Over 25 Years of Experience and proven results

Attorney Matthew Cargal works tirelessly for his clients, providing aggressive, experienced & successful representation every step of the way.

DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Pasadena, CA

Providing Aggressive & Successful Defense 
for over 25 Years

Attorney Matthew Cargal

For more than 25 years, Pasadena criminal lawyer Matthew Cargal and the rest of our team at the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal has been helping people accused of DUI and other criminal offenses. Our practice is focused exclusively on DUI and other criminal defense and we have successfully defended hundreds of cases. Successfully defending any criminal case is complicated and requires a Pasadena criminal defense attorney who is very experienced in that area.

Client Reviews

Hear From Past Clients

  • "Matt worked tirelessly, and my charges were completely dropped. I can't recommend his legal assistance enough."
    Excellent Attorney! I was arrested for a DUI some months ago, and I decided to seek the legal expertise of Matt Cargal. If you want first-rate defense, want to save your license, want an aggressive, pro-active handling of your case, and want the DA bombarded with demonstrative evidence of your innocence, he is the perfect choice. I thought my life was ruined by my DUI. I considered my situation hopeless, even though I always proclaimed my innocence. Matt worked tirelessly, and my charges were completely dropped. I can't recommend his legal assistance enough. A+++++++++++++++++
    - Robert
  • "I have recommended him several times to people who have been unfortunate enough to get arrested for DUI and other things. Thanks Law Offices of Matthew Cargal!"
    Highly Recommended! This was my first and hopefully only experience with being arrested and it was extremely stressful and humiliating. Mr. Cargal and his staff were extremely professional and helpful through out the process. Mr. Cargal was always available to answer questions and put my mind at ease. He worked hard to obtain a favorable result in my case. I have recommended him several times to people who have been unfortunate enough to get arrested for DUI and other things. Thanks Law Offices of Matthew Cargal!
    - Chris
  • "Matthew was the best! I am so glad I called him."
    Matthew was the best! I am so glad I called him.
    - Tom
  • "I never really had liking for lawyers, but quite frankly I had never met Matthew."
    Mathew Cargal and his staff are simply fantastic! He took an embarrassing situation and not only put my mind at ease.....but also made the problem go away completely! I never really had liking for lawyers, but quite frankly I had never met Matthew.
    - Suthy
  • "Not only he was dedicated, he was very caring to understand his client’s anxiety."
    Matt was the only attorney who was willing to take care of my case. My case was in Central coast, and I could not find any attorney who was reachable, nor found my case reasonable to deal with. He drove long distance numerous time. Not only he was dedicate
    - Benny
  • "I would recommend his law offices to friends and family for any predicament pertaining to the law. Thank you!"
    Incredibly personable, dedicated and knowledgeable. He worked tirelessly to make sure we had the outcome we wanted, and made sure to make me feel safe and reassured along the way. It is usually difficult to find a good lawyer, and after searching through many options, Matthew Cargal definitely was the right choice. I would recommend his law offices to friends and family for any predicament pertaining to the law. Thank you!
    - Joyce
  • "His knowledge and overall professionalism helped turn a disastrous situation into something quite manageable......and took virtually all of the stress off of my shoulders."
    Saved my bacon! I am a little embarrassed, having found myself in a criminal situation.....that said.....thank God I found Matt Cargal. From just after the arrest when I reached out to him... to the completion of the trial Matt Cargal was the consummate professional. His knowledge and overall professionalism helped turn a disastrous situation into something quite manageable......and took virtually all of the stress off of my shoulders. I am not big on social media or writing reviews....but with his level of services I felt compelled to let others know. If you need an attorney, call Matt Cargal
    - David
  • "He proved our son was innocent! Mr. Cargal represented my son on a juvenile crime. Our family was devastated. He constantly called the cop investigating the case and the prosecutor to try to get the case dismissed. He did it! Mr. Cargal was able to get the"
    He proved our son was innocent! Mr. Cargal represented my son on a juvenile crime. Our family was devastated. He constantly called the cop investigating the case and the prosecutor to try to get the case dismissed. He did it! Mr. Cargal was able to get the charges dropped before it went to court. We knew our son was innocent and Cargal fought hard to prove it. He's the best!
    - Shane

The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal Is Your Best Choice

  • We Are Thorough
    We do a thorough investigation of every case in order to determine your best defense.
  • We Find Alternatives to Jail
    We are experts in finding alternative options should jail be an issue in your case.
  • We Keep You Informed
    Our clients are kept updated about their case at all times and return all communication promptly.
  • We Get Results!
    We do what it takes to get the best possible result, including motions and jury trial.
  • You Get the Attorney You Hired
    Matthew Cargal — not a paralegal, assistant, or junior attorney — will handle your case and will be available to discuss your case with you at your request.
  • We've Handled Hundreds of Cases
    Matthew Cargal has handled hundreds of cases in Pasadena, Los Angeles County and throughout southern California. This means he knows the court, judge and prosecutor that will be handling your case.
  • We Handle Administrative Cases
    Matthew Cargal has successfully represented hundreds of clients before the DMV and other government administrative agencies.
  • Avvo Rating 10.0
  • Avvo Rating Superb
  • Top Gun
  • CACJ
  • NACDL

The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal

of Counsel to the Law Offices of Myles L. Berman

Being arrested for a DUI or other criminal offense is traumatic and can result in serious consequences. However, being arrested does not mean that you must suffer the consequences of a conviction! With the right Pasadena criminal defense lawyer your side, you have a chance of getting the charges dismissed or reduced.

Your best chance of a successful defense lies in your choice of attorneys. To ensure that you have the best possible outcome, you need an experienced, focused, and aggressive Pasadena criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of success. You need Pasadena criminal defense lawyer Matthew Cargal!

Here are several benefits of hiring our criminal defense attorney in Pasadena, CA:

  • Access to expert advice and legal counsel
  • Ability to properly weigh the risks and benefits of plea bargains
  • The ability to build a strong defense case for trial
  • Knowledge of state laws, court procedures, evidence rules, sentencing guidelines, etc.
  • Negotiation power with prosecutors for lesser charges or reduced sentences
  • Creative strategies for courtroom proceedings
  • Assistance in preparing documents such as motions or appeals
  • Accurate explanation of your rights throughout the whole process
  • Support and guidance during the entire process
  • Representation in court, from bail hearings to sentencing

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make when facing criminal charges. A good criminal defense attorney will have intimate knowledge of local laws and procedures, as well as be fully prepared to fight for your rights in court.

Attorney Cargal understands how the system works, what strategies work best in different cases, and how to properly weigh the risks and benefits of plea bargains. With his help, you’ll have access to expert advice that can help maximize your chances of success.

Incredibly personable, dedicated and knowledgeable. He worked tirelessly to make sure we had the outcome we wanted, and made sure to make me feel safe and reassured along the way.

- Former Client

What Is A Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or entities (such as corporations) who have been accused of committing a crime. Defense attorneys work to protect the legal rights of their clients and provide them with legal counsel and representation throughout the criminal justice process.

Their primary goal is to defend their clients against the accusations made by the prosecution and to secure the best possible outcome for their clients, which could include a reduced sentence, a plea bargain, or an acquittal. Defense attorneys may also advise their clients on legal matters outside of criminal proceedings, such as related civil litigation or regulatory issues.

Understand the Importance of Working With a Legal Professional

It is important that you understand the level of influence that a conviction can cause, so that you can better comprehend the importance of working with a legal professional. A criminal conviction can stay on your record for years or sometimes permanently. Criminal conviction information is usually available to the public and will appear on most background or immigration checks.

The consequences can include: jail, prison, probation, parole, large fines, registration as an offender for life, loss of employment, inability to obtain employment, loss of professional license and in some cases deportation.

For more than 25 years, Pasadena criminal defense lawyer Matthew Cargal have focused exclusively on defending the freedom of those charged with various crimes. Pasadena criminal defense attorney Matthew Cargal has successfully defended hundreds of cases in the past. We continue to fight to obtain the best possible results for each of our clients. If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact our criminal defense attorney in Pasadena, CA, immediately to discuss how we can help!

Know Your Rights

Know What Your Arrest Could Mean For You

  • Permanent Criminal Record
  • Fines & Court Costs
  • Jail or Prison Time
  • Probation or Parole
  • Driver’s License Suspension
  • Loss of Professional License
  • Inability to Obtain Certain Jobs
  • Possible Deportation If You Are Not a Citizen
  • Registration for Life for Some Types of Cases
  • Loss of the Right to Own or Possess a Firearm
Some of Our Past Results

Backed By Hundreds of Results

We Have Successfully Defended Hundreds of Criminal and DUI Cases
  • Charge Reduced Attempted Murder with Gang Allegations Carrying a Life Sentence
  • Case Dismissed Battery
  • Case reduced to petty theft and eventually Burglary
  • Case Dismissed Case dismissed, convicted of exhibition of speed, DMV hearing won.
  • Case Dismissed Child Endangerment, Case dismissed on first day of jury trial.
  • Reduced to petty theft Commercial Burglary

Dedicated to Defending Those Charged With a Crime

Request Your Free Consultation

The consultation will be with Matthew Cargal and not an “associate attorney”, “legal assistant” or “paralegal”. We believe it is critical that you meet, interview and feel comfortable with the person who will be representing you! During the consultation, our Pasadena criminal defense lawyer will discuss all aspects of your case and answer any questions that you may have. In person appointments are available during the day, in the evening and on weekends. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can help resolve this stressful issue for you. 

What to Do If You Are Suspected of a Crime Or Involved in an Arrest

The success of your defense depends not only on who you choose to represent you, but also on what you do to protect your own rights.

If you are contacted by law enforcement and you believe you are suspected of a crime:

  • Do not make any statements without consulting with an attorney first
  • Do not argue with the law enforcement officers
  • Keep your hands visible, do not touch an officer, do not resist and
  • Never run from the police
  • Write down everything that happened as soon as you get an opportunity
  • Contact Pasadena criminal defense attorney Matthew Cargal immediately
Request Your Free COnsultation

Contact The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal Today!

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