Thomas P. Matthews, Esq.
28 Reviews
"I am so relieved to have Tom taking care of the business aspect of things so that I can concentrate on my recovery process.” With Tom representing me, I had a peace of mind through the entire process and I received a very successful outcome! Honestly, I couldn’t imagine going through that process without him representing me."
Maryam F.
"Having had experienced some personal dramatic occurrences, working with Tom and his team allowed for a professional and insightful strategic course of action. They were empathetic, charming, clever and most importantly professional. Trying to find a legal team that works tirelessly for your cause is a rare encounter. I am grateful for the introduction to this legal team and I am very confident in the professional services that they provide and would most definitely consider them when looking for an advocate to represent me."
Meredith D.
"Tom took great care of my case, he was able to put me and my family at ease with his cool and calm demeanor. He is honest and upfront with everything and the whole legal process. His knowledge of the law and statues ensured we got a fair trial and made sure we didn’t get railroaded by the system. I’ve already recommended Tom to several friends and we have not been disappointed. If you want someone that has your best interest in both heart and mind then Tom is the lawyer you need and want on your side."
Jose O.
“Tom Matthews is an extremely talented attorney who is able to focus on what really matters in a case. He fights hard for his clients and was a pleasure to work with.”
James Ryan, Litigation Attorney
“Mr. Matthews has a tremendous reputation in the legal community especially in San Diego. I know that he fights with vigor to represent his clients and assures the best results. I endorse Mr. Matthews”
Joshua Baskin, Criminal Defense Attorney
“Tom Matthews is a great criminal defense attorney. I’ve personally seen him win difficult motions, get charges dismissed and be an all around savior for his clients.”
David Simon, Criminal Defense Attorney
San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Thomas P. Matthews.
Attorney Thomas Matthews has over 26-years experience (since 1992) and has handled over 1000’s cases. He is a well-respected trial attorney who fights aggressively to preserve his client’s freedom. Tom believes in integrity and being passionately invested in his client’s legal problems. Thomas Matthews is caring and he sees himself as a problem solver who has to do everything in his power to help people get a second chance. Mr. Matthews has many endorsements from reputable organizations and his clients. Because of his exceptional criminal defense and trial skills, Mr. Matthews was recently voted as Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He has also received hundreds of five-star reviews from his clients. A lot of attorney Matthews cases get dropped because of his commitment and unique strategic defense approach to all cases.
Thomas is a respected source who provides lectures to lawyers nationwide for continuing education credits. Click here for more detailed information.
Experience & Skills Gets Results
Thomas Matthews was inspired to become a lawyer when he experienced what he believes to be a serious miscarriage of justice involving a close family member. Thomas Matthews graduated from Stockton University of New Jersey then studied law at California Western School of Law. He passed the very difficult California Bar Exam on his very first attempt and started his own practice. Tom has been an attorney serving San Diego County for over 25 years and is well respected by judges and his peers. Thomas has A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureaus and 5-star ratings from Avvo, Google and Yelp because of caring for his clients.
Thomas is licensed to practice before all state courts in California, The United States District Court for both the Southern and Central California Districts, the United States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Tom is a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United State District Court, The National Trial Lawyers Association, The Criminal Defense Bar Association, and Consumer Attorneys of California.
Thomas resides in the Bay Park area of San Diego with his wife Jessica, their two children and dogs. In his leisure time, Tom enjoys surfing and spending time in Mexico. He still surfs competitively and consistently places among the top surfers in his division in national competitions year after year. Earlier in life, he played college football and many years of semi-professional football. Thomas was a Certified Contract Advisor with the National Football League Players Association for 10 years.
Thomas P. Matthews has handled a multitude of international narcotics trafficking and money laundering cases throughout the United States such as California, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey and Washington DC. Our experience in handling “Federal Crimes, Felony Crimes, and Misdemeanor” will help you win your cases.
Practice Areas:
- Drug Trafficking
- Domestic Violence
- Sex Crimes
- Criminal Defense
- DUI and DWI
- Federal / Border Crimes
- White Collar Offences
- Human Trafficking
- Embezzlement
- Theft / Fraud
Education:
- California Western School of Law – JD – Juris Doctor, 1991
- Stockton University – BA – Bachelor of Arts, 1988
Awards:
- Super Lawyers, 2018
- Super Lawyer, 2017
- 10 Best American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 2015
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – National Trial Lawyers, 2014
Work Experience:
- Attorney – Law Office Of Thomas P. Matthews, 1992 – Present
- Senior Supervising Lawyer – Liberty Lawyers, 2005 – Present
- Criminal Justice Act Panel Member, 2010 – Present
- Internship – Attorney General of American Samoa, 1991
- Internship – San Diego Public Defender’s Office, 1991
Associations:
- National Trial Lawyers Association
- State Bar of California Attorney
- San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
- Consumer Attorneys of California
Legal Course Instructor:
- CLE – Criminal Defense for the Non-Criminal Practitioner, 2018
Guest Lecturer:
- United States Navy
- San Diego Police Department
- California Department of Corrections
Achievements:
- He is recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as one of California’s top criminal defense attorneys in 2018.
- Board of Directors, California Western School of Law Alumni Association, 2018 – 2021
- Numerous “Not Guilty” verdicts in State and Federal Court.
- Hundreds of cases dismissed.
"I am so relieved to have Tom taking care of the business aspect of things so that I can concentrate on my recovery process.” With Tom representing me, I had a peace of mind through the entire process and I received a very successful outcome! Honestly, I couldn’t imagine going through that process without him representing me."
Maryam F.
"Having had experienced some personal dramatic occurrences, working with Tom and his team allowed for a professional and insightful strategic course of action. They were empathetic, charming, clever and most importantly professional. Trying to find a legal team that works tirelessly for your cause is a rare encounter. I am grateful for the introduction to this legal team and I am very confident in the professional services that they provide and would most definitely consider them when looking for an advocate to represent me."
Meredith D.
"Tom took great care of my case, he was able to put me and my family at ease with his cool and calm demeanor. He is honest and upfront with everything and the whole legal process. His knowledge of the law and statues ensured we got a fair trial and made sure we didn’t get railroaded by the system. I’ve already recommended Tom to several friends and we have not been disappointed. If you want someone that has your best interest in both heart and mind then Tom is the lawyer you need and want on your side."
Jose O.
“Tom Matthews is an extremely talented attorney who is able to focus on what really matters in a case. He fights hard for his clients and was a pleasure to work with.”
James Ryan, Litigation Attorney
“Mr. Matthews has a tremendous reputation in the legal community especially in San Diego. I know that he fights with vigor to represent his clients and assures the best results. I endorse Mr. Matthews”
Joshua Baskin, Criminal Defense Attorney
“Tom Matthews is a great criminal defense attorney. I’ve personally seen him win difficult motions, get charges dismissed and be an all around savior for his clients.”
David Simon, Criminal Defense Attorney
