As the founder of Tolley Law, PLC, Matthew brings fierce advocacy, life experience, and unshakable conviction to every client he represents. His practice focuses on criminal defense and family law to areas where real lives, families, and futures hang in the balance. For Matthew, this work is personal.

Raised by a mother who battled heroin addiction, Matthew knows firsthand the pain, stigma, and struggle that many of his clients face. He has seen what happens when people are written off by the system—and he refuses to let that happen on his watch. He became a lawyer to be a voice for the unheard-of in Hampton Roads and a shield for those who need one most.

Before practicing law, Matthew served nearly a decade in the United States Navy, where he earned the title of United States Navy Diver. Matthew graduated from the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center; he participated in some of the military’s most dangerous underwater operations, including salvage, demolition, body recovery, and anti-terrorism explosive detection dives. That chapter of his life forged his grit, resilience, and ability to lead under pressure—skills that now define his approach in the courtroom.

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Education
Matthew’s path to law was built on relentless discipline and a passion for justice. He holds:

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from American Military University.

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from American Military University.

• Juris Master in American Legal Studies from Liberty University.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.-​

  •  Matthew was the recipient of the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Law and Statutory Interpretation.​​