Criminal Defense Attorney
Matthew Jefferson brings a rare combination of real-world courtroom experience and genuine personal investment to every client he represents. With a practice rooted in criminal defense, Matthew has tried felony and misdemeanor cases across the full spectrum of criminal law — from first appearances to jury verdicts — and understands that the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A native of Alaska, Matthew developed an early appreciation for independence and resilience that has carried through his legal career. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Oregon in 2005, before embarking on an international chapter that would broaden his perspective considerably.
After obtaining a TEFL Certificate in Seville, Spain, he spent time in Buenos Aires, Argentina teaching English — an experience that sharpened his ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries, a skill that translates directly to understanding clients from all walks of life.
Returning to the United States in 2008, Matthew worked in Washington State before pursuing his legal education at Florida Coastal School of Law, earning his J.D. in 2012. He was admitted to the Utah State Bar that same year and launched his own firm in Salt Lake City, where he handled criminal defense and family law matters for several years.
In 2016, he was admitted to the Arizona State Bar and relocated to Phoenix, where he has focused exclusively on criminal defense ever since.
Matthew believes that effective criminal defense begins with listening. He works closely with each client to understand the full story behind the charges — not just the government’s version of events — and ensures that the court hears the complete picture. He is committed to keeping clients informed and involved throughout the process, because he knows that facing a criminal charge can be one of the most disorienting experiences a person will ever go through.
When he’s not in court or the office, Matthew enjoys the Southwest lifestyle with his wife and kids — whether that means time in the sun, tending the grill, or experimenting in the kitchen.