Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Matt Osman was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. After graduating from Charlotte Christian School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in American History and a minor in Business Administration.  Matt then spent a year working on Capitol Hill for Senator Phil Gramm (R-Tx), before attending Regent University School of Law.  While in law school, he interned in Charlotte for the Honorable Brent McKnight, the late federal judge.

After graduating from law school and admission to the North Carolina State Bar, Matt served for more than six years as a Judge Advocate General in the Navy.  During his time as a Navy JAG, he worked as a prosecutor, defense attorney and staff attorney, and counseled sailors and their families on domestic and civil issues.  In the Navy, Osman deployed with an Amphibious Readiness Group in the Western Pacific Theater and was stationed in Japan, Spain and Charleston, S.C.  After receiving an honorable discharge, Matt returned to Charlotte, where he worked in civil litigation with Weaver Bennett & Bland in Matthews. In January 2009, Matt moved to the District Attorney's Office in Union County, where he currently works.  As an Assistant District Attorney, he prosecutes a wide range of felonies and misdemeanors. 

Matt and Allie married in 2006 and look forward to raising a family in Charlotte.  He is actively involved in the community as a volunteer at Forest Hill Church and with Samaritan's Feet. 

I have dedicated my life to public service. I believe that public service is not a career option, but a calling, which is why I am running for District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County. As a Charlotte native, I have seen our community grow and change in many ways. However, one thing has not changed: Mecklenburg County's need for judges committed to upholding the laws that protect our citizens and families. The law is essential to restoring justice and restraining crime in our society.

Prior to making the decision to run against an incumbent judge, I spoke with many people in Mecklenburg County -- both inside and outside the legal community -- who encouraged my calling, making it clear that Mecklenburg County deserves better.  I believe I am the best candidate because I have broad experience in both life and law from my years of both military and government service. I am fair, honest and ethical, and I will apply the law as it is written -- not as I personally want or wish it to be -- to every case that comes before me. I believe that judges need good judgment, and the people have a right to expect that judges will remain fair and impartial, regardless of their personal associations.