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Matt A. Sullivan
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About Matt
Biography
Aggressive, creative, and tireless defense of all criminal charges, from serious felony cases to misdemeanor matters. Mr. Sullivan has successfully defended many clients, including small business owners, business executives, college students, firefighters, police officers, attorneys, nurses, doctors, and regular citizens. Mr. Sullivan is a University of San Francisco Law School graduate. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and the California DUI Lawyers Association. Prior to opening his own office he was a trial attorney in the Marin Public Defender's Office, and he also worked for a private criminal defense firm in San Francisco on serious state and federal criminal matters.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Successful results obtained for many clients. Get help today.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Successful results obtained for many clients. Get help today.
Experienced DUI Defense Attorney. Successful results obtained for many clients. Get help today.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
19 years
DUI and DWI
15%
19 years
Domestic Violence
15%
19 years
Sex Crime
15%
19 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Matt A. Sullivan
(415) 840-0450
Fax
1000 Brannan Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA, 94103
www.mattsullivanlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Matt online.
Matt A. Sullivan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
29 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly ethical, dedicated, and complements legal knowledge with jurisdictional practice
Matt Sullivan is an excellent and dedicated attorney with both a solid understanding of the law alongside how various matters are actually treated in reality in varying counties across the Bay Area. He is highly ethical, upfront with his attorney's fees and use of funds for cost accounts, and diligen...
Posted by Randall | April 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Experienced, Professional and Well Respected Criminal Defense Attorney
Matt Sullivan was hired to defend serious criminal charges filed. Upon contacting him, it was immediately apparent that he had the experience necessary to identify the issues and how to approach them. He was familiar with all the players involved and provided invaluable insight and guidance throughou...
Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best of the Best
Matt went above and beyond to help me out with an issue that arose from a prior arrest that was hindering my ability to pass a background investigation with my current employer that was required by FINRA for securities licensing. Matt was able to provide me with the required documents to satisfy the ...
Posted by Brett | April 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Straightforward excellent lawyer.
I recently had a second DUI case against me end with the charges being dropped thanks to Matt. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone I know if they hit any kind of legal trouble. I have had bad experiences with lawyers in the past and Matt was completely different. He was always punctual and sho...
Posted by David | August 03, 2017 | Criminal Defense
Responsive and intuitive
Matt was extremely helpful when my friend was accused of a serious crime. Based on his feedback, my friend's case was dismissed. Matt gave me a detailed description of the possible outcomes, the various steps that would happen before and during a court appearance, and the potential outcomes. Although...
Matt A. Sullivan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Matt Sullivan is a dedicated and passionate criminal defense attorney. He seems to never stop thinking of creative ways to tackle challenging cases and get the best result for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I would not hesitate to refer a client to Mr. Sullivan. He is a very hard-working and bright defense lawyer. He has obtained great trial results in seemingly impossible cases. He also talented in obtaining creative and favorable case settlements."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with him on numerous criminal matters. His work on behalf of clients, his insight and passion have been invaluable. He is aggressive, smart, and committed to the defense of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is in a rare class of attorneys that never backs down from a challenging case and this is one of the reasons for his success. His willingness to take these matters and successfully defend them separates him from the rest in a competitive environment."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Sullivan has the legal skills and practical experience needed to excel at Criminal Defense."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Sullivan is a smart, tough, thorough and practical advocate for his clients. His local knowledge of the courts in the SF Bay area and surrounding counties make him a valuable resource. Most importantly, he knows how to take a case to trial if needed. I strongly endorse Matt Sullivan."
"I am a plaintiff-side civil litigator who has known Matt for over 10 years. I trust referring clients or other individuals to Matt for all of their criminal defense needs. Matt is an experienced and savvy criminal defense attorney who is singularly devoted to protecting the rights of his clients. If you need a passionate and shrewd attorney advocating on your behalf, Matt is your guy."
"Matt is smart, motivated, cares deeply, and works hard. This winning combination makes him a force to reckon with."
"Matt is a fantastic advocate, a straight shooter, and an all around trustworthy guy. He fights for his clients when the going gets tough. He's knowledgeable, honest and hard working. I have known Matt since I was 10 years old. I recommend him highly for any criminal matter you are faced with."
"Matt is a fantastic Attorney! I don't say that about many and reserve such comments for few. Matt is the type of Attorney that becomes married to his clients. He will work day and night on your case and is not afraid to take on anyone, including Judges, if he feels in any way that his client is getting screwed!! His passion for his work is solid, his commitment to his clients is without question and his knowledge of the law is unsurpassed! If you are thinking of hiring Matt for your case, don't hesitate, consider yourself lucky if he has the room to take your case!"
"Matt is tenacious, dedicated, and highly intelligent. I would be happy to have him represent me if I needed a criminal lawyer."
"Matt is a great criminal defense lawyer with a sharp mind and solid courtroom skills. He is also creative and well-versed in the law, and goes into court with prepared to obtain the best possible results for his clients."
"I strongly endorse Matt Sullivan. He has repeatedly shown his dedication to his clients in many aspects of criminal defense. He is careful and thorough in his analysis of difficult situations. His clients are pleased with his representation. He is an intelligent, experienced, and skilled attorney who is there for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is an excellent attorney who fights hard for his clients. I am impressed by his trial skills and he knows how to win cases for his clients."
"I have known Matt Sullivan for a few years now. He is, at the same time, both creative and tenacious. From watching him inside and outside the courtroom, I have grown to known him as passionate and fierce advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is the classic bulldog-type lawyer that is, sadly, the minority these days. He takes a case and beats the heck out of it. He has no fear of Judges, DAs, or anyone else. I have referred clients to him without reservations, and he has repeatedly made those cilents very happy."
"Matt is an outstanding attorney. As a former deputy public defender with the Marin County Public Defender's office, he has significant criminal defense experience in the courtroom, at trial, in front of the same judges who will be hearing your case. That is simply invaluable. In addition, Matt is a stand-up guy, a straight shooter who's not afraid to tell it like it is. A smart guy with integrity. I highly recommend him."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Rising Star, Northern California Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Northern California Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Rising Star, Northern California Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Northern California Super Lawyers
2013
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Certificate of Attendance, Opening Statements, Trial Lawyer's College
2011
Admission to Practice, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
2010
Letter of Appreciation, Moot Court Judge, USF Law School
2010
Certificate of Attendance, Discovering the Story, Trial Lawyer's College
2009
Letter of Appreciation-Moot Court Judge, Marin Superior Court
2009
Admission to Practice, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
2007
Certificate of Appreciation, San Francisco Public Defender
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Matt Sullivan
Associations
2014 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsMember
2013 - Present
Bar Association of San FranciscoAttorney Member
2013 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Bar Association of San Francisco, Criminal Justice SectionAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Bar Association of San Francisco, Barristers ClubAttorney Member
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember-Fourth Amendment Advocacy Committee
2009 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2008 - Present
California Public Defender AssociationMember
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
Marin County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
New trial motion, DNA case, Serious Felony Sex Charges
Client was facing 32 years to life. Our office won a new trial motion for this client, ultimately leading to the dismissal of several felonies and his release from jail.
Domestic Violence, Injury Alleged
Complete dismissal of all charges. Client exonerated.
Assault and Battery
Case dismissed on morning of trial
Domestic Violence w/Injury
Case Dismissed.
Felony Burglary/Credit Card Fraud
All charges dismissed.
DUI/DWI, .17/.19 BAC
Hung jury all charges, no conviction
False Imprisonment, Battery, and Resisting Arrest
Case Dismissed.
DUI .11/.12 BAC
Case Dismissed
Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Gang Enhancement
Case Dismissed
Possession of Methamphetamine
Case dismissed.
Felony Robbery, domestic violence
All felony charges dismissed, plea to minor misdmeanor offense
DUI/DWI
Acquittal at trial
Felony Sales/ Felony Cultivation of Marijuana
All Felony charges dismissed, plea to misdemeanor, no jail, client allowed to possess medical marijuana pursuant to doctor's recommendation while on court probation
Embezzlement from Employer
Case dismissed after diversion.
Domestic Violence, Battery on Spouse
Case Dismissed
Education
N/A
U of San Francisco SOL
law
Speaking Engagements
2016
Solo and Small Firm Section CLE
Jury Selection-Moderator
2015
Solo and Small Firm Section CLE
Effective Opening Statements-Moderator
2013
USF Criminal Law Society Meeting
Focus Group Presentation
Publications
2016
Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin
Seven Tips for Civil Attorneys for When Your Clients Are Under Criminal Investigation
2015
Bar Association of San Francisco Bulletin
Bail and the Criminal Justice System
2006
USF Law School Forum Newspaper
"No Place to Hide"
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Forms and fees for DUI Expungement in California.
27 Apr 2015
Q&A
I am going to be charged with stealing $120,000 from my previous employer over a few years. I have no criminal record.
20 Sep 2014
Q&A
If I have a DUI warrant out for failure to appear can I still travel internationally? What about flying throughout the US?
02 Jun 2014