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An established leader in the Philadelphia criminal defense community and veteran of over 40 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials, Matt is an accomplished advocate for individuals in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks County and Southern New Jersey. He represents both adults and juveniles facing criminal charges and related matters, and is known by the bench and bar as a lawyer unafraid to take a case to jury.
A zealous believer that all are owed dignity and due process, Matt is first and foremost a courtroom lawyer. Opponents know that Matt will not hesitate to take a case to trial, and he leverages this in plea and settlement negotiations. His Clients also benefit from his accumulated trial experience when he is providing them counsel.
Described by one judge as “a lawyer who truly cares about his clients and cases” and not “someone who is just in it for the money,” and by a recent client as “passionate, intelligent, and articulate,” Clients should expect Matt to be a fearsome advocate who also will not hesitate to provide his honest opinion of their circumstances.
Matt’s Background
Almost twenty years ago, Matt began his legal career in the Defender Association of Philadelphia, one of the most highly-regarded public defender’s offices in the United States. There, he learned the art of advocacy in the criminal justice system, representing thousands of Clients across dozens of jury trials, hundreds of bench trials, and countless other proceedings. Prior to beginning his private practice, Matt worked in the Major Trials Division of the office.
After a brief stint in commercial litigation disputes and labor and employment law, Matt returned to his first love – criminal and courtroom law – in 2015. Beginning with court-appointed felony cases in Philadelphia, he quickly amassed an impressive record of jury acquittals in high profile and sensitive cases involving innocent people accused of serious crimes.
Between near-daily appearances—in Federal District Court, the Court of Common Please, Magisterial, Traffic, and Municipal Court—Matt meets with clients in-person regularly, often on nights and weekends, including in detention facilities.
Matt’s Community
Matt is a third-generation Philadelphia lawyer. The son of a prosecutor and elected official and a civil practice attorney and the grandson of a general practitioner, he is the President of the Philadelphia Criminal Law Inn of Court, as well as a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Criminal Justice section and the Montgomery Bar Association’s Criminal Defense Committee. He volunteers regularly for Philadelphia VIP, which provides pro bono assistance to indigent clients. Matt grew up in the Philadelphia area and lives in Montgomery County with his wife and two children.
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Practice Areas
18 years | 2,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: New Jersey
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 520, Philadelphia, PA, 19102
29 East Marshall Street, Norristown, PA, 19401
12 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Shannon | July 06, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
The best lawyer you could have!
Matt by far is one of the best lawyers I know. He helped me with my DUI and then I got into some trouble again (and the last time) I hired him for my 2nd case! He is the most understanding and caring lawyer you could have! He explained everything to me every step of the way. Went out of his way to m...
Posted by Felix | September 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Outstanding performance
Was arrested for violation of unauthorized firearms, resisting arrest, among other charges. I hired Matt, and he reviewed the case with me several times, told me the pros and cons of the case. Was always available to answer every and any question I hit him with. Even the price for his services were p...
Posted by Jocelyn | November 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Here he comes, to save the day!
I contacted Matt Hagarty on a friend's recommendation, to help with my 18yo son's arrest on drug and paraphernalia possession charges in Philadelphia. Matt answered my call late in the business day and was consistently responsive and communicative throughout the process. He was so helpful in not only...
Posted by George | November 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely helpful, made sure i knew what was happening.
Matt communicated with me very well and always made sure I knew what was going on from the beginning to the end of the process. Being my first offense I was very in the dark about what would happen. When I first met him I was about to see the Judge for the first time and he got me up to speed on what...
Posted by Luke | January 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Matthew Hagarty
Matthew Hagarty is a phenomenal lawyer whom I highly reccomend. I hired Matt for a situation in which I needed legal counsel. First, communication with me: He is very clear, striving to make sure I understand. He carefully explains things to me, again making sure I am not left out. Matt's email respo...
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly motivated, well-prepared, and cares about his clients and their families."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a very knowledgeable lawyer and fights tirelessly for his clients. Highly recommended."
"Matt is a great lawyer. I have known him for years, and I often refer cases to him when I am not able to handle them. I know that the client will be in good hands when Matt takes the case. I strongly endorse Matt Hagarty for criminal defense cases."
"I have referred many friends and clients to Mr. Hagarty with confidence. He is an exceptional criminal defense attorney. He has extensive experience (and more importantly, ACQUITTALS!!) defending the accused in cases involving misdemeanors all the way up to the most serious felonies."
"Mr. Hagarty zealously advocates for his clients. He knows every detail of each case through his never ending work ethic. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt Hagarty is an experienced defense attorney who advocates tirelessly for justice for his clients. I highly recommend his legal services."
"Matt is an excellent attorney. His experience, work ethic and compassion allow him to consistently provide superb service to his clients. I strongly endorse him."
"Matt Hagarty is a young Attorney who already has demonstrated that he is a very fine criminal defense Lawyer. Besides that, he has a great demeanor and the clients he has represented respect him and have a sincere comfort level with him. When I have Criminal Defense clients who ask me if I could get them to a really solid & passionate advocate in Philadelphia, I have no hesitation, I recommend Matt Hagarty, and they never have been disappointed. in his work, and the clients have ALL been very satisfied."
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2005
Outstanding Oral Advocate, Temple University School of Law
2015 - Present
Owner, Hagarty Law LLC
2015 - 2015
Attorney, Davis Bucco P.C.
2013 - 2015
Attorney, Jennings Sigmond, PC
2008 - 2013
Trial Attorney, Defender Association Of Philadelphia
2006 - 2007
Judicial Law Clerk, First Judicial District Of Pennsylvania
2017 - Present
Philadelphia Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2017 - Present
Philadelphia Criminal Law American Inn of CourtPresident
2016 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - 2015
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2015
Montgomery Bar Association Criminal Defense CommitteeMember
Not Guilty
Defense verdict-No liability and zero damages.
Not Guilty-all charges
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1997
Diploma
English
Spanish