Matthews Ryan Bark

Criminal defense Attorney at Altamonte Springs, FL

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Experienced Attorney with the Critical Expertise to Achieve Outstanding Results

I hired Mr. Bark on a DUI charge. He immediately identified nuanced issues in my case which made a difference. Mr. Bark wrote and presented a detailed motion to suppress evidence in such a way in which the State of Florida was unable to counter. The motion was presented before an experienced presiding judge in such a manner where the law on a complex and nuanced matter was made clear in such a way that the judge granted his motion. Mr. Bark's success led the State to abandon its case against me. I met with several attorneys in the Orlando area who recommended Bark as one of the top DUI attorneys in the Orlando. I would advise any person charged with a DUI or any criminal matter and seeking expert and skilled representation to hire Bark.

Matthews went above and beyond to assist me!

About Matthews

Learn Matthews’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

5 STAR CLIENT REVIEWS. FORMER PROSECUTOR. CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. VIDEO CONFERENCING AVAILABLE.

Prior to ever attending law school, Mr. Bark clerked for the Orphans Court in Baltimore. He created the first ever mediation program. He then attended law school, graduated with honors, was the head teacher's assistant, a law scholar, interned for the Circuit Court in an for Baltimore City, the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Maryland House of Delegates, and the Baltimore City State Attorney's Office.

After graduation he was a prosecutor in Brevard and Seminole Counties. He took on highly publicized cases, including those where a man video recorded a twelve year old girl changing, a jewish boy was arrested on Rosh Hoshana, a deputy was battered by her husband, and teacher was accused of bringing a gun onto an elementary school campus.

He left the State Attorney's Office after being recruited by Jaeger & Blankner. At Jaeger & Blankner, Mr. Bark tried DUIs, possession of cocaine, assisted in Murder trials, defended drug trafficking cases, and sex offense cases.

Mr. Bark left the firm to have a more hands on approach with his clients, and opened his own boutique firm.

Licensed for 16 years

State FL

Status Member in Good Standing

Acquired 2007

Updated 02/23/2023

Contact Matthews

Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, PA

(407) 543-0358 Office

(407) 865-9197 Fax

999 Douglas Avenue #3317

Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714

attorneymatthewsrbark.com

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

52 customer reviews

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Posted by anonymous | January 8, 2015

Experienced Attorney with the Critical Expertise to Achieve Outstanding Results

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Posted by dragonflybikergirl | December 8, 2014

Matthews went above and beyond to assist me!

Really great attorney, explained everything in detail to me and also went out of his way to accommodate my schedule! Made himself available to answer my questions after hours and returned my calls even on the weekends. Was really nice to be treated like a person and not judged. Mr.Bark knows his stuff and was completely straight forward with me, I was so fortunate to have such great representation!

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Posted by Stephnie | September 21, 2022

Matthew is the best!

It’s sad to say that I’ve been in situations where I’ve needed the support and assistance of Matthew Bark multiple times, but I’m glad I was able to have him on my side. Matthew is the only person I that comes to mind in sticky situations. He is knowledgable and experienced in what he does and he does it best! Matthew and his team go above and beyond to give you information in an understandable way no matter the time sensitivity. I never feel alone when they are handling a case. Words can’t do justice the gratitude I have for him and his Team! Thank you!!!

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Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2022

Best Lawyer Ever!

I have two cases on my record and I’ve used Mathew for both of them! The outcome of both cases went well and I’m not blamed for the crimes. He allowed me to do a payment plan and delivered exactly what I expected from the first case. With Mathew I did not have to worry about my future or the outcome of my case, I was anxious enough that I even had a case to begin with, but Mathew and his team assured me that they handled this situation before and put me at ease. My outcome was perfect and exactly what they said it would be! Now I can continue going to college and getting a career, all from his help!

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Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2022

Client of Matthew Bark

This Review is an honest opinion I understand those reading this review is going through a legal crisis. I can elaborate and write a 200 page essay about Matthew and his partner ,because everyone played there role in me having my freedom from being incarcerated. Matthew, Defended me as if I were his Son or Mother. I interviewed numerous lawyers before planning of hiring him, I am thankful to God, and Matthew I also must mention his partner as well. Mainly Matthew, I owe him a lifelong debt that I can never repay. Matthew’s legal title in the court room is a Lawyer, but to me, and family he is no less than an ANGEL. With being very vague about my case because I learned to humble myself with this lifeline in life let’s just say, the Judge that has been in the court room since 2003 has never heard such as long list of charges for Felonies including a 1st degree Felony. Matthew got me an outcome with a Withhold of Adjudication, meaning I will not be a Felon. My case was very complicated much indeed, but I hope this review enlightens you and your family in choosing the right representation for your freedom.

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Posted by Michele | May 2, 2022

Responsive and supportive

I called Mr. Matthew Bark in an hour of need. I was frightened and feeling desperate and alone. He is a thoughtful and warm hearted person. He helped me immensely to ultimately succeed in getting the charges dropped. I honestly can't say enough about how grateful I remain for his kindness and expert advice.

Posted by Brian | May 2, 2022

Fantastic Central Florida Attorney

Matthews Bark far exceeded my hopes and expectations in his professional handing of my legal situation. I was facing charges from the state and a separate civil injunction, and within just a couple of months the injunction was dropped and a highly favorable plea was extended. This was an incredible outcome, and I am very pleased with the resolution of my cases. I absolutely recommend Matthews Bark and his team to anyone who finds them self in a legal predicament and needs experienced legal counsel. Excellent communication, honest, and a straight shooter who tells it like it is and can get you the results you want. Truly 5 stars!!!

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Posted by Eliseo | May 2, 2022

Great attorney, experienced, reliable and effective!

I recently consulted attorney Matthews Bark regarding a contract dispute. Mr. Bark was very responsive. He took time to listen and understand the circumstances. After doing his due diligence, he gave me sounded effective advice on how to proceed with my situation. If I’m ever in need of professional legal advice my first option is the law firm of Matthews Bark, PA.

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Posted by Michael | May 2, 2022

My Freedom

Very happy with the representation. Got in contact with the people he needed to for me immediately. My matter was resolved very quickly. Matt is clearly respected in the community. Definitely worth the cost. I truly appreciate his help.

Posted by Andino | April 29, 2022

Attorney

After hearing the situation I was in, Attorney Bark took my case and was able to successfully represent me on my injunction case with an estranged spouse. He was extremely communicative, and prepared for each hearing. He was able to help the court see things for what they were through his preparation and expertise. I'd recommend him to family.

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Posted by Leah | April 28, 2022

Hire him now don’t wait!

I’ve hired Mr. Bark twice now in the last 7 years for DUI. Both times he has helped me reduce the charges to reckless driving. I was dealing with a lot of financial burdens with dui school, counseling, probation etc he was understanding allowed me to make payments to him. Mr. Bark is busy not only his job being demanding but he’s got a family like most people so I personally found it easier to text him straight forward questions instead of calling, or just calling his office where Sue and the rest of his team always answered. He’s non judge-mental, listens, and someone that’s knowledgeable in the field that you want on your side.

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Posted by Hilario | April 20, 2022

Mr. Bark is a Genius

Mr. Bark and his firm showed great care and great patience while helping me during one of the darkest times in my life. If it weren’t for their dedication and professionalism, I would be in a much worse state. Because of their help, I have a new lease on a new life.

Posted by Jamie | September 27, 2021

My Superhero

Matthew's bark Law Firm goes above and beyond all of your legal needs, they make sure you are taken care of from the very first phone call you make to them. It will be the best representation you could ever have.

Posted by David | July 28, 2021

Grateful client

When you come to a moment in your life that you need an attorney you better make sure you pick the right one! Mr. Bark was not only professional but was also very understanding about the difficulty that our family was going through. He worked aggressively to make sure that we got the representation that we needed and saw us through the entire process. His knowledge of the process and experience in these storms was truly a blessing for our family. If you are questioning where to go or who to call. Take my word. This if your firm And Mr. Bark is your guy. Big shout out to Kathleen and the rest of Mr. Bark’s team! You guys were amazing! Thank you again Mr. Bark. We are grateful for your guidance!

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Posted by Terri | May 17, 2021

Best Attorney in Florida!

I hired Mr.Bark to represent a family member who had been charged with Battery and Bodily Harm. I called his office and his secretary arranged a Zoom meeting that very day with Mr.Bark. My family member and I attended the meeting and explained the situation. Mr.Bark listened intently and then asked questions. He explained the process that would take place and what we needed to do going forward. We never had to appear in court and all charges were dropped within 2 weeks. If you or someone you care about needs an attorney, Mr. Bark is the person you need to call.

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Posted by Sam | April 14, 2021

Incredible, skilled attorney

From the first phone call Mr. Bark took time with me, reassured me, and provided me with exactly what I needed to do and when. Both he and his staff stayed in touch with me throughout the whole process and were always available to answer my questions even outside of my scheduled appointments with him. The best case scenario regarding my license and my DUI case happened and it was all due to the efforts of Mr. Bark. The money I spent was worth it given the experience with the staff/Mr. Bark and for the outcome they were able to get for me.

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Posted by Sarah | March 12, 2021

Most affordable loyal attorney

I have never been in trouble and I recently got in trouble for a felony and a misdemeanor and Mr barks has been the most honest caring and loyal attorney that I've ever met and I'm so thankful that I hired him because how fast he got my charges dropped completely and how much he communicated with me and was honest and was completely fair about his prices I could have never asked for a better blessing than him I was so thankful to get my felony and my misdemeanor and charges dropped! Mr. Barks on top of it is getting it expunged off my record it's really hard to pick and choose a lawyer especially when it comes to something so serious that could ruin your whole life and Mr. Barks is such a great man inside and out and what he does with his practices and law and then how he handles you as his attorney is phenomenal and did I mention how quickly he got it all done he got it done within less than a couple of months it was so fast I had the most scariest worst thing in my entire life happen to me and I could have almost went to prison for over 3 years and he completely got it dropped and expunged for me and fought for me and my innocence!

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Posted by Melissa | December 11, 2020

Amazing Attorney!

Mr. Bark and his staff were amazing from beginning to end. He was extremely responsive and prompt to all calls, emails as well as the handling of my case. I could not have asked for a better attorney to help me in this time of need. He was able to resolve my case with an extremely positive outcome in impeccable time. I highly recommend Mr. Bark. He is truly an attorney that cares about you as a person and is willing to go above and beyond for his clients.

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Posted by Bryan | October 29, 2020

Advocate for our family

I’m grateful to Mr. Bark for his experience and expert counsel. He came highly referred by respected attorneys for defense in Orlando. Mr Bark provided consistent guidance for our defense navigating every turn with prompt response. He allowed us to rest as he worked on our behalf. We highly recommend Mr. Bark and are very happy to write this review. An excellent defense attorney focused on the facts saving our family unwarranted punishment. His experience and guidance gave us support at a desperate time of need and resulted in a favorable outcome. When you hire a defense attorney you want someone who will listen to you and hear you. Mr. Bark.listened with compassion and understanding. His knowledge combined with his experience became a wall of support against accusations and leveraged attacks from accusers.

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Posted by Jennifer | October 29, 2020

The Best Lawyer Ever!!

I want to start off by saying "What a wonderful attorney Mr. Bark is".. I hired him almost a year ago....He was so Kind , Informative, and Honest when I had my First consultation...He was straight forward about my case, and gave me options on how to move forward with my case..I ended up hiring him...I felt like he was going to do the Best Job for me , And he DID!! He was there was me step by step through the whole process..And his team, were so Sweet..Any time I had a question or issue they handled it right away....I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MR.BARK AS AN ATTORNEY...I had several charges, which I was looking at time.. I felt I was Wrongly arrested for Dui and He helped me Correct it...For which I am Forever Thankful.....He helped me go on with my life and not be punished for charges I didn't deserve...I Would and Will HIGHLY Recommend Matthew's Bark AS YOUR ATTORNEY..He gets the Job Done!! He took care of Everything...Even through the Pandemic....He is worth every Penny!! He is So Down to Earth, but He Is A Absolute Professional in the Courtroom!!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010.

Public Reprimand - with Conditions issued in FL, 2010
updated on 02/18/2014

Public reprimand means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar warns the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior and places conditions on the lawyer's license.

Work Experience

Owner
Law Office of Matthews R. Bark, PA
2012 - Present

Associate Attorney
Jaeger and Blankner
2009 - 2012

Assistant State Attorney
State Attorney's Office, 18th Judicial Circuit (Brevard & Seminole County)
2006 - 2009

Intern
Maryland House of Delegates
2006 - 2006

Legal Intern
Maryland Court Of Appeals
2005 - 2006

Intern
Circuit Court in and for Baltimore City, Maryland
2004 - 2004

Legal Intern
Orphans Court In and For Baltimore City
2003 - 2003

View all work experience

Education

University of Baltimore School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006

Towson University
BS - Bachelor of Science
2003

Legal Cases

State v. Duguay
Case dismissed.

State v. Lee
DUI amended from a crime to a traffic citation, careless driving, Leaving the scene, withhold of adjudication and a fine.

State v. Fries
State dropped the charges.

View all legal cases

Associations

American Bar Association
Member
2014 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2014 - Present

Orange County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Chairman
2014 - Present

Orange County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Board Member
2012 - Present

Volie A. Williams American Inn of Court
Attorney Member
2012 - Present

Seminole County Bar Association
Member
2012 - Present

Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2009 - Present

Florida Bar
Member
2007 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Award of Excellence
Orange County Bar Association Criminal Law Section
2017

For Service as Chair
OCBA Criminal Law Section
2015

Prosecutor of the Year
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2008

Deans Citation for Service
University of Baltimore School of Law
2006

View all awards

Publications

The Briefs (Orange County Bar Association)
Intoxilyzer 8000 Litigation in Orange County Florida
2015

The Briefs (Orange County Bar Association)
From Frye to Daubert and the Effect on Criminal Cases
2015

Speaking Engagements

Seminole County Bar Association Nutshell Series CLE
Marijuana Law
2019

Case Closed: Issues After Disposition
Ethical Obligations After Disposition or Sentencing
2018

Practicing like a professional
Professionalism and Ethics for State Attorneys and Public Defenders
2017

Anatomy of a Criminal Case
Preserving Your Client's Driver's License DMV Hearings and License Implications
2016

Orange County Bar Association
Professionalism in Criminal Law
2015

Trial Advocacy Class
Trial Advocacy
2014

Seminole County Bar Association
Bar Luncheon/Led prayer
2014

Barry Law School Alumini CLE
Social Media for Lawyers
2014

University of Baltimore School of Law Course
Race and the Law
2013

North Orange County Bar Association CLE on Diversion Programs
Mental Health Court
2013

Brevard County Law Enforcement Training
How To Testify
2007

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (27)

Given (32)

Endorse Matthews

Danielle Wall

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Bark is one of the most prepared attorneys I have had the pleasure of working with. He goes above and beyond in researching and preparing his cases. Mr. Bark truly believes in zealous representation for his clients."

David Katz

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I had the honor of working against Matthews when he was a prosecutor and have known him as a criminal defense attorney in the community. He is a top notch lawyer who cares greatly for his clients and the outcomes of their cases."

David Webster

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Bark and I have tried cases against each other when he was a prosecutor, and co-counseled cases together as defense lawyers. There is not a better, more respected lawyer, than Mr. Bark."

Benjamin Pallone

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to work with Matthews on several cases, and the thing that has impressed me the most about him is the thoroughness, knowledge, and preparation he brings to every case he is involved in. Matthews is a fantastic lawyer, for whom I have a great deal of respect for."

Faudia Bacchus

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bark is an exceptional attorney. He always thoroughly researches the issues and defenses in each of his cases, and he is able to eloquently and aggressively argue for his clients best interests. It is no surprise that he has a proven track record of successes at trial and motion hearings. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Jordan Ostroff

DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"In each of the multiple cases I have had with him he was always prepared, knowledgable and skilled at writing, arguing and winning his motions and trials."

Dominick Salfi

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"have known Matthews Bark for 3 years. I have worked with him on a few cases during that time. He has very knowledgeable in the area of criminal law and always works to achieve the best result for his clients."

N. Tilden

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Matt for several years both personally and professionally. Matt is a truly excellent attorney who is well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and will aggressively represent his clients. Matt truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possibleI."

Christopher Atcachunas

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Maria Davydova

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have consistently referred my immigration clients to Mr. Bark for criminal defense and DUI issues. He has achieved exceptional results and all of my clients were extremely happy with the outcome."

Shon Douctre

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Bark. He is a very experienced attorney in the area of DUI defense."

Christopher Sprysenski

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Passionate and hard working, Matthew represents his clients with their ultimate goals in mind. By taking a thoughtful and practical approach to solving his clients' legal problems, Matt insures that his clients understand what all of their options are when facing a legal issue. I highly recommend Matthew."

Zahra Umansky

Family Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bark is a hard-working, aggressive lawyer. He fights for justice for his clients. He is not scared to take on tough cases & is able to obtain great results for his clients. He is well liked among his peers & highly respected!"

James Phillips

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bark is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is very knowledgeable of the law and is well respected amongst his peers."

David Jancha

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthews Bark is a compassionate and very intelligent attorney who always works very hard for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Melissa Stockham

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthews's reputation as a dedicated, professional, knowledgeable attorney is widely-held throughout the community. He is well-liked by the community, and is respected by all."