Matthew Williams

As an Ohio attorney, I know the legal system is large, complex, and intimidating. I understand that interaction with government agencies is disorienting and the rules are unclear. If you, a family member, or a friend have been arrested, charged with a crime, are the subject of an investigation, or involved in a dispute with the government, it is in the accused person's best interest to obtain legal representation. As an attorney, my job is to defend your interests, freedom, dignity and reputation and to make sure you understand your rights, the process, and the consequences of your decisions. Do not let the system intimidate you. I am here to help. Don't face it alone. I practice law with a two part philosophy, which I am ready to put to work for you. First, the client is a person. As my client, I will treat you as a person, not as a number, a case, or a wallet. I will give you courtesy and respect and treat your problems with diligent attention. I will work with you to find the most cost effective solution to your problems. Second, the lawyer is an advocate, a guide, and an adviser. I will be your advocate. I will make sure you are not pushed into decisions you do not understand. I will investigate the evidence and claims against you. I will present the evidence and claims in your favor. I will ensure that your rights respected. I will guide you. I will explain the workings of the legal system so you will know what to expect and when to expect it. I will keep you informed of the status and progress of your case. I will advise you. Each step of the way you will face choices about your representation. I will explain each choice, the possible outcomes and potential consequences. It is unethical for an attorney to promise results, but I will tell you which choice I believe is best for your particular circumstances and explain why I believe it is best. Ultimately, you will make the key decisions regarding the direction of your case and I will work hard to achieve

• Free Consultation
  I am happy to meet with a prospective client in person or over the phone for a consultation. At the end of the consultation, I provide the client with my take on the situation and what can be done to help and address the issue of cost.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  Visa, Mastercard. I also accept PayPal.

Ohio

Since 2013

Of Counsel

Valore & Gordillo, LLP

2016 - Current

Solo Practioner

Matt Williams LLC

2014 - Current

Judicial Attorney

Ohio Court of Appeals Eleventh Appellate Distric

2013 - 2014

Cleveland State University

J.D. (2013) | Law

2010 - 2013

Honors: Graduated cum laude.

Activities: Executive Submissions Editor, The Global Business Law Review St. Petersburg Summer Law Institute Internships at the US Attorney's Office, the Cuyahoga County Public Defender, and the Supreme Court of the Seychelles

Ohio State University - Columbus

B.A. (2007) | History

2003 - 2007

State Bar of Ohio  # 0090709

Member

Current

West Shore Bar Association

Member

2014 - Current

Ohio Bar Association

Member

2013 - Current

Q. Concerns about violation of rights in an aggravated burglary case in Ohio due to lengthy trial delays and lack of accuser testimony.

May 3, 2025

A: Unfortunately, the criminal process is a long one and the right to confrontation comes at the end.

Ohio has a codified right to a speedy trial. Assuming the defendant is out on bail, the State has 270 days to bring her to trial on a felony. There is a triple count on days, if the accused is in jail. But it's like the clock in a basketball game. Everything the defense requests pauses or "tolls" the clock. In practice, this means the clock hardly runs at all. It would be entirely unsurprising at the 10-month mark if the clock had moved 30-60 days. That said, there is another sort of time pressure coming. The Ohio Supreme Court requires reporting from county common pleas courts concerning the movement of their dockets. As the one-year mark approaches, there will be pressure from them on the court to dispose of the case.

The right to confrontation--the right to face one's accuser(s)--is a trial right. Simply put, it means the state must put on its case at a public trial so that the defense has the opportunity to confront and cross-examine the witnesses. The law does not require the accuser(s) to be present for pre-trial negotiations. There is input from the accusers during this stage, but it is primarily driven by Marcy's Law requirements that the prosecutors keep them abreast of plea negotiations. ... Read More

Q. Would I be able to go after a vet office for making me sign things while I was in a mental crisis?

January 14, 2024

A: You need to pay your bills like all of the rest of us.

Q. Is it okay to contact the police officer for an update on my case I'm a suspect in?

November 27, 2023

A: You really should not be discussing this with the authorities without a lawyer. Get a lawyer first.