About Us
The Law Office
People make mistakes, and the Law Office defends those people so that the mistake does not define their future. But the government makes mistakes, too– I regularly defend healthcare licensees from false or overblown accusations, both in criminal courts and before professional boards. Our work together involves guiding you through a difficult legal process and minimizing impacts to their life and career. Usually, this means earning a dismissal or negotiating an acceptable resolution. But I am an experienced trial lawyer—if we can not negotiate a favorable resolution to your case, I am ready to fight.
The Law Office consists of a single attorney, former prosecutor Matt Hand. You will never be handed off to an inexperienced associate– if you hire me, you get me for every critical stage of the case. In limited situations like litigation, we may build a team (highly experienced cocounsel) to support you, but you never lose my direct leadership of the case. You will be kept well-informed: Evidence, strategy, collateral consequences and more will all be discussed with you so that you understand strategy and options. If you have to accept a plea offer or board stipulation, you will know that no stone was left unturned and that you got the best possible resolution. If we go to trial, we go thoroughly prepared, with a plan to win.
Matthew Hand
I am a trial lawyer dedicated to defending your rights and protecting your reputation and career. I earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors from New York University in 1998, and in 2005 graduated with honors from the prestigious New York University School of Law.
As a deputy district attorney in Adams County, I developed my trial skills and expertise in criminal law. I also saw first-hand that the system is flawed. It is a system of laws—some good, some bad— run by people, and even well-meaning people have flaws. In this imperfect system, you need an ally. As a criminal defense lawyer, I have worked tirelessly to ensure good results for my clients. Several years ago, I recognized that healthcare professional clients really needed licensing defense expertise, because sharp career consequences could follow benign resolutions to criminal cases. After years of mentorship and then hands-on experience, I came to enjoy “pure” healthcare license defense as much as criminal defense, and now most of cases do not involve any criminal charges—they are standard of care violations, HIPAA violations, drug diversion, and more.
Prior to practicing law, I was an options trader on the floors of the American Stock Exchange and the New York Board of Trade (think Trading Places). The high stakes competition of the trading floors prepared me for life in the courtroom. In both places, success depends on intelligence, preparation, and an ability to communicate decisively under pressure. I deeply enjoy the challenge of defending my clients in court, when the government has thrown its weight against them.
In my free time, I make the most of the Colorado outdoors by biking and camping. I also like to sit down and compete—I enjoy chess and poker. How many people have both biked up Mt. Blue Sky and played in the very sedentary WSOP Main Event? Everybody is unique. I enjoy learning what is unique about my clients, and protecting them.
To schedule a free phone consultation,
please email: matt@handlaw.com
Include your phone number and basic information about the allegations against you. For professional license cases, attaching a PDF of the complaint is best, but at least indicate what license you hold and any upcoming deadline. For criminal cases, indicate what charges you are facing, plus the next court date and location. I will respond promptly. All emails and consultation with me are confidential.