About
Matthew J. Kinney is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer and owner/partner at Kinney Law, PC, with decades of legal experience representing clients across South Dakota. Since beginning his legal career in 1995, he has built a strong reputation for handling complex criminal cases, including DUI, drug offenses, and assault charges. He is known for his trial skills and ability to navigate challenging legal situations. His work focuses on protecting client rights and delivering clear, effective legal strategies in both trial and appellate courts.
Matthew earned his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1995. He also holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, completed in 1990. His educational background supports his strong communication and analytical skills in legal practice. After law school, he was admitted to the South Dakota Bar in 1996 and is also licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court District of South Dakota.
Matthew has handled a wide range of legal matters, including criminal defense, appellate cases, real estate transactions, business formation, and estate planning. His appellate work includes cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court, where he has contributed to decisions involving constitutional rights and property issues. His broad experience allows him to approach each case with a detailed understanding of both trial and appellate processes.
Matthew J. Kinney has consistently helped clients by providing dedicated representation and practical legal guidance. He focuses on building strong defense strategies tailored to each case while ensuring clients understand their options. His commitment to thorough preparation and effective advocacy has helped many individuals achieve favorable outcomes. Clients benefit from his knowledge of local courts and his ability to handle cases professionally and with care.
Law Office Affiliations
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Owner and Partner, Kinney Law, pc
- Member, State Bar of South Dakota
Licensed State
- South Dakota
Education
- University of South Dakota School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) - University of Minnesota-Minneapolis
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Awards & Badges

- Assault And Battery
- Drug Crime
- DUI & DWI
- Expungement
- Homicide
- Sex Crime
- Violent Crime




