Misdemeanor, DUI and Drug Crimes
matthew.friedman@cohendefense.com
A graduate of the prestigious Hastings College of the Law, Matthew Friedman is surprisingly down-to-earth. His calm demeanor and genuine compassion, together with his sharp intellect, make him a force to be reckoned with in court.
Matthew discovered his passion for criminal law early on. David Cohen, founding partner of the Cohen Defense Group, says of Matthew, “Most people go to law school not knowing what kind of law they want to practice. Matthew knew from day one he was going to be a criminal defense attorney. He carefully selected each internship, law school class, and post-bar activity to give him the tools to successfully defend our clients. Matthew has quickly become a client favorite and many of his clients reach out to thank me for having him work on their case.”
Developing a defense for his client is a creative process that Matthew loves. Finding weak spots in the prosecution’s case, interpreting what shows up on video or in recorded calls, and challenging the actions of police by moving to keep evidence out of court are all tools in his arsenal. Additionally, Matthew’s exceptional communication skills get good results from judges and juries.
Matthew’s criminal defense skills were honed through legal internships at Public Defender’s Offices in Solano County, Marin County, and San Francisco. He handled misdemeanor caseloads, litigated probation revocation hearings, and helped win a not guilty verdict in a manslaughter trial, all before passing the bar. While in law school Matthew earned the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Criminal Procedure and the Adjudicative Process as well as Certifications for legal research and professional readiness.
Matthew is responsible for a misdemeanor caseload at the Cohen Defense Group, but also has felony trial experience. He handles DUI and felony cases in both Placer and Sacramento counties. Matthew particularly enjoys working with minor clients facing delinquency charges. Matthew relates well to young clients and is passionate about defending them in juvenile court. As Matthew says, “I got into criminal defense because I wanted to help people. I feel good about my day if I made a difference for someone.”
Matthew is an avid outdoorsman. When he is not working, he enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, basketball, and following Bay Area sports teams.
Matthew was born in Greenbrae, California. He was admitted to the California Bar in 2017. Education: University of California, Davis (B.A. 2013); University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco (J.D. 2017). Matthew is a member of the Placer County Bar Association.
