” and “committed to excellence.” He describes his life path as being a never-ending pursuit in mastery of craft and person.
* Terry was nominated for the San Diego Daily Transcript “Outstanding Attorney” award in both 2011 and 2012.
** Terry was featured as “Rising Star of the Month” in June 2012 by Attorney Journal San Diego.
Practice areas
11 years
11 years
11 years
11 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2010 | 02/12/2021 |
Legal answers | 5 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
State Delegate - California | National College of DUI Defense | 2012 |
Rising Star of the Month | San Diego Attorney Journal | 2012 |
Nominated for Outstanding Young Attorney Award | San Diego Daily Transcript | 2012 |
Nominated for Outstanding Young Attorney Award | San Diego Daily Transcript | 2011 |
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Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney / Owner | Law Offices of Matthew Terry, A.P.L.C. | 2010 - Present |
Attorney (former Law Clerk) | Law Offices of GCC, A.P.L.C. | 2006 - 2010 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
DUI Defense Lawyers Association | Founding Member | 2014 - Present |
San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2012 - Present |
National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2010 - Present |
California DUI Lawyers Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
---|---|---|
San Diego Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Terry Defense Blog | Presumed Innocent - Unless You're Poor | 2013 |
TerryDefense Blog | Forced Blood Extractions, DUI Arrests and the Right to Bear Arms? | 2012 |
TerryDefense Blog | 300 Convictions, 300 Innocent People | 2012 |
TerryDefense Blog | Live Free or Die? The Nanny State in America | 2012 |
TerryDefense Blog | Master Your Craft | 2012 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
National Criminal Defense College | JURY TRIAL ADVOCACY | 2012 |
LaPier DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certification Program | Certification in NHTSA-Standardized FST's | 2011 |
National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School | DUI DEFENSE | 2011 |
National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School | DUI DEFENSE | 2010 |
Thomas Jefferson School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2009 |
California State University, Chico | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2003 |
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Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Valley Center High School Graduating Seniors Presentation | DUI, Drugs & What Will I Do With My Life | 2012 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v. Hodges | Case Dismissed (All Charges) |
People v. (Former Military - Private) | Military diversion - no conviction |
People v. Madden | Case Dismissed (All Charges) |
People v. D.C. | Case Dismissed (All Charges); Restraining Order denied. |
People v. Weinberg | Hung Jury on All Counts |
People v. Townsel | Dry Reckless |
---|---|
People v. S.B. | Not Guilty |
People v. Ward | Not Guilty, All Counts |
People v. Martin | Hung Jury - all counts. |
People v. A | All Charges Dismissed, Won DMV Hearing |
People v. Feltes (Chula Vista) | Won DMV hearing & client accepted "Dry Reckless" plea bargain moments before jury selection. |
People v. Kirra M. | Trial - Not Guilty; DMV - Win (Set Aside suspension) |
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Charles Millioen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt Terry is one of the best DUI attorneys in San Diego, hands down. It's always a pleasure seeing him in court fighting for clients. He is not one of those lawyers out to take your money and run; he wants to see you get the absolute best result possible. His passion and drive for his clients, coupled with his legal knowledge (especially on DUIs) makes him a destructive force in the courtroom.
Troy Owens, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 22, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt possesses the most knowledge about DUI cases than any other attorney I have met with. This knowledge creates a fear in the prosecutors and administrative agencies when they see his name. As an attorney, I use Matt as a resource. He is definitely an asset to our legal community!
Daniel Klett, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a fierce advocate and I endorse this lawyer.
Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Zachary McCready, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt Terry is an incredibly smart attorney. If your case is an easy one, than most good attorneys can win it. If your case has a few curveballs, loose screws, etc., then you need a master craftsman on the case. Mr. Terry is a master of his trade. Hire him and win.
Jennifer Gerstenzang, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is one of the most creative and brilliant attorneys you will find in San Diego. He is constantly challenging the government. He takes the time to go through your case with a fine-toothed comb. If there is an issue, he will spot it, identify it, and make it work to your advantage. He is a very talented writer and litigator. If you have the opportunity to see him argue in court, you will know that he is a well-researched and well-educated advocate for his clients, and certainly holds his loyalty and duty to his client above all else.
Philip Gagnon, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Beware AVVO ratings. Mr. Terry's rating bears no relationship with the quality of his skills. He is a true legal scholar with a deeper knowledge of the law than attorneys practicing twice as long. More importantly, he matches that scholarship with the passion of a true client advocate. Too many attorneys do their best work selling a client, rather than working for their client. Mr. Terry is one of the top DUI attorneys in town. I strongly endorse this attorney.
William Nimmo, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 4, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I am a long time criminal defense lawyer in San Diego. Recently, I asked Matt Terry to assist me in a complex DUI case involving license suspension issues and some aggressive conduct on behalf of law enforcement. His assistance was invaluable and his enthusiasm was boundless. He did a great job. He handled the DMV hearing portion of the case and to my surprise we won. He is an excellent and a dedicated lawyer in DUI cases and I can't wait to work with him again.
Dod Ghassemkhani, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
James Dicks, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 22, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Deniz, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 2, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I echo the sentiments of my colleagues in regard to Matt. He refuses to be outworked. His knowledge of DUI is top shelf. As a former prosecutor I have seen him in trial and if there was a stone he turned it over. You will get quality representation. I strongly recommend.
James Balagia, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Matt without hesitation. I met Matt a few years ago at one of the national DWI seminars and was immediately impressed by his commitment to excellence and his desire to be the very best. Matt also paid attention during the presentations and attended all of the sessions which told me he is serious about taking care of business and he cares about his clients. In today's tough on DWI/DUI courtroom attitude - you need a well trained and experienced trial attorney. Matt is definitely one of my "go to guys" when I need to refer a case to the West Coast. Tell Matt that the Dude sent you his way and my endorsements don't come easy. Jamie "DWI Dude" Balagia
Marc Applbaum, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a tireless worker and advocate. Further, his wealth of knowledge regarding DUI law in California is first rate. He will fight for you. I have worked with Matt on the defense side and have tried cases against him when I was a prosecutor. I know how strong he is in and out of the courtroom. I endorse him highly.
James Fox, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Firestorm - that is what Matt Terry is. He out works, out learns, and out lawyers the opposition. He is a dedicated and fierce advocate who truly is about mastering his craft. His approach to lawyering is something he was born with - it cannot be learned. You can learn the law, you cannot learn passion. Matt Terry was born to be a lawyer. To his client's benefit - he has chosen DUI as his area of practice. San Diego is lucky to have him as part of our legal community
Justin McShane, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Attorney Terry. I can attest to the fact that Attorney Terry uses his reputation, knowledge and experience to minimize or eliminate the consequences that may come as a result of being accused of a crime. He has a well-earned and true reputation for being a professionally aggressive trial lawyer. Most of all I trust him. I know you will too.
James Smith, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 25, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
This attorney immediately casts a spell over the room when he performs. One of the most striking communicators I’ve ever seen. I worked daily with Mr. Terry on cross-examination and closing arguments. You can’t teach what he is able to do. Despite obvious talent, this guy does not stop working. It would be unsettling if he didn’t look like enjoyed it so much. Very talented trial lawyer. I endorse Matt Terry without any reservation.
Donald McMullen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a positive, forthright, and enthusiastic person. These attributes have obviously carried over into his practice and, combined with his intelligence, determination, and practicality, make Matt a fabulous lawyer and advocate.
Harley Wagner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Being a (lifetime) member of the National College for DUI Defense, and WV State Delegate, for over a decade now, I have been privileged to work with and get know many of the finest dui defense attorneys in the country. Matthew Terry is indeed a rising star in our industry heading straight for this status as well. He has excellent work ethic and desire to learn, grow and passionately defend his clients. I proudly endorse Matthew Terry and do so without hesitation. Sincerely, Harley O. Wagner, Esq. - WestVirginiaDUILawyers.com
Craig Sturm, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 8, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Matt Terry is an exceptional criminal defense and DUI attorney. He is a fellomw member of the National College of DUI Defense and really makes sure he has mastered the latest defenses and trial tactics available to defend his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to a close friend or family member.
Joseph Rome, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Terry at the Standardized Field Sobriety Test practitioner’s course in Irvine, California. Mr. Terry demonstrated a mastery of the subject matter. I also know Mr. Terry to be very involved with the National College for Dui Defense. Mr. Terry is well known to be an excellent attorney and a trustworthy person. If every in the need of a highly qualified DUI attorney I would not hesitate in contacting him. I highly recommend Mr. Terry.