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About Matthew
Biography
Matthew J. O'Connor is a founding partner of the firm and currently focuses his practice on criminal defense. Mr. O’Connor regularly defends adults and juveniles in all types of criminal matters, including but not limited to: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Assault, Robbery, “Three Strikes” cases, Murder, Domestic Violence, Rape, Illegal Firearms, Theft and Drug crimes, Probation and Parole hearings.
From 2000 to 2006, Mr. O'Connor prosecuted over a thousand criminal cases. He has personally tried over thirty jury trials ranging from misdemeanor crimes, to lengthy career criminal cases including attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and numerous other cases with serious and violent criminal . O’Connor graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1995 and graduated cum laude from the Santa Clara University School of Law in 1999. Upon graduating from law school Mr. O’Connor served as a deputy district attorney in the Contra County District Attorney’s Office. During his tenure, Mr. O’Connor prosecuted and tried numerous misdemeanor and felony cases.
During his career as a government prosecutor, Mr. O'Connor handled thousands of negotiations with other lawyers, judges, and special interest and advocacy groups. Mr. O'Connor has extensive experience negotiating misdemeanor and felony cases. He also has substantial knowledge and skill in the procedural and substantive operations of local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, he has become extremely adept at dealing with state and federal law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.
Mr. O'Connor has handled a number of high profile cases, and has experience in dealing with the related aspects of litigation, such as special interest group attention, media exposure and public relations. He is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
26 years
Criminal Defense
20%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
O'Connor Law APC
2300 Contra Costa Blvd, Suite 415, Walnut Creek, CA, 94523
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Matthew James O'Connor's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Fabio | November 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Felony case
I’m incredibly grateful for the help and professionalism I received from Matthew. When I first contacted him, I had been told I was under investigation, and I was extremely stressed and confused. He took my case seriously from day one, kept an eye on the court system, and made sure I was always infor...
Posted by Mesfin | June 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mesfin Mekonnen ( client)
Matt O’Connor he represent me to be my lawyer. He’s very professional and he knows what to do determine to defend me the right way. And he knows how to negotiate the right time. I am glad having him by my side. I really thank him for his service.
Posted by Margaret | June 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thanks for Mr. O'Connor
Mr. O’Connor was a godsend. He was referred to me by the Contra Costa County Bar Association, another excellent resource that was, like Mr. O’Connor, extremely helpful and responsive. Upon hiring Mr. O’Connor, I immediately felt great relief, knowing someone with his experience and expertise was on m...
Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional Attorney
I was recommended to Matt O’Connor office as representation for my case. I was very pleased with his professionalism in the law. They say hire a professional great attorney. Well I found him and his professional Staff. You will not be disappointed!
Matthew O'Connor
Replied last April 15, 2025Thank you for the 5 star review! We here at O'Connor Law strive to provide excellent legal representation with the highest level of professionalism.
Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
When my teenager needed help
No one ever wants to be in a position to need a DUI lawyer, but we were and I’m so glad we found Mike. He answered all of our questions and explained things in a way both my 19 year old son and I could understand. He advocated for us and ensured the best possible outcome. It’s a horrible situati...
Matthew James O'Connor's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent trial attorney. I have worked with Mr. O'Connor on several matters since 1999.. He is knowledgable and equally aggressive."
"Since opening my private practice last year, Matt and I have collaborated on a number of cases in Napa County. I am very impressed with his professionalism, his client communication, and his knowledge of this specialty of law. He is a valuable resource for any client facing these charges in the Bay Area."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a great attorney. He is very knowledgeable in this area and has great results. He will definitly take good care of you."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt has been my go-to guy for criminal defense cases for years. The feedback I get from my referrals is always positive and as a result, Matt makes me look good."
"Matthew O'Connor has the skills, experience, and knowledge which consistently lead to excellent results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is one of the brightest lawyers I have met since I became a member of the Bar in 1978. Matt is dedicated to his clients and is on the cutting edge of the law. Quite simply, he is a terrific lawyer."
"I have known and worked with Matt O'Connor for more than a decade. He is an outstanding attorney. I have even entrusted him with the representation of a member of my family."
"Matt O'Connor is a criminal defense attorney who will be there for you when you need him. I first met Mr. O'Connor when I was a state prosecutor and he was representing several clients facing very serious felony and misdemeanor charges. What struck me about Mr. O'Connor was his detailed knowledge of the law, his astounding presence in the courtroom, and his passion for his clients' interests. He impressed me so much that when I went into private practice myself, I often found myself calling him up for a second opinion on difficult issues when I was handling tougher cases. The advice I have received from Mr. O'Connor is always insightful and based on his years of experience litigating criminal cases."
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Experience
Associations
San Diego County Bar Association
Member
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member
Education
1999
Santa Clara University School of Law
N/A
University of California - Davis
Activity
Legal Answers