 Matthew B. Sperry
Matthew B. Sperry is a passionate advocate who is dedicated to protecting the rights and advancing the interests of his clients. Matthew will give you an honest evaluation of your case and identify how your case can best be fought.
Matthew has successfully defended clients who were charged with Domestic Battery, DUI, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, and Possession of Marijuana. Matthew has successfully had charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors and obtained supervision sentences for clients as well.
Matthew’s litigation experience spans both criminal prosecution and defense across Illinois and Florida. Matthew prosecuted cases for the Pinellas County State’s Attorneys Office, defended clients for the Pinellas County Public Defender’s Office, and defended clients for the Kane County Public Defender’s Office.
Matthew also has demonstrated excellence in civil litigation. Child abuse/neglect courts -- For example, he obtained a $30,000 judgment for a client in a breach of contract action, and has also successfully obtained a contested arbitration award for another client who was struck by a motorist.
In circumstances where going to contested trial or hearing may work against a client’s interest, Matthew has also demonstrated strong negotiation skills in a variety of legal settings. Matthew is adept at listening to both his client and the opposing party to discern ways to reach an agreement with the maximum possible benefit for his client. A few examples of Matthew’s negotiation experience include:
- Obtaining a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor,
- Obtaining supervision or other reduced criminal sentence,
- Forfeiture cases and the return of property seized by the State,
- Orders of Protection including obtaining access to the house and personal belongings
- Parental visitation in the context of a child abuse/neglect proceeding
- personal injury settlements, obtaining favorable settlements quickly without delay and without the client needing to go to trial
Matthew’s clients can expect that Matthew will thoroughly and fully inform them of what legal options are available, and that Matthew will actively pursue the best possible outcome for each individual case.
Professional History:
- Assistant Kane County Public Defender
- Acting Assistant Pinellas County Public Defender
- Pinellas County Public Defender’s Office - Clinical Legal Intern
- Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office - Clinical Legal Intern
Bar & Court Admissions:
- State of Illinois Bar, 2006
- State of Florida Bar, 2007
Education:
- J.D., Stetson University College of Law
- B.A. in Political Science, Illinois Wesleyan University
- Minor in Business Administration
Articles & Publications:
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