About Matthew
Biography
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).
Terry Becomes Partner Within Five Months of Becoming an Attorney
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.
Terry Launches His Own Firm
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
4
Practice Areas
16 years
16 years
16 years
16 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 15 years
State: California
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Matthew Terry, APLC
11622 El Camino Real, 1st Floor, San Diego, CA, 92130
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Matthew Ian Terry's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
33 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Samantha | February 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Unreliable
I'll spare you the details of my personal emotions and just give you the facts. I paid $4,500 for Mr. Terry's services after consulting one other attorney. He seemed genuinely on my side and seemed willing to fight for me. This changed after he charged my card. He promised me to speak to me about...
Matthew Terry
Replied last February 06, 2018This is laughably false. Can you imagine a defendant questioning a jury for an hour as to why they convicted? If the attorney who wrote this review spent more time in court, they'd know that the defendant stays in the courtroom if the jury stays behind to discuss the case with the attorneys. "I read it on the internet, so it must be true." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Posted by Will | March 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Outstanding Professional Attorney with a Personal Touch
I could not recommend or thank Matt enough for the outstanding representation I received... After one conversation, I knew hiring Matt was the right thing to do and I was blown away by the results. I knew I was getting an established attorney with a deep experience level, but what sets Matt apart is...
Posted by Carolyn | February 04, 2014 | Criminal Defense
M. Terry is the best DUI lawyer in San Diego!!
Matt Terry was an amazing lawyer to have, I was first referred to him by a friend. I decided to call him for a free consultation. I am very young so the pricing was a little high for me but he was very understanding and allowed me to make my payment in installments. Being that this was my first offen...
Posted by Jeff | July 22, 2013 | DUI & DWI
The Man Works Miracles
Hiring Matt was one of the best decisions of my life after suffering from one of the worst experiences in my life. Being involved in a DUI case has its share of anxiety, fear, and just an overall feeling of defeat. As a young, working professional I figured this would ruin my future in a number of wa...
Matthew Ian Terry's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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!"
"Matt is a fierce advocate and I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2012
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
2011
Nominated for Outstanding Young Attorney Award, San Diego Daily Transcript
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney / Owner, Law Offices of Matthew Terry, A.P.L.C.
2006 - 2010
Attorney (former Law Clerk), Law Offices of GCC, A.P.L.C.
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member
2014 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2010 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - Present
San Diego Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Case Dismissed (All Charges)
Military diversion - no conviction
Case Dismissed (All Charges)
Case Dismissed (All Charges); Restraining Order denied.
Hung Jury on All Counts
Dry Reckless
Not Guilty
Not Guilty, All Counts
Hung Jury - all counts.
All Charges Dismissed, Won DMV Hearing
Won DMV hearing & client accepted "Dry Reckless" plea bargain moments before jury selection.
Trial - Not Guilty; DMV - Win (Set Aside suspension)
Education
2012
JURY TRIAL ADVOCACY
2011
Certification in NHTSA-Standardized FST's
2011
DUI DEFENSE
2010
DUI DEFENSE
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2012
DUI, Drugs & What Will I Do With My Life
Publications
2013
2012
2012
2012
2012
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
What to do during a DUI checkpoint?
03 Sep 2013
When does the mandatory 30 day license suspension go into affect?
23 Feb 2011