A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE.
Criminal defense in Modesto and Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County criminal defense, by a former prosecutor.
In the news
The Modesto Bee · August 2026
ICE arrests at California courthouse test balance between immigration enforcement, justice
“It cuts against the very goal of the system, which is people showing up. People should be encouraged to come to court and not be in fear that they're going to be removed by federal agents.”
Read the full article at The Modesto Bee
Practice Areas
What we handle.
Law Office of Matthew Begoun handles all felonies and misdemeanors, ranging from DUI to homicide, in Stanislaus County. Each engagement begins with a complete read of the file and an honest assessment of where the case can go.
About
Matthew Begoun
Matthew Begoun is a criminal defense attorney representing people across Stanislaus County. Before opening the Law Office of Matthew Begoun, Mr. Begoun prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases — including the most serious and violent of offenses — at the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office. He brings that prosecution-rooted perspective to every case he now defends.
Read more about MatthewClient reviews
In their words.
Every review below is a client's own, copied word for word from Google.
“Very good service. Treats clients with respects and definitely gets the job done. I really appreciate your service.”
Saret Sarey
Google · 2026
“I highly recommend Mr. Matthew Begoun for his professionalism, dedication, and exceptional legal representation. From the beginning of our case through its conclusion, he maintained excellent communication, kept us informed every step of the way, and took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Mr. Begoun demonstrated extensive knowledge, professionalism, and genuine commitment to our case. His hard work and dedication ultimately led to an excellent result, and we could not be more grateful for the representation we received. We feel truly fortunate to have had Mr. Matthew Begoun as our attorney and would confidently recommend him to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated criminal defense lawyer.”
Emma Rodriguez
Google · 2026
“Incredible lawyer, goes above and beyond!”
Lance Dismukes
Google · 2026
“Matt was extremely helpful in representing me and my husband. He was able to help us get a quick resolution with our case and we are extremely happy with the outcome! If you’re looking for an attorney Matt is the best guy to go with!”
Laura Elizabeth
Google · 2026
“Matt handled the situation with professionalism, intelligence, and genuine empathy. I Highly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a skilled, professional and compassionate attorney!”
Eddie Rodriguez
Google · 2026
“Excellent lawyer fast and efficient understands the sense of urgency.”
Selena P
Google · 2026
“Straightforward lawyer, doesn’t waste your time and makes it all very understandable. Would recommend”
Daniel Turn
Google · 2026
“Matt was extremely helpful in representing me and my husband. He was able to help us get a quick resolution with our case and we are extremely happy with the outcome! If you’re looking for an attorney Matt is the best guy to go with!”
Laura Elizabeth
Google · 2026
“Matt handled the situation with professionalism, intelligence, and genuine empathy. I Highly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a skilled, professional and compassionate attorney!”
Eddie Rodriguez
Google · 2026
“Excellent lawyer fast and efficient understands the sense of urgency.”
Selena P
Google · 2026
“Straightforward lawyer, doesn’t waste your time and makes it all very understandable. Would recommend”
Daniel Turn
Google · 2026
Verified directories
Listed where it matters.
Matthew’s profiles on the major attorney directories are public and current.
What experience changes
A former prosecutor's read.
Most defense attorneys learn the criminal-justice system from the outside. Mr. Begoun learned it from the inside — in charging meetings, in plea-authorization conversations, and at trial.
Process
How representation works.
Four stages, in plain language.
- 01
The consultation.
Tell us what you've been told and what you remember. We figure out where the case is — pre-charge, post-arrest, post-arraignment — and what's on the calendar. Then we decide if representation is appropriate.
- 02
The plan.
Before you sign a retainer agreement, you'll know what the case looks like, what defenses are realistic, and what the likely path is. If a different lawyer is the right call, we'll say so.
- 03
The work.
Reviewing reports, body-cam, lab results, and witness statements. Filing motions that matter. Negotiating where it makes sense, going to trial when it doesn't.
- 04
The result.
A dismissal where we can get one. A reduction or diversion when the facts support it. A trial when the offer doesn't reflect what the case actually is.
If you've just been arrested or contacted by police
What to do right now.
Don't talk to investigators without a lawyer.
Politely say you want an attorney, and stop talking. That's not an admission of anything — it's your Fifth Amendment right.
Write down what happened while it's fresh.
Names of officers, what was said, what was searched, any witnesses. Keep it for your attorney — don't post it.
If this is a DUI, note the date of arrest.
You have 10 calendar days to request a DMV hearing or your license suspension goes into effect automatically.
Call.
(209) 200-8655
Where we work
Stanislaus County and the surrounding area.
Where the case is filed shapes how it moves. Different judges, different DAs, different calendars.
Talk to an attorney
Schedule a consultation.
Confidential. No obligation. We respond within one business day. For anything urgent, the phone is faster.