Firm Profile

John M. Colette

Since 1985, the law firm of John M. Colette & Associates has been providing top-quality criminal defense to the people of Mississippi and surrounding states.  Mr. Colette has handled many complex, high-profile cases, and is experienced in both State and Federal courts.  Beyond his focus on complex, white-collar crimes such as fraud, and embezzlement, Mr. Colette also has extensive experience in assisting clients with charges ranging from DUIs to capitol murder.

Experience

John M. Colette is one of the most well-respected criminal defense lawyers in Mississippi.  One reason is because Mr. Colette has “real” courtroom experience, gained from trying several cases start to finish, in both State and Federal court.  Few criminal defense lawyers can boast a level of knowledge, skill and actual trial work similar to Mr. Colette’s.  Because of his experience, he has represented other lawyers and even judges under investigation. 

As a former employee at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, Mr. Colette worked directly under the Chief of the Criminal Division. As part of his responsibilities, Mr. Colette consulted with the Mississippi State Office of the Attorney General in helping put together the state version of the Federal RICO laws. As a result of his work with the United States Attorney's Office, Mr. Colette gained invaluable insight into how the Federal Government approaches criminal prosecutions. That knowledge and experience now helps Mr. Colette give our clients the best possible representation and defense.

His many successes in large-scale, complex criminal trials, have brought Mr. Colette so much respect from his peers, that he is currently a Fellow of the ABCL, and is “AV” rated on Martindale-Hubbell’ Peer Review Service .  The “AV” rating is Martindale-Hubbell’s preeminent rating, achievable only after admission to the bar for at least ten years, and indicates the highest level of legal ability and ethics, and represents the pinnacle of professional excellence.

Mr. Colette also serves on the committee for drafting Mississippi Criminal Rules of Court, and his experience and work ethic has established him as a leader in the field of Federal Guideline Sentencing matters.

Dedication

Our law firm gives every client aggressive, knowledgeable defense.  When you hire John M. Colette & Associates, you get attorneys working on every aspect of your case, searching for ways to keep you out of jail, minimize punishments, or get charges dismissed.
 
The criminal process can be multifaceted and bewildering; many individuals have only the most basic understanding of the law and procedures involved in the criminal justice system.  Thus, it is critical to find the right lawyer who can provide comprehensive advice and counsel at each stage of the process so that you are fully aware of your legal rights.  If you have been charged with a crime or are under investigation on suspicion of having committed a crime, contact the experienced team at John M. Colette & Associates to discuss your case.

Matthew A. Baldridge

Associate

Email: matt@colettelaw.com

Areas of Practice:

• Mostly Criminal Defense
• Limited Domestic Practice

Bar Admissions:

• Mississippi, 2007
• United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi, 2007
• United States District Court, Northern District of Mississippi, 2007
• United States Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, 2007

Education:

• Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson, Mississippi, 2007
  J.D.
• Mississippi State University, 2004
  Honors
  B.A.
• East Central Community College, 2002
  Honors
  A.A.

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Mississippi Bar Association, 2007 – Present
• Mississippi Association of Realtors, 2006- Present

Biography:

Matt was born in Colorado, raised in Oklahoma, and has been a proud Mississippi resident for over ten years. Matt first attended East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi, where he graduated with honors in 2002. After graduating with honors from Mississippi State University in 2004 where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration, Matt went on to obtain his Doctor of Jurisprudence "J.D." at Mississippi College School of Law in May of 2007, and was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in October of that same year.

Matt is very involved in the community and currently serves on his homeowner's association board and is president of the Parent Volunteer Organization at his oldest daughter's elementary school. When Matt has free time, he enjoys playing the drums, boating on the Reservoir, and spending time with his family.

Matt currently lives near the Reservoir in Brandon, with his wife, Kristian, and their two daughters, McKaylen Grace and Kensley LeaAllen.