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Matt grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Baylor University in 1989 with a BBA in Finance. In 1992, Matt graduated from the University of Tulsa School of Law and started working as a legislative assistant for United States Congressman Sam Johnson. After his admission to the State Bar of Texas, Matt accepted a position as a felony prosecutor with the Potter County District Attorney’s Office in Amarillo, Texas. Wanting to move closer to home, he accepted a position with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office in 1995. Over the next 23 years at the Smith County DA’s Office, Matt handled tens of thousands of cases, not only as an Assistant District Attorney, and First Assistant District Attorney, but also as the Elected District Attorney.
Matt served as the Elected District Attorney of Smith County from 2003-2018. He retired from public service to open his own law practice in December 2018. Matt has the distinction of being the longest serving prosecutor in Smith County history. As a prosecutor, Matt was known for his ability to connect with the jury and for his intense cross examination skills. During his 23 years at the Smith County DA’s Office, he successfully tried before a jury over 150 felony cases, including over twenty-five murder, capital murder and death penalty cases.
As a prosecutor, Matt was passionate about the victims in his cases. That passion for victims carries on in his private practice. For 23 years, Matt has believed, and applied the concept, that you handle every case like you would want it handled if the victim were your loved one. Matt brings the same work ethic, trial skills, values and beliefs with him in to private practice.
Matt is relentless when getting cases ready for trial. Not only by anticipating, addressing and preparing for the other party’s tactics, but also in tenaciously attacking every detail and issue in the case. Matt considers it an honor to passionately fight for his clients.
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Assistant District Attorney Potter County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Year: 1995 - 1995
Description:
Legislative Assistant for United States Congressman United States House of Representatives
Year: 1994 - 1995
Description:
Assistant District Attorney Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Year: 1995 - 2003
Description:
Special Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney's Office
Year: 2000 - 2001
Description:
Criminal District Attorney Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Year: 2003 - 2018
Description:
Texas Defense Lawyers Association Member (2019 - Current)
Texas State Bar # 00787085 Member (1993 - Current)
Baylor University B.B.A. (1989) | Finance
Year: 1985 - 1989
University of Tulsa College of Law J.D. (1992) | Law Degree
Year: 1990 - 1992
2203 Oak Alley, Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 600-6818