Matthew Jared Rapa

PRO

Matthew Jared Rapa

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Allentown, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

609 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Matthew

Biography

Lehigh Valley and Carbon County Criminal Defense Super Lawyer as rated by SuperLawyer's Magazine

Criminal Defense Super Lawyer every year since 2013

Rated Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Criminal defense of all felonies, misdemeanors and summary offenses. DUI defense.

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 17 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Rapa Law Office, P.C.

609 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA, 18235

rapalegal.com/

Rapa Law Office, P.C.

141 S. 1st St, Lehighton, PA, 182352003

rapalegal.com/

Matthew Jared Rapa's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

110 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Samantha | November 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Laywer Ever

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding Attorney – Highly Recommend I hired Matthew Jared Rapa, and he did a fantastic job with my case. He was professional, knowledgeable, and truly went above and beyond. His communication was clear, he guided me through every step, and I always felt confident that I was in good... hands. Honestly, he couldn’t have done any better. I’m extremely grateful for his hard work and dedication. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney.

Posted by Teah | September 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Would recommend 100%

Made a very difficult process alot easier. Matt was very professional and knowledgeable about the process. Great communication and explained everything.

Posted by Nigel | September 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Incredible Defense Lawyer

I have to start by saying that Matt was extremely responsive to our reach out for help. We have never had any involvement with law enforcement and as expats, had zero knowledge of US law enforcement. We engaged Matt for legal defense for our son who was charged with several Felony and Misdemeano...r offenses. The case with complex and had many different factors to work through including Toxicology and specialist support teams. navigating through many official documents and approaches was sometimes overwhelming for us and our son. At each stage of the process, Matt was very calm and clear on what was being requested and how we would respond. Matt was not one to promise outcomes and give false hope. he would be clear withy guidelines and how we would navigate through them. his response times and explanations were very timely and clear. If i needed to get more information he would provide it in quick fashion and not leave us hanging with doubt. Bringing in additional experts was key and Matt facilitated the whole process with minimal effort on our behalf. Matt's communication style, both oral and written, is one of the best I've seen. clear, concise, no ambiguity and outlying paths to progress. Matt successfully defended the felony charges and reduced the severity of the misdemeanor ones. for my son and our family, we are eternally grateful for what Matt helped on. it's never a pleasant experience for a Parent or child to go through a case like this. But Matt delivered a very calming and respected style to help us through some very tough days. i would highly recommend Matt and his team for any legal support.

Posted by Erica | May 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Very patient and responsive

Attorney Rapa was amazing!!! I am an overthinker and when I had questions he was so responsive. Even during the holiday season, I never waited longer than a few hours for a phone call or an email back. He was very patient with me and all of the questions that I had. I would 1000% recommend calling at...torney Rapa!

Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Great Experience

Matthew was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. He handled my case with care, confidence, and made sure to keep me informed every step of the way. 100% recommend working with him!

See All Client Reviews

Matthew Jared Rapa's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew
Jeffrey K Stanton headshot
Jeffrey Stanton

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Matt and I were opposing counsel in several matters while I was an attorney for the State. Matt was always knowledgeable, results oriented and good for his word. I recommend him without reservation."

Syzane Arifaj headshot
Syzane Arifaj

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Rapa's advocacy skills and consummate professionalism are evident to all those in the courtroom. His excellent reputation for providing comprehensive and result-driven representation for his criminal defense clients is well-deserved. I would happily recommend him to a close friend or family member."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Sean Joseph Farrelly headshot
Sean Farrelly

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Rapa is an excellent criminal defense attorney. He has provided me with insightful and effective advice on many occasions. I highly recommend Mr. Rapa to anyone in need of legal services."

Prince Paris Amor Holloway headshot
Prince Holloway

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt Rapa is an excellent defense attorney that puts his clients first. He ethically and zealously represents his clients. I highly endorse Matt as a fine trial lawyer"

Brian Christopher Jordan headshot
Brian Jordan

Unknown lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is a perfectionist who will obsess over every detail in every one of his cases. He'll leave nothing to chance and makes sure that his clients are fully informed about all aspects of their situations. He's very sharp, very personable, and constantly working to improve for himself and for his practice. He's what you want when you need an attorney to represent you to the fullest."

Jason Michael Rapa Esquire headshot
Jason Rapa

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Leonid G. Mikityanskiy headshot
Leonid Mikityanskiy

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am a New York attorney, and Matt recently assisted me as a local counsel in Pennsylvania, in a case with high stakes for my client. I found Matt to be intelligent, composed, and very knowledgeable of the courtroom procedure. I would highly recommend Matt to anyone in need of a criminal or DUI/DWI defense attorney."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey K Stanton headshot
Jeffrey Stanton

Personal injury lawyer

Syzane Arifaj headshot
Syzane Arifaj

Criminal defense lawyer

Timothy Jan McManus headshot
Timothy McManus

Business lawyer

James Christopher Swetz headshot
James Swetz

Unknown lawyer

Sean Joseph Farrelly headshot
Sean Farrelly

Criminal defense lawyer

Leo Michael Mulvihill Jr. headshot
Leo Mulvihill

Criminal defense lawyer

Prince Paris Amor Holloway headshot
Prince Holloway

Personal injury lawyer

Deborah Lynn Huffman headshot
Deborah Huffman

Family lawyer

Brian Christopher Jordan headshot
Brian Jordan

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Lawyers in PA, American Society of Legal Advocates

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Partner, Rapa Law Office, P.C.

Associations

2015 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

Carbon County Intermediate Punishment Committe

Committee Member

2011 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2010 - Present

Lehigh County Bar Association

2008 - Present

Carbon County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Commonwealth v. W.L.

Motion to Suppress 50 lbs of Marijuana granted. Commonwealth dismissed all charges.

Commonwealth v. E.M.

Not Guilty verdict

Commonwealth v. J.H.

Motion to Suppress granted. Commonwealth dismissed all charges.

Commonwealth v. M.T.

All charges dismissed

Commonwealth v. M.M.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. N.I.

Charges of Involuntary Manslaughter and DUI dismissed following the filing and litigation of pre-trial motions.

Commonwealth v. C.B.

DUI charges dismissed. Client entered guilty plea to traffic offenses.

Commonwealth v. S.R.

All charges dismissed.

Commonwealth v. J.R.

Jury found client not guilty of DUI

Commonwealth v. J.M.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. G.S.

Not guilty of all charges following three day jury trial.

Commonwealth v. R.C.

Checkpoint found unconstiutional and case dismissed.

In Re J.S. (Child Abuse Expunction)

Client's appeal granted. Children and Youth was ordered to expunge any record pertaining to its indicated report of the client. Pennsylvania State Police terminated their investigation of the Client.

Commonwealth v. D.F.

Judge granted request within pre-trial motion to dismiss all charges because the Commonwealth could not establish Client was driving a vehicle on a roadway.

Commonwealth v. G.R.

Not guilty of DUI and speeding. Guilty of failing to dim high beams.

Commonwealth v. Vasquez (Pa. Superior Court 2015)

Order of trial court vacated and Defendant's appeal rights reinstated.

Commonwealth v. D.R.

All charges dismissed

Commonwealth v. J.D.

All charges dismissed following a preliminary hearing

Commonwealth v. L.K.

Jury verdict finding client not guilty of Resisting Arrest. Client found guilty of lesser charge, disorderly conduct.

Commonwealth v. M.D.

All charges dismissed following preliminary hearing

Commonwealth v. A.B.

Jury Verdict of Not Guilty on all counts

Commonwealth v. M.Y.

Charges dismissed after summary trial

Commonwealth v. T.S.

Case dismissed following hearing on pre-trial motions. Petition to revoke parole withdrawn.

Commonwealth v. M.A.

Motion to Suppress Granted. Case dismissed.

Commonwealth v. K.N.

DUI withdrawn at preliminary hearing. Client accepted guilty plea to summary offense of disorderly conduct

Commonwealth v. J.D.

Client's Motion to Suppress was granted and all evidence obtained during the execution of the search warrant was suppressed and deemed inadmissible.

Commonwealth v. R.H.

Charges dismissed after summary trial

Commonwealth v. Gaffney

Jury verdict finding client not guilty on all counts

Commonwealth v. Conahan

Jury verdict finding client not guilty of felony Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance.

Commonwealth v. Reeser

All charges dismissed. Habeas Corpus Petition granted by the Court of Common Pleas. Petition to revoke probation dropped.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg PA

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2014

Carbon County Bar Association Lunch and Learn

Criminal Defense Update

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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