Matthew Wade McGowan

Criminal defense Attorney at Tacoma, WA

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A true legal MacGuyer that ensures the best outcome for his clients

Matthew not only came highly regarded amongst his peers and clients, but he has continuously exceeded his reputation. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience as his client. I came to Matthew during an extremely confusing, stressful, and difficult time in my life. In just one call, Matthew provided me with advice I take action on. I knew things were going to turn around by the end of that call. Matthew has effectively navigated my highly complex legal situation with an unprecedented amount of ingenuity and skill. I consider myself lucky to have have this titan in my corner.

Dedicated and Knowledgeable

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

Practice area

Criminal defense

100%

Always happy to discuss any criminal legal issue, large or small.

22 years, 65,534 cases

Perfection is subjective. A lot of people think I'm pretty good, though.

Licensed for 13 years

State WA

Status Active

Acquired 2009

Updated 03/19/2023

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

Contact Matthew

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GRIT CITY LAW, PLLC.

1105 Tacoma Ave S

Tacoma, WA, 98402

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

17 customer reviews

5 Star

94%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Ashley | February 4, 2023

A true legal MacGuyer that ensures the best outcome for his clients

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Posted by Frankie | February 4, 2023

Dedicated and Knowledgeable

Matthew has shown nothing but dedication and hard work during the time he has represented me. I would say my case is fairly complicated and he has navigated through it like a true professional. His communication is fantastic. He is constantly available at any time, and I never felt like I was an inconvenience. He is deliberate in his approach, and has fantastic follow through. I would highly recommend him to anyone needed a true professional.

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Posted by Shelly | June 17, 2022

Great attorney

Mathew is such a great attorney he helped a friend of mine with several cases that had pretty serious charges. He is honest and will go above and beyond for people. His price is fair and I Definitely would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a great criminal attorney

Posted by D. McCain | June 2, 2022

Protection Order

Mr. McGowan handled my daughter's petition for a protection order. He reviewed the evidence thoroughly and provided excellent representation. He took the time to answer our questions, to keep us informed, and provided guidance through negotiation. The protection order was granted-case won. THANK YOU Atty McGowan.

Posted by John | March 15, 2021

Integrity, Honesty and Insight When It Matters Most

Matthew McGowan was my attorney for a case that dealt with a subject matter that was difficult under any circumstances and required a delicate approach in its preparation, approach and preparation. His honesty with me, tireless commitment to due diligence and unwavering support before, during and after the hearing was everything that I could have hoped or asked for. I know that he will always be there for you as he was always there for me.

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Posted by Lisa | September 18, 2019

Extremely Knowledgeable and Professional

My husband and I hired Mr. McGowan to help 2 of our children with legal issues that included a restraining order and reckless driving / leaving scene of accident. He consistently provided a calm and professional demeaner during times of confusion and worry. He guided both children and us through the process. His advice on actions to take prior to court helped in getting the charges diminished. Matthew responded to all our questions timely and kept us well informed. We can’t thank him enough for his professional guidance and work on our behalf.

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Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2019

Charged with a felony - Case dismissed.

I hired Matthew to defend me when I was charged with a felony, Had I been convicted, or even if it had gone to trial, I would have certainly lost my job. Matthew worked with the prosecuting attorney and was quickly able to have the charges dismissed as long as I agreed to do some community service work. Matthew was available to answer any questions I had during this process, and also took the time to contact me when he had any new information regarding my case. I was very pleased with the work he did on my behalf.

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Posted by Suzy | October 5, 2018

Matthew McGowan - Excellent Service

Matthew McGowan was excellent to work with. He handled a Federal reckless driving charge against me and managed to get it reduced to a non-criminal traffic charge, much appreciated. His follow through on returning phone calls and/or texts is exemplary. He also was able to explain the process and take the “unknown” out of the equation for me. Thanks Matthew for your help!

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Posted by Walt | July 25, 2018

Justice was served, Thank you Mr McGowan

Let me start off by saying I was not financially ready for this but Mr McGowan took my case for less than what any other lawyer I talked to you would take it for it. I was accused of a serious strike felony Mr McGowan got my case dropped before it had to go to trial and I kept my rights.

Posted by Han | December 29, 2017

10 years worth of interest, gone!

Got into trouble as a kid and was dreadfully paying off my fines through my adulthood. Finally got to the point where I had almost payed off my primary and so I went to Mr. McGowan for help. He was very knowledgeable about what the prosecution would need in order to get my interest unimposed and he was always able to communicate with me in a timely fashion. I brought him all of the paperwork and he took care of it! Even after all was said and done, he remained very helpful with my other legal troubles. Very friendly individual, I couldn't imagine anyone disliking him. This is the guy you want at your corner.

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Posted by Kristen | November 25, 2016

Ticket

Matthew was so helpful with my traffic ticket. He was courteous, timely, and professional. I didn't need to worry about anything. He took care of all the legal proceedings. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who will treat you with respect and will value you and your time.

Posted by Jessica | October 12, 2016

Great Result

Mr. McGowan spoke with a high level of confidence and knowledge, which reduced my stress level. As such, I was not at all surprised when he told me that he got my ticket dismissed.

Posted by Bobby | October 12, 2016

Great Lawyer

Mathew did everything he said he was going to do. He handled my case with care and compassion and was extremely aggressive with the prosecutors office . I am thankful he took my case. I highly recommend.

Posted by Christopher | June 4, 2016

Class Act

Mr. McGowan was very fair, firm, and consistant throughout my DUI trials. He proved that I was not just another "client". He really took my case by the horns and was able to get it reduced to reckless driving. Mr. McGowan also had to fight harder due to myself being out of state, meaning he had to do the extra leg work. He's one of the best in my book.

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Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2011

Patient and Reassuring

Simply put, I started out with a major possession charge and ended up with no jail time. Mr. McGowan immediately put me at ease and patiently explained every step of the process. Hopefully I won't need his services again, but knowing he is there should the worst happen is very reassuring.

Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2011

Highly Professional and Responsive Lawyer

Mr. Mcgowan handled my case with expertise and professionalism. He took the time to explain each step of the legal process to me as the case progressed, alleviating my many fears and concerns surrounding my case. The DUI I was charged with was brought down to a Negligent Driving I, and my court fees were minimal thanks to his excellent handling of the case. Every question I had was clearly and quickly answered. Even over a year later, when I had a question about the case he still took the time to clearly explain to the answer, to me is a true and dedicated professional attorney. I have and will continue to recommend Mr. Mcgowan as an excellent attorney.

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Posted by Anonymous | March 4, 2011

Professional and Responsive

Matthew McGowan’s strategic plans of juggling both cases were made with satisfactory efforts. With extended trials I was able to observe the reasons and observe other cases and results, which were compelling of hiring one firm. In addition, I believe through one’s own thought processes Matthew’s intelligences and demeanor was handled respectfully and commendable unlike other representative handling other cases. Furthermore, Matthew was informative regarding items I would or will need to satisfy. Equally important, Matthew’s attentiveness to questions asked and timely responses and follow-up. For these services I thank you Matthew and Darcy.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.1 (Excellent)

Work Experience

Solo Practitioner
McGowan Law Office
2011 - Present

Conflict Panel Attorney
Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel
2009 - Present

Associate Attorney
McPherson Law Office
2008 - 2010

Contract Attorney
Tolin & Victoria
2007 - 2009

View all work experience

Education

University of Washington School of Law
Juris Doctor
2008

University of Washington - Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1997

Associations

American Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Member
2009 - Present

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

NCDC Summer Program Tuition Grant
National Criminal Defense College
2013

Public Interest Law Grant
Public Interest Law Association
2007

Attorney endorsements

Received (21)

Given (26)

Endorse Matthew

Christopher Van Vechten

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"McGowan is one of the most beloved criminal defense attorneys within the community of defense lawyers. He also is something of a "prosecutor whisperer.""

John Cyr

Unknown Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse Matthew. He is knowledgeable, effective and highly experienced at all levels of criminal defense. He knows how to get good results."

Dennis Schroader

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Matthew is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a tireless advocate for his clients."

Hayley Fulton

Unknown Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew McGowan is an experienced criminal defense attorney. He listens to his clients and works hard to get them a positive result."

Russell Atkatsh

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Tymczyszyn

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Michael Maltby

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have the pleasure of seeing Matthew in court on a regular basis and am truly impressed with his skill level and knowledge of the law and how hard he fights for his clients. I highly endorse Matthew as a criminal defense attorney."

Natalie Durflinger

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. McGowan is an impressive advocate for his clients. He is compassionate, articulate and has a thorough knowledge of the law. He may look young, but don't let that fool you. He is an exceptional trial attorney and gets great results for his clients."

Martha Mclaughlin

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I know few attorneys who fight for their clients as hard as Mr. McGowan does. He is very passionate about helping people and is very knowledgeable about the law."

Philip Sayles

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is a tough and well respected attorney in Western Washington. He fights hard for his clients and goes the extra mile. I highly recommend his services to someone facing a criminal charge."

Stefanie Dorn

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney. He has handled everything from first offense misdemeanors to complicated serious felonies, and earns his clients trust through excellent communication, empathy, and zealous representation."

Nadine Bertman

Criminal defense Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew McGowan works hard to give his clients high quality representation."

Michael Harbeson

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is a very well respected attorney in Pierce County. He is a very experienced trial attorney and has vast knowledge in regards to criminal law."

Jeffrey Goldman

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse his work. He is a zealous, hardworking advocate for those accused of a crime."

Angela Horwath

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working criminal defense attorney who doesn't settle for less than the best for his clients."

Laura Keys

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. McGowan is a very effective advocate for his clients and I have seen him work aggressively and tirelessly for them in the courtroom. I am more than happy to endorse and recommend this lawyer."

Nicole Hankins

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Mcgowan is a tireless advocate for his clients and a force to be reckoned with. I have had the pleasure of working with him on multiple occasions and consider him to be one of the most dedicated attorneys I know. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone facing criminal charges."

LadyClaire Kintanar

Unknown Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew works hard to provide his clients with high quality representation."

Scott Moriarity

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working, intelligent attorney who is always working for his clients."

Andrew Yi

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is a well-prepared and extremely intelligent attorney. In addition, he is a consumate professional and obtains excellent results for his clients. I am happy to endorse Matthew."

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John Cyr

Criminal defense