Matthew O'Connor - Lawyer in Walnut Creek, CA

Matthew James O'Connor

DUI and DWI Attorney at Walnut Creek, CA

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Best Lawyer to Hire

OUTSTANDING

Matt O'Connor is an outstanding attorney. I used his services several months ago after being charged with a DUI. I had absolutely no experience with the process or any understanding of what difficulties I was facing. I also had no idea which attorney was best suited to deal with my situation, but I got lucky. Who you select to represent you is one of the most important decisions you will make. It can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case. Having Matt represent me and guide me through the process was one of the best things I did. He understands the system and, importantly, the details within the system that can affect you. He not only has long-term experience dealing with this type of case, he also knows the individuals at DMV and in the Court that will impact how your matter is ultimately resolved. I can't recommend Matt more highly. He produced amazing results.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

80%

22 years
Criminal defense

20%

16 years

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.

Licensed for 23 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 1999

Updated 09/12/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Matthew

O'Connor Law APC

1277 Treat Blvd

Suite 850

Walnut Creek, CA, 94597

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

15 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Elizeth | April 18, 2022

Best Lawyer to Hire

Mr. O’Connor upon first call consultation provided direct and comprehensive information regarding my fathers case. He was easy to reach and always returned the calls in a timely matter. Recommend 10/10 if you want a lawyer who is attentive to your case, works fast & provides information during the steps of the process.

Posted by Don | November 2, 2021

OUTSTANDING

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Posted by Ashley O. | September 6, 2021

Excellent Attorney

We hired Matt back in 2014 for a DUI for my husband. He has had priors also, Matt was able to get him little to no time then because of prior experience with be a DA he got him a good deal then! Fast forward 6 years my husband found himself In trouble with two cases from two different counties. With Matt’s patience and understanding he explained to us what time my husband was looking at. Thankfully Matt was able to get my husband concurrent time for both so he won’t have to serve much time. It could have been much worse. Thank you Matt. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.

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Posted by John | June 7, 2021

Hire Matt as your Lawyer!

Matt did an amazing job helping to resolve our case, he was always available to answer any questions we had and did it professionally. He was able to explain what was happening throughout the case in a way that was very understandable. I would absolutely recommend him as a lawyer to anyone that may need one. Thanks Matt!

Posted by Matt | May 24, 2021

Top Notch!

I needed representation for a DUI and was referred to Matt O'Connor. Under Mr. O'Connor's guidance, the DMV did not suspend my license and the DA dropped the charge. Matt O'Connor knows how to navigate the ins and outs of the legal system and provided me with excellent representation. He looks for the "wrinkles" and knows to use those in your defense, which is exactly what he did for me. He connected me with the right expert to evaluate my situation and then, with those favorable results, made it sensible to the DA that it was not worth the court's time to pursue charges. I heartily recommend Matt O'Connor as your criminal defense attorney for any matter you may require.

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Posted by Joey D | May 12, 2021

The Best Defense Lawyer!!!

Matt was great in helping me get through the process and eventually got my case dismissed! Because he had prior experience being a prosecutor, that he knew how to defend clients, and that is why I hired him. If you need legal representation, Matt is your attorney!! Thank you Matt for all your help!

Posted by Kyle | November 30, 2020

Dui Defense

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.

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Posted by Mike B | April 27, 2020

Excellent Lawyer

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.

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Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2020

The best lawyer

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 .

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Posted by Marvin | March 10, 2020

Good Man and Honest Attorney

I was able to keep my job charged with a dui and reduced to wet reckless at th end of the case.

Posted by Daniel | August 12, 2019

Look No Further

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.

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Posted by mike | January 16, 2019

Excellent Attorney

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!

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Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2017

Has helped me twice.

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.

Posted by Tammie | August 3, 2015

My Hero!

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!

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Posted by LL Reed | June 21, 2015

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

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.

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Resume

AVVO RATING 8.3 (Excellent)

Education

Santa Clara University School of Law
1999

University of California - Davis
N/A

Associations

San Diego County Bar Association
Member
N/A

Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member
N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)

Given (6)

Endorse Matthew

Robert Cummings

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
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 | Jun 25
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 | Jun 12
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 | Dec 02
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 | Sep 26
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 | Sep 25
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 | Sep 25
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 | Sep 25
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 | Jul 11
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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