Matthew Terry - Bio

After enlisting in the Marine Corps, Mr. Terry went back to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from California State University, Chico in 2003. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May 2009 and passed the California Bar Exam two months later.

Mr. Terry began working with one of the high-volume top-tier DUI defense firms after spending the entire summer following his first year in law school watching jury trials in the San Diego courthouse. Throughout law school, he worked full time at the firm while attending Thomas Jefferson School of Law in the evenings.

Eager to get in the thick of the action, Terry began arguing DMV administrative hearings daily – literally cross-examining dozens of police officers & civilian witnesses every month.

This experience turned out to be invaluable. 

As he sharpened his advocacy skills, he began winning DMV hearings that many considered to be un-winnable. Word of his ability spread: local firms began to approach Mr. Terry, asking him to train their employees in his unique approach; other firms hired him outright, to argue on behalf of their clients on a per-hearing basis.

Mr. Terry continued to excel at oral advocacy, becoming certified by the State Bar under the PTLS program, arguing (and winning) multiple motions to suppress evidence (resulting in full dismissals), writs of mandamus in civil court (against the DMV) and even arguing before the Court of Appeals – the very day he found out he passed the California Bar Exam. He second chaired multiple DUI trials; misdemeanors and felonies.

In July of 2010, Terry graduated from the National College of DUI Defense Summer Session, held at Harvard Law School. He has since graduated from the rigorous summer program in the following two years: 2011 and 2012.

In April of 2011, Terry graduated from La Pier’s DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course; he is certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests under NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Now a seasoned advocate and trial lawyer, Mr. Terry continues to argue the gamut: jury trials, DMV license suspension hearings, pre-trial motions and appellate matters. His focus continues to be on DUI cases - including dozens of jury trials - with an expanded approach to appellate matters and writs of mandamus. 

His practice continues to be fully committed to excellence in advocacy for the accused.