


Matthew is a Partner in our Regulatory and Criminal Defence Team. He advises and represents individuals and businesses facing investigations, inquiries and court proceedings.
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Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in road traffic and criminal defence work and is highly respected amongst the legal community and his peers. He represents clients accused of all types of criminal offences during the investigation period as well as those who require expert representation in Court, either the Magistrates or the Crown. Matthew works from our Norwich and Ipswich offices, assisting clients across Norfolk & Suffolk.
Investigations:
Matthew represents clients facing police or regulatory investigations and at interviews under caution. He has had many successes during the pre-charge period of an investigation persuading the Police and Crown Prosecution Service that his client should not face charges, bringing cases to a conclusion at the investigation stage.
Court:
Where that isn’t possible or where clients have already been charged, Matthew acts in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. In appropriate cases, he engages with the CPS to seek to reverse decisions to prosecute. He has been successful in persuading the CPS to return cases to the police for a caution to be issued or to discontinue prosecutions.

Matthew is particularly skilled with many years of experience in assisting clients who are neurodiverse or vulnerable, both youths and adults, with conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, and PDA, or with other hidden disabilities such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. He understands the significance of such conditions, assists clients with patience and respect, and engages with experts whenever appropriate. He has experience of engaging with the police and the prosecution in cases involving neurodiverse clients, this has led to cases being dropped or dealt with out of court.
Excellent experience. Would highly recommend Leathes Prior Solicitors.
I contacted Matthew in regards to a traffic issue after I was given his name by a friend that recommended him to me, this was the best decision I could have made, Matthew will not only do everything he can within his power to get a positive outcome, he is also quite prepared to try something new, go above and beyond and think outside of the box to get a result, his positive proactive approach made the difference and I couldn’t ask for more, plus he is a nice chap too, he will listen and give you honest advice. I will not hesitate to use him again should I need to. Thank you!
Matthew is the most diligent, organised and proactive individual I have ever met. He maintains a highly supportive nature whilst also giving strong legal advice. He helped me through my legal situation and helped to ensure the strongest possible outcome whilst I was experiencing significant mental strain. He is quick to relay updates and ensures that everything is explained simply for those, like myself, with a lack of legal knowledge so that it can be clearly understood. I would highly recommend Matthew to anyone without hesitation.
Thank you very much . I am very happy with the excellent services you provided for us.
Matthew Swash was put forward to myself by a family friend after I needed some advice and representation over a legal matter. I had an initial meeting with Matthew to discuss the situation I found myself in, and he offered his skills and expertise on how to deal with this matter. He kept me informed along the way through form of email and phone, and also worked out of hours to ensure important information was dealt with. Thankfully, the case didn't get too far, and I would like to say because of Matthew's efforts. I would highly recommend him to anyone requiring a professional service.
Nearly all my dealings were with Matthew Swash. The service he provided was in my opinion exceptional. He was straightforward in his dealings with me so I was fully aware of what was happening and the situation that I was in. The case he prepared on my behalf and presented to the Police was instrumental in helping reach the outcome that we did. His attention to detail and the way he interpreted the information that we gave him was remarkable and really helped highlight to the Police where they should perhaps be concentrating their efforts.
I have worked regularly with Matthew Swash for over 10 years. His client care is outstanding. He has a ready empathy, and is meticulous in explaining law and procedure to clients. He works particularly well with his vulnerable clientele, and is perceptive in identifying potential areas in which expert witnesses will be needed to assist the trial process. He is fearlessly robust in protecting his client’s interests in dealing with the police. He is a diligent litigator and a pleasure to work with.
Matthew Swash initially took charge of my legal case in a sympathetic manner, and he professionally explained the process and costs ahead. After several weeks with 'tooing and froing' with the CPS they finally agreed with Matthew Swash and ourselves that there was effectively no case to answer which was eventually dropped at the last minute. Matthew Swash kept us fully informed with all developments along the way so that we knew exactly where we stood with the process. We couldn't have succeeded without Matthew's skill and expertise and we cannot thank him enough for his excellent service!