Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
75 Client Reviews
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Matthews Ryan Bark
also known as Law Offices Of Matthews R. Bark P.A.
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About Matthews
Biography
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.
5 Star client reviews. Former Prosecutor. Call for a free consultation. Video conferencing available.
Former DUI prosecutor of the year awarded by MADD, now your best defense.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
32%
DUI and DWI
28%
Domestic Violence
20%
Sex Crime
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 18 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2007
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2010
Location
Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, PA
(407) 865-9197
Fax
999 Douglas Avenue #3317, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714
attorneymatthewsrbark.comMatthews Ryan Bark's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 59 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Danielle | July 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
professional & impactful - Top-Tier Representation When You Need It Most
If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney who truly knows what he’s doing, look no further than Matthews. Criminal cases can be incredibly stressful and intimidating, but he has a way of putting your mind at ease from the very first conversation. He doesn’t just handle your case — he owns it....
Posted by Kenny | January 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Matthew R Bark
I really wish I could give Mr. Bark, Mr. Carlos and his office more stars. I had another attorney before Mr. Bark. My first attorney wasn't doing anything just the bare minimum. I had to fired my first attorney and found Mr. Bark through a recommendation. I'm really glad I hired them to take over my ...
Posted by Cathy | November 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Incredible experience!
Mr. Bark and his team immediately jumped on the issue at hand and produced very quick, successful results. I would still be struggling to work through my situation and am so grateful to have found Bark Law. My case was handled swiftly, with genuine compassion and empathy. Mr. Bark and Mr. Carlos and ...
Posted by James | November 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Incredible Representation
At a time when I needed a trusted law firm more than ever, Matthews Bark and his team of professional, caring, experienced, empathetic, people steered me to an incredible outcome. My case dominated my life for 18 months but Matt, Ethan, Troy, Julie and anyone I missed at the firm helped calm me and ...
Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding law firm
From the beginning, Mr. Carlos and Mr. Bark were with me the whole time and made me feel very comfortable during this process. They were always on top of everything and took total care as well. I would highly recommend them to represent you in whatever case that you’re dealing with and I hope I don’t...
Matthews Ryan Bark's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am a lawyer but I do not practice criminal law. I am confident referring clients and their friends and families to Matt without reservation."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse Mr. Bark. He is a very experienced attorney in the area of DUI defense."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"Matthews Bark is a compassionate and very intelligent attorney who always works very hard for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barks is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Central Florida."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010.
Public Reprimand - with Conditions issued in FL, 2010
updated on 02/18/2014Public 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.
Honors
2017
Award of Excellence, Orange County Bar Association Criminal Law Section
2015
For Service as Chair, OCBA Criminal Law Section
2008
Prosecutor of the Year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2006
Deans Citation for Service, University of Baltimore School of Law
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Matthews R. Bark, PA
2009 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Jaeger and Blankner
2006 - 2006
Intern, Maryland House of Delegates
2006 - 2009
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney's Office, 18th Judicial Circuit (Brevard & Seminole County)
2005 - 2006
Legal Intern, Maryland Court Of Appeals
2004 - 2004
Intern, Circuit Court in and for Baltimore City, Maryland
2003 - 2003
Legal Intern, Orphans Court In and For Baltimore City
Associations
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionChairman
2012 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionBoard Member
2012 - Present
Volie A. Williams American Inn of CourtAttorney Member
2012 - Present
Seminole County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
Florida BarMember
Sample of 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.
State v. Skinder
Case dropped.
State v. Harper
State dropped the charges.
State v. Winfield
State dropped the charges.
State v. Robinson
State dropped the charges.
Carter v State, 38 FLW D1802a
Trial court's ruling reversed
State v. Watkins
Dropped
State v. Wiltshire
The charges were dropped.
State v. Pagan
Case dropped.
State v. Warnock
Not Guilty
State v. Lopez
Charges dropped.
Jeremy Thomas v. DHSMV
The Circuit Court reversed the DHSMV's decision. (We won).
State v. Diggins
State dropped the case.
Jason Mahon v. DHSMV
The Circuit Court reversed the DHSMV's decision. (We won).
State v. Alstott
Reduced to reckless driving with a withhold of adjudication.
State v. Rengel
Case was dismissed.
State v. Fonseca, 17 FLW Supp. 853a
Case dropped.
State v. Peltz, 16 FLW Supp. 863a
Case demised.
State v. Saker
In the middle of trial the prosecutor dropped the charges.
State v. Yates
Amended to Wet Reckless
State v. Merchan
Not Guilty
Education
2006
University of Baltimore School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Towson University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
Seminole County Bar Association Nutshell Series CLE
Marijuana Law
2018
Case Closed: Issues After Disposition
Ethical Obligations After Disposition or Sentencing
2017
Practicing like a professional
Professionalism and Ethics for State Attorneys and Public Defenders
2016
Anatomy of a Criminal Case
Preserving Your Client's Driver's License DMV Hearings and License Implications
2015
Orange County Bar Association
Professionalism in Criminal Law
2014
Trial Advocacy Class
Trial Advocacy
2014
Seminole County Bar Association
Bar Luncheon/Led prayer
2014
Barry Law School Alumini CLE
Social Media for Lawyers
2013
University of Baltimore School of Law Course
Race and the Law
2013
North Orange County Bar Association CLE on Diversion Programs
Mental Health Court
2007
Brevard County Law Enforcement Training
How To Testify
Publications
2015
The Briefs (Orange County Bar Association)
From Frye to Daubert and the Effect on Criminal Cases
2015
The Briefs (Orange County Bar Association)
Intoxilyzer 8000 Litigation in Orange County Florida
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Charged with DUI, Careless Driving and Hit & Run (leaving the scene)
29 Jun 2013
Q&A
Hello, where do I get a Motion to Dismiss form for Orange County Florida please? I looked on their website, everything but.
16 Jun 2013
Q&A
Caught trespassing charge while on probation..I wasnt arrested but was given notice to appear need consultationfor orlandoplease
21 Jun 2013