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Matthew Jared Rapa
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About Matthew
Biography
Matthew J. Rapa, Esquire is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Pennsylvania, as well as in Federal Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. Matthew is a native of the Lehigh Valley and is a founding partner of Rapa Law Office, P.C. He attended East Stroudsburg University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was a captain of the East Stroudsburg University football team. Following college, Matthew continued his education at Widener University School of Law. While at Widener, Matthew participated in the Trial Advocacy Program and discovered his passion for criminal law. Before graduating, he volunteered for the Widener Law Clinic to assist indigent citizens and interned at the Monroe County Public Defender's Office.
Upon graduation, Matthew partnered with his brother at Rapa Law Office, P.C. and began dedicating himself to criminal defense. In addition to representing individuals privately in criminal cases, Matthew served as a part-time public defender in Carbon County for three years in order to assist indigent individuals while gaining invaluable experience in cases ranging from traffic offenses to homicide charges. Through his training and experience, Matthew has learned that no two cases are exactly alike and each case deserves an individualized strategy based on the facts of the case and each client's needs. With a keen attention to detail, and relentless work ethic, Matthew has achieved countless victories in the courtroom including numerous trial acquittals and complete dismissals based upon violations of clients' constitutional rights.
As a result of his accomplishments in the courtroom, Matthew has received various awards recognizing his skill as a criminal defense attorney. From 2013 through 2018, Matthew was named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine. Only 2.5% of the attorneys in Pennsylvania are selected to Rising Stars. The American Society for Legal Advocates has also recognized Attorney Rapa as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Lawyers in Pennsylvania. In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and most recently in 2025, Matthew has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the area of criminal defense by Super Lawyers Magazine.
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%
DUI and DWI
50%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 17 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Matthew Jared Rapa's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
110 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Tasha | October 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
"An Extraordinary Attorney with Unmatched Patience and Dedication"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Attorney Matt Rapa has been an absolute blessing to our family, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Our journey with Attorney Rapa began in 2017, and from day one, he has shown nothing but the utmost patience, professionalism, and commitment. Navigating the legal system is never...
Posted by Jason | November 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney
The Best and Most Personable
During probably the hardest time in my life possibly Mathew and every one over at the firm was extremely helpful and understanding. We were always in clear communication with everything and everything felt very manageable with the way they were able to help and explain things, I and my family truly a...
Posted by John | September 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Professional Experienced Attorney With Heart
If you need an experienced, professional, attorney that knows his profession, and has a heart-look NO FURTHER. Matt Rapa, his brother and Staff are AWESOME!!!! It is NOT the first time I have used them. And would gladly use them again in the future.
Matthew Jared Rapa's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
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Experience
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 LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Carbon County Intermediate Punishment CommitteCommittee 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.
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
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
DUI / ARD and getting License back. Lehigh County.
07 Apr 2015
Q&A
Im a pa resident and got a dui in ny. can pa suspend my license for one year ny just told me to get interlock for a year
08 May 2014
Q&A
I have completed my ARD program and probation. How can I get this DUI expunged?
08 May 2014