I’m William J. Manchinton, Jr., a criminal defense attorney based in Massachusetts. I’ve been practicing law with the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson since September 2024, where I focus on representing individuals facing criminal charges. My journey into this field wasn’t a straight line—I started in insurance defense, working on subrogation cases. But I quickly realized that my true passion lies in criminal law, where I can engage more directly with people and make a meaningful impact in their lives.

I graduated from George Washington University in 2015 with a double major in Philosophy and History, two subjects that sharpened my critical thinking and deepened my understanding of human nature and society. From there, I went on to earn my law degree from American University Washington College of Law in 2020.

While in law school, I worked with the Civil Advocacy Clinic, representing low-income clients in disability and employment matters. That experience reinforced my commitment to justice and advocacy—it gave me hands-on insight into how the law can be a powerful tool for people who might not otherwise have a voice.

Now, in my criminal defense practice in Boston, I fight for clients from all walks of life. Everyone deserves a fair defense, and I strive to be the person standing in their corner when they need it most.