About
Roger's Experience
Roger has practiced criminal law for over fifteen years. He served as an assistant attorney general before working twelve years as an assistant prosecutor in Boone County. That time included over two years as head assistant.
Roger has prosecuted crimes ranging from traffic offenses to homicides. He has handled over 100 cases on appeal, arguing before the Missouri Courts of Appeal and the Missouri Supreme Court. Roger was awarded the Missouri Bar Foundation David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award in 2009.
Most recently Roger has been an attorney in private practice at the Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. in downtown Columbia where he has represented people in need of criminal defense.
Roger grew up in a rural area in southern Missouri not far from the Laura Ingalls Wilder home before moving to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri where he majored in political science and was active in student government. He returned to Columbia after graduating law school at Washington University in St. Louis and began his legal career focused on public service which he remains committed to as he seeks public office.
Roger now lives in Boone County outside Hallsville with his wife
and daughter.
Roger has seen firsthand the needs for change in the criminal justice system and is committed to bringing accountability and responsiveness to
prosecution.