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Matthew James O'Connor

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Avvo Rating8.3
  • Walnut Creek, CA
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation
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About Matthew

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 charges.Mr. 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.

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 80%

    21 years

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

    15 years

Contact

1277 Treat Blvd
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O'Connor Law APC

1277 Treat Blvd
Suite 850
Walnut Creek, CA, 94597

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive199902/09/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers1
    Legal guides0
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    San Diego County Bar AssociationMemberN/A
    Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMemberN/A
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Santa Clara University School of LawN/A1999
    University of California - DavisN/AN/A

    Reviews

    (9)
    5 Star
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    Review Matthew O'Connor

    Dui Defense

    Posted by

    Matt O’Connor made one of the most stressful times of my life much easier than expected. He was my lawyer for roughly a year and throughout that year he was attentive, answered my questions, and overall handled my case with professionalism and grace. Not one of my calls wasn’t returned from him and he would check in on me to make sure all of my business was being handled on time and correctly. 6/5 stars highly recommend this man if you’re ever in need of a lawyer.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Lawyer

    Posted by

    I was arrested for DUI in October 2018. I retained Matt's services shortly after. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only is Matt an excellent lawyer, but his demeanor and personality are exactly what someone needs during a stressful time. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and professional during the entire process. Matt was my lawyer for roughly a year and a half. During that time, I never had a phone call or an email that was not returned. He was truly there to help. He also made the entire experience manageable. There is a giant amount of information that needs to be processed and I never could have handled it without his services. I highly recommend Matt and he will continue to be the person I call for years to come.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    The best lawyer

    Posted by

    When I got my dui I didn't really know what to do. I haven't never been on the bad side of the law. I found O'Connor Law on Yelp. I decided with all the positive reviews this law firm could help me. So on a Sunday Matt O'Connor was willing to meet with me. It was one the only days I was available. He was upfront and honest about my chances of getting a wet and reckless instead of a dui. Matt was there every step of my dui journey. I'm grateful for his help. My dui did get knocked down to a wet and reckless and no suspended license either. Matt works hard on your behalf. My advice though ladies and gentlemen just get a Uber. But if you find yourself getting a dui call Matt O'Connor .
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Good Man and Honest Attorney

    Posted by

    I was able to keep my job charged with a dui and reduced to wet reckless at th end of the case.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Look No Further

    Posted by

    Matt O’Connor and his team are truly professional and courteous. No question was treated with disregard, and the utmost attention to detail was given to my case. O’Connor law is the place to go. I spoke with around 50 attorneys, and was contacted by twice as many. O’Connor law is the only firm for me. You will be treated respectfully and given the best possible result for your case. They really know how to set your mind at ease.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Attorney

    Posted by

    I have dealt with lawyers over the years and facing 10 years in prison,I must say Mr.O'conner is very professional and pleasant.He and an Investigator,Mr.Dudek Investigated my case thoroughly.He kept my wife updated at all times at the beginning when i got jailed and he did the same when he got me out to fight the case.For 5 yrs he fought with patience and honesty.It was life or death literally for me and my wife i take care of with our injuries and pain levels.3 weeks after the case my wife was unresponsive on our bed 15 mins. after i told her to please go lay down.After calling 911,the hospital said she was dead if i hadn't called.Mr.O'conners realistic expectations through out the case,were and still are phenomenal.He saved 2 lives that day and needs to be recognized more than this review.He should be recognized as one of the top attorneys in contra costa county.His professionlism will never be forgotten and he will be the first i call if ever needed.From me and my family,Thank you again Matt!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Has helped me twice.

    Posted by

    I had 2 back to back legal issues he helped me with and kept me out of jail while other have not been so lucky in my position. He was also very understandable because I had fallen on hard times dues to my legal issues.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    My Hero!

    Posted by

    I hired Matthew O'Connor after calling and consulting with 10 other attorneys. It was quite an ordeal to sort through the incredible amount of defense lawyers in the area. My son would need a lawyer who was an expert to be able to work through a very difficult situation. Before my son was sent to prison he had violated his probation. Now it was certain the courts would revoke it and send him back to prison for a very long time. We had very little time to take care of the situation and I had limited funds. Then I found Mr. O'Connor. After our first conversation I knew that he was going to be able to help my son. Matthew--who is a former DA, knew the system backwards and forwards. He has worked on both sides of the fence and is able to use that knowledge to help people who are now in trouble with the law. He called and e-mailed almost daily to keep me informed of everything that was happening. The entire process took two weeks, and then it was finished! I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for this lawyer, who with his complete expertise in the field of criminal defense, professionalism, and diligence, was able to recall all of my son's warrants and get him released him from his prior probationary responsibilities. What a great experience with a lawyer who was an expert in the field, very professional and prompt, continuously communicated with me, and most of all was so very kind and considerate. I would highly recommend Matthew O'Connor to anyone who needs a great criminal defense lawyer. I will never forget or could ever repay what Matthew has given back to me. My son and his freedom. He is my hero!

    Very reassuring along with great representation in court which matters the most

    Posted by

    Matthew handeld my case and even though my situation could have not of been worse he made an effort to show me not tell me my best option in his opinion as he had both my present and future in his decision. So I took his advice and I'm glad I did.

    Attorney endorsements

    (9)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Robert Cummings, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    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.

    Jess Raphael, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 25, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    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.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Jeffrey Stivers, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 2, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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.

    Mark Bush, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 26, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    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.

    Neil Fineman, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Matthew O'Connor has the skills, experience, and knowledge which consistently lead to excellent results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.

    James Wessel, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    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.

    Derek Ewin, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    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.

    Benjamin Theule, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 11, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    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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