Matthew R. Hoff is a Clark County, Washington criminal defense attorney located in the Arnada neighborhood of Vancouver. If you are reading my profile, chances are you or someone you know is facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. For over 10 years, I have been representing clients staring at DUI/DWI, Domestic Violence, Property, Drug and Sex Offense accusations. Also over the years, I have been presented with opportunities to diversify my practice. Explore new areas of the law. But I remained steadfast. A “true believer”. Committed to the cause, if you will. I realize what a profound impact a criminal charge can have on a person’s life. So I push up my sleeves. Fight the good fight. And cultivate a practice focusing almost exclusively on criminal defense. Stubborn? Maybe. But the legal system needs folks like me. Folks who are dedicated to defending the rights of the accused. Without judgment, reservation, or trepidation..
That being said, in the interest of transparency, I also have to be mindful of tangential overlaps that occur in the practice of law. For example, I do maintain a civil practice consisting of administrative hearings with the department of licensing stemming from DUI/DWI arrests, and Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Adult Protection Order Hearings. It is not uncommon for respondents challenging orders of protections to also be facing parallel criminal accusations under a separate cause number. The prudent attorney must be ready to address both fronts. Behavior in one arena can potentially impact results in the other.
Changes in the law affecting your civil liberties occur with great frequency. It is important to hire a lawyer that stays on top of these rapid changes in the law. When it comes to protecting your rights under both the Federal and State Constitutions, your attorney’s depth of knowledge is key.
It is equally important to hire an attorney with extensive courtroom experience in all facets of the criminal justice system: pre-charge investigations, 2:00 am phone calls, first appearance including bail and release conditions [Many people wait until after their first appearance to hire a lawyer. Why? This is a critical stage of the process, in my humble opinion], arraignment, pre-trial motions including motions to dismiss and motions to suppress evidence, witness interviews, use of private investigators, motions in limine, jury selection, trial, sentencing, alternative dispute resolution (ie diversion, drug court, veteran’s court, stay of prosecution). You also need a lawyer dedicated to holding the government to the heaviest burden of proof there is — Reasonable Doubt.
What motivates me? You. Your family. Your job. Your reputation within the community. Your immigration status. Your voting rights. Your gun rights. Your privilege to drive. Finish your education. Sleep in your own bed. Your trustworthiness and your credibility. Need I continue? These concepts are not spent on me. Plus if I do good work. You may find yourself saying good things about me to someone else. Basically, we’re in this together.
Trial experienced? Yes. I try cases all throughout Clark County, Washington including Municipal, District, and Superior Court. Have a case in another county? Indulge me. I have reliable transportation and I am willing to travel.
Contact me to schedule an appointment. Time is often of the essence. You are entitled to legal representation at all stages of the investigatory and adjudicatory process. Why delay the assertion of rights guaranteed to you by law. I accept same day, evening and weekend appointments. Initial consultations are free. I offer affordable, reasonable attorney fee rates. Payment plans are available. I do not feel good people should break their banks when it comes to hiring a knowledgeable, aggressive, seasoned, and experienced attorney.
Matthew R. Hoff is licensed to practice in Washington and Oregon.
Click here for a brief overview of case histories from 2012-2013.
Background:
- Former Misdemeanor Public Defender for Clark County
- Former Misdemeanor Prosecutor for the Vancouver City Attorney’s Office
- Hundreds of Criminal Cases handled successfully in both District and Superior Court including acquittals, dismissals, diversions, and reduction of criminal offenses to civil infractions.
Providing Legal Services for the Following Communities:
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- Clark County
- Cowlitz County
- Skamania County
- Multnomah County
- Clackamas County
- Washington County
- Vancouver
- Camas
- Washougal
- Battleground
- La Center
- Ridgefield
- Attorney will consider other jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis
- Areas of Practice:
•Criminal Defense
•DUI/DWI
•Domestic Violence
•Criminal Law
•Civil Practice limited to:
Dept. of Licensing Hearings stemming from DUI arrests
Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence & Anti-Harassment Protective Order Hearings
- Bar Admissions:
- Washington
- Oregon
- Education:
- University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene, Oregon
J.D.
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
B.A. With Honors
Major: Art History
- Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
- Washington Defenders Association
- Member
