Matthew Nichols, Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, Maine
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratNichols & Tucker, P.A.
Portland, ME
Practicing criminal defense in Portland since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Matthew Nichols?
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Quick answer
Matthew Nichols is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nichols & Tucker, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Portland, ME
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI matters from Portland, ME.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Matthew Nichols: Matthew Nichols is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nichols & Tucker, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Matthew's practice areas in Portland
Matthew concentrates on criminal defense and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Portland, Maine
Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Portland, Maine. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Portland, Maine
Matthew takes dui/dwi matters in Portland, Maine. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Matthew Nichols, criminal defense attorney serving Portland
Matthew Nichols is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nichols & Tucker, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Matthew works from Portland, Maine and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mr. Nichols is widely regarded as one of Maine’s best attorneys in the field of OUI defense. He has appeared on a variety of television and radio programs to discuss high-profile cases that he has defended. Attorney Nichols regularly writes about Maine criminal defense and you can read his articles on the Maine Defender Blog
Quick Facts about Matthew Nichols
• Trial Attorney.
• Born: Mt. Clemens, Michigan in 1960.
• Residence: Portland, Maine.
• Married in 1992.
• Licensed to practice in Maine since 1986.
• Two years as Assistant City Solicitor in Bangor, Maine. In private practice since 1988.
Maine OUI Lawyer
Mr. Nichols speaks to lawyers at numerous seminars on the topics of criminal defense and defense of OUI, DWI, and DUI drunk driving cases. Described as a “zealous and fearless advocate”, he is a perennial attendee at national seminars on drunk driving defense. Attoney Matthew Nichols is also a certified Intoxilyzer 5000 operator and has testified as an expert witness on its operation and administration. He has successfully defended thousands of citizens accused of OUI as well as other crimes ranging from major felonies to simple misdemeanors.
Experienced Criminal Defense
There is more to the practice of law than television’s depictions of high courtroom drama and criminal behavior. Each year many new laws are enacted and legal representation is essential. Our attorneys may be called upon to initiate or defend civil suits that involve a range of wrongdoing, including personal injury, OUI, DWI and DUI driving cases. We’re here to help put you on the right side of the law and protect your rights when accused of felonies and other criminal offenses.
Working with Matthew on a criminal defense matter
Mr. Nichols is widely regarded as one of Maine’s best attorneys in the field of OUI defense. He has appeared on a variety of television and radio programs to discuss high-profile cases that he has defended. Attorney Nichols regularly writes about Maine criminal defense and you can read his articles on the Maine Defender Blog Quick Facts about Matthew Nichols • Trial Attorney. • Born: Mt. Clemens,…
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and dui/dwi matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices
University of Maine Law School
J.D. · 1986
University of Maine
B.A. History · 1983
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
Maine
1986 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Maine Law School and B.A. History in University of Maine.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in University of Maine Law School and B.A. History in University of Maine. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Matthew's legal honors and published work
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations
Maine State Bar Association National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Maine Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
membership
Locations
Matthew Nichols's office in Portland
Matthew's primary office is at 1250 Forest Avenue, Suite 10, Portland, ME, 04103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Nichols — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Portland.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Nichols claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Nichols — 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 Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Portland, Maine
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 Matthew
Matthew 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew'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 Matthew Nichols
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Maine 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Matthew is licensed in Maine. Matters governed by Maine law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew 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 Matthew?
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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Maine
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.