Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Fighting For The Accused
Last updated on March 17, 2026
A criminal charge of any type is serious and potentially life-altering. There are a few situations where you can feel more afraid, or more out of your depth, than when facing any criminal accusation. But, no matter what, you have rights. I can help you protect them.
My name is Matthew Shrum, and I’ve dedicated my practice to helping people in Austin with their personal injury and criminal law problems. As a criminal defense attorney, I listen to my clients and offer them direction and assistance as we work to manage and overcome the charges against them.
Focused Criminal Defense From A Former Prosecutor
I spent much of my early career working as a prosecutor in the Travis County courts. I filed and pursued charges of all types and learned all about the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. As a criminal defense lawyer, I rely on that intimate knowledge of police procedure and prosecutorial tactics to defend my clients. I can analyze a case and build a sound strategy swiftly, which is valuable in high-stakes criminal law cases.
Coming from the prosecutor’s office, I’ve come to see my clients with more compassion than I had as a prosecutor. I see the zealous nature of the prosecution facing my clients and I take action to help them get to a better future.
Types Of Cases I Handle
With over 20 years of experience in the courthouse, both defending and prosecuting, I’ve worked on all levels of cases from the simplest misdemeanors to the most heinous of crimes. I defend clients facing such problems as:
- Misdemeanors: Criminal charges that carry a penalty of less than a year and can include anything from simple assault to jaywalking.
- DWIs: Drunk driving charges that include first offenses all the way up to aggravated multiple offenses and driving under the influence of narcotics.
- Domestic violence: Violence and assault between members of a household or people in intimate relationships.
- Assault: Words and actions that can cause physical harm or the fear of imminent physical harm.
- Attempted murder and murder: The attempt to or intentional murder of another person, whether it is intentional or not.
I also provide extensive guidance on the Texas expungement process and how to clear your criminal record when it is appropriate. My goal is always first to defend your rights and freedom, but I never lose sight of the fact that my clients are people who need to be heard. I won’t treat you like a number. I’ll give you the attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense
As stressful as criminal charges are, the worst part can be not having the answers you need when you need them. As your criminal defense attorney, I’ll be there to answer your questions when you need them. But your specific question about your case will likely be specific to you. Many of my clients often start with more general questions like these below.
What percentage of criminal cases go to trial?
There are many estimates out there about how often a charge ends up going all the way to trial, and most of them agree that it’s below 10% – and frequently near 1-2%. While the exact number is unknown, the reasons so few cases go to trial are well-documented.
Some cases get dismissed outright. Some cases get settled before trial and others prosecutors simply never pursue. By far, the largest portion of these non-trial cases are those settled with pretrial plea deals. In many circumstances, agreeing to a plea bargain is in the defendant’s best interest. The prosecutor also hopes you will take the plea bargain because it takes a lot of time and money for the state to go to trial.
However, it is important to note that taking a plea deal is admitting guilt. If you are charged with a crime you did not commit, admitting to it to get it over with is going to come with long-term consequences. It’s a choice you must make thoughtfully. I will help you negotiate, evaluate and decide whether to take any plea offer.
What’s the most common criminal charge?
The most common criminal charge is likely drunk driving, or driving while intoxicated (DWI). DWIs are year in and year out one of the largest groups of criminal charges, and they run a large gamut of seriousness from first-time offenses to multiple offenses. DWI charges carry serious criminal consequences and lengthy sentences. But you still have rights, and there are often defenses available in these cases.
What is the most serious criminal offense in Texas?
The most serious crime in Texas is a matter of opinion. For some, it would be murder; others would say rape; still others would say child molestation. However, the most serious penalties in the Texas criminal code are capital offenses that carry the death penalty. That is reserved for only the most serious types of offenses and is often chosen by the prosecutor based on the individual circumstances of the offense.
Facing extremely serious criminal charges requires working with an attorney you can put your trust in to protect your name and rights with strength and legal insight.
Call For A Consultation To Get Started On Your Defense Now
My job is to be your attorney and advocate. That means I will answer your questions and I will try to take the burden of your criminal charges off your shoulders. It’s not easy to face charges that can impact your personal and professional life. I am here to provide you with what you need to make smart choices and then to advocate for a positive outcome for you.
Call my office today to learn more at 512-994-0313 or send me an email using this online form.