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Criminal Defense - Family Law - General Practice

Hampton Roads Family and Criminal Law Legal Services

About

Matthew Tolley, Esq.

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.

Legal Experience
Before launching Tolley Law, PLC, Matthew honed his skills working in respected Virginia Beach law firms as a legal assistant, paralegal, and law clerk.

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.

Practice Areas

Dedicated Legal Counsel

Tolley Law, PLC provides dedicated legal services across a range of practice areas, including family law matters such as divorce and custody, as well as criminal and traffic defense involving misdemeanors and other offenses. We also assist clients with wills, powers of attorney, and contract drafting.

Our approach is compassionate, solution-oriented, and personalized. We understand the emotional and legal complexities that accompany family disputes and criminal charges, and we work closely with each client to develop strategies that align with their goals and circumstances. Our firm is deeply familiar with the nuances of military justice and the specific considerations involved in divorces, custody, and criminal defense for service members and their families.

Whether you are navigating a contested divorce, defending against a criminal charge, or planning for your future through estate documents, Tolley Law is committed to protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests at every stage of the legal process.

At Tolley Law, PLC, we assist clients on both sides of protective order matters. If you need to obtain a protective order to safeguard yourself or your family from domestic violence, harassment, or threats, we guide you through the legal process with care and clarity. Conversely, if you are facing allegations of violating a protective order or related criminal charges, we provide attentive defense aimed at protecting your rights and minimizing potential consequences. Navigating protective orders can be complex and emotionally charged, and our firm is committed to supporting you through every step—whether seeking protection or defending against charges—while ensuring your legal interests are fully represented.

Call to Schedule Your Case Review

Military Divorce in Hampton Roads

At Tolley Law PLC, we are dedicated to helping military families navigate divorce and family law matters with clarity, compassion, and experience. As a veteran-led firm based in the heart of one of the nation's most active military communities, we understand the unique challenges service members and their spouses face—frequent moves, deployments, and the complexities of dividing military pensions and benefits. We focus on creating solutions that protect your rights, your children, and your future. In addition to family law, we provide strong criminal defense representation for both military and civilian clients. With firsthand military insight and a commitment to personalized service, we’re here to stand by you when it matters most.

Whether you're stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or elsewhere in the region, we're here to help you navigate this transition with clarity and confidence. Your service deserves a legal team that understands the mission—on and off duty.

Book your military divorce consultation now

Criminal Defense

At Tolley Law, PLC, we represent individuals facing criminal charges in Virginia Beach and throughout the Hampton Roads area. We handle a range of matters, including DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, and other misdemeanors. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, explain the legal process, and help clients make informed decisions about their case. With a military background, we also understand the unique concerns service members may face when navigating both civilian and military systems. Each case is approached with care, attention to detail, and a focus on protecting our clients’ rights under Virginia law.

If you have been accused of violating a protective order or face related criminal charges, Tolley Law, PLC offers knowledgeable defense tailored to your situation. Protective order violations can carry serious consequences, including criminal penalties that may impact your life significantly. We work closely with clients to understand the facts, explain the legal process, and develop a defense strategy that addresses both the immediate charges and long-term implications. Our firm is dedicated to providing careful, attentive representation throughout this challenging time.