My Biography
Marla Matrice
Marla Matrice is an attorney with a strong focus on criminal defense and family law. She is dedicated to advocating for the civil and constitutional rights of those often marginalized in society. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener University, Delaware Law School.
During her academic journey, Marla Matrice demonstrated leadership as the Minister of Misinformation for The Delaware Law School National Lawyers Guild Student Chapter, Vice President of Alumni Relations for the School’s Youth Court Program, and Community Service Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. These roles not only showcased her dedication to justice but also reinforced her aspirations in the legal field.
Marla Matrice's practical experience encompasses experiences in Wisconsin and Delaware. Prior to moving to Delaware, she interned at the Public Defender's Office in Brown County, Wisconsin, showcasing her long-standing passion for advocacy. In Delaware, she has had the privilege of interning with a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County, along with invaluable experiences at the Department of Justice and with Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, each of which significantly contributed to her deepened insights into the legal challenges confronting families. Collectively, these experiences equipped Marla Matrice with a comprehensive understanding that fuels her unwavering commitment to advocacy and justice.
Before law school, Marla Matrice earned certificates in Early Childhood Education I & II, Criminal Justice, Child Advocacy, and Digital Evidence. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice with a concentration in Criminal Behavior, both from Wilmington University.
In each capacity, Marla Matrice's unwavering commitment to justice ensures that the voices of the overlooked, unheard, oppressed, abused, and accused find a dedicated advocate.
My Story
In 2010, the allure of a new beginning brought me to Delaware, chasing dreams of a happily ever after. Little did I know, I would instead be living out a nightmarish reality. In 2012, my world crumbled as my children were forcefully placed in foster care, due to "chronic domestic violence" and my alleged "refusal" to abide by a no-contact order. The court order's cold language to remove my children actually stated, “Mom was warned about violating the no-contact order,” 100 percent oblivious to the paralyzing fear of those who've been hunted and harmed for attempting to break free.
Throughout the legal process, none in the system, from the Attorney General, the Guardian Ad Litems, or even the Judge, comprehended that my defiance was not a deliberate act of rebellion. They failed to grasp that the mere piece of paper that the no contact order was written on was not bullet proof and provided absolutely no defense against the tangible threats of bullets or beatings. Due to My perceived failure to follow the no contact order and playing an “I love you more” game with my son, where I playfully threatened to put him in the freezer if he didn’t take back that he loved me more, I was charged with child endangerment.
I was appointed a public defender whose only priority was to have me accept a plea agreement. The attorney was furious at my refusal and yelled at me to “Just accept the f****** deal!” My refusal led to trial, an acquittal, and a perfunctory apology. This journey left me pondering how many others had been coerced into just accepting the f****** deal.
The nightmare with DFS finally concluded in November 2012 with the reunification of my family. This harrowing experience fueled my determination to ensure no one else is railroaded into submission. Under my watch, no one will be forced to "just accept the f****** deal."
