How much does it cost to hire Donald for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Donald offer a free consultation?

Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

Donald is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Donald accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Donald Wayne Matthews, Criminal Defense Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Jacksonville, FL

Practicing criminal defense in Jacksonville since 1971.

55+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense Elder Law Estate Planning Family Law General Litigation +5 more →

Are you Donald Wayne Matthews?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Donald Wayne Matthews is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Donald has over 55 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Jacksonville, FL
Experience: over 55 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Elder Law · Estate Planning

Handles Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Jacksonville, FL.
Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Donald takes on

Donald concentrates on criminal defense, elder law, estate planning, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Donald takes criminal defense matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Donald takes elder law matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Donald takes estate planning matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Donald takes family law matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

General cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Donald takes general matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Donald Wayne Matthews — criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville

Mr. Donald Wayne Matthews is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, criminal, elder and 9 other areas of law. Donald received a B.A. degree from Carson-Newman College, and has been licensed for 55 years. Donald practices in Jacksonville, FL.

How Donald handles criminal defense matters

Who Donald represents

Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, elder law, and estate planning matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
University · 1971
Carson-Newman College B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Donald's state bar admissions

Florida
1971 · ACTIVE

Donald studied at University in University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law and — in Carson-Newman College B.A..

Law school and academic background

Donald completed University in University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law and — in Carson-Newman College B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Donald Wayne Matthews's office in Jacksonville

Donald's primary office is at 5808 Normandy Blvd Ste 16, Jacksonville, FL, 32205-6270. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

5808 Normandy Blvd Ste 16

Jacksonville, FL 32205-6270

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Donald Wayne Matthews — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Jacksonville.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald Wayne Matthews claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Donald Wayne Matthews — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald

Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donald Wayne Matthews

How much does it cost to hire Donald for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?
Donald is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Donald Wayne Matthews. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I get my record expunged after drug charges in Florida?
I was charged with possession of marijuana in Orlando, FL, about three years ago, and I’ve stayed clean since then. I want to move forward with my life and get a better job, but th
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Florida
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Donald handles criminal defense matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Jacksonville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Donald Wayne Matthews, Criminal Defense Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Quick answer

Legal matters Donald takes on