Robert Matthew Cargal

Robert Matthew Cargal

also known as MATTHEW CARGAL

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 33 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Pasadena, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

155 South El Molino, Suite 202, Pasadena, CA

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Experienced, Aggressive and Successful Criminal Defense!

33 years

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

experienced. aggressive and successful DUI defense!

33 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 33 years

State: California

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal

155 South El Molino, Suite 202, Pasadena, CA, 91101

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Robert Matthew Cargal's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

5 star (20)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Mario | February 8, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Consistent, Professional Representation Over Many Years

I worked with Matthew Cargal over the course of nearly six years, beginning in August 2019, and his representation was consistently professional, thorough, and dependable throughout that entire period. My case involved multiple stages and evolving circumstances, and Matthew remained engaged and atten...tive from start to finish. What stood out most was his continuity and personal involvement. He did not delegate my matter to associates or unfamiliar counsel. He was consistently well-prepared, fully familiar with my file, and highly communicative. When appearances were procedural, he ensured appropriate arrangements were made so that nothing was overlooked. As circumstances changed, Matthew also served in an advisory capacity, helping navigate sensitive issues proactively and responsibly, including working cooperatively with other parties to prevent unnecessary complications. His guidance extended beyond the courtroom, providing clarity and reassurance to my family during an especially difficult time. Ultimately, his counsel helped bring a long and challenging legal chapter to a successful resolution, allowing me to move forward with my life. After nearly six years of representation, I can say with confidence that Matthew provided sound judgment, steady advocacy, and thoughtful advice at every step. I would strongly recommend him to anyone seeking experienced, reliable, and principled legal representation.

Posted by Peter | September 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Best of the Best

Matt is highly intelligent, empathetic, and a shrewd negotiator, with years of experience working with prosecutors and judges. He’ll certainly make lemonade out of the rancid lemons of your situation. I’d recommend him to first-time and multiple DUI offenders, and I’m confident that his acumen on oth...er criminal matters is just as strong. Most of all his greatest strength is his character, which shows in his deep relationships and respect with the courts and other attorneys. I simply can’t say enough about this fantastic attorney.

Posted by Joe L. | July 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Attorney of Attorneys

When considering a defense attorney, you have to ask yourself... What is it exactly that you want, or better yet, what do you and your family NEED? Do you want someone to be just professional and handle your case expertly, or do you NEED someone to work diligently day in and night out on your ...case, be thoroughly informative, and handle the entire weight of your legal situation both firmly and delicately? Do you want someone to contact you once your case is done or do you NEED someone to be available 24/7, through emails, calls, and office visits, have any and every question answered? You will always be informed with all the inner workings of court, even when you dont have to be present. Do you want someone that will give you a consultation and charge you and arm and a leg or NEED someone that has fair rates, understands whatever economic hardship your going through, and creates flexible payment plans that cater to you? His consultations are free and put your mind at ease. If you just want Joe Schmoe to take your money, and never hear back from, and most likely bend to the will of the court system than Mr. Cargal is not your guy. But, if you NEED someone in your corner to fight for and with you as I did during my overwhelming cases, than Matthew Cargal is most definitely the attorney you NEED to represent you! Mr. Cargal helped me with two of my cases, one in 2013 and another slip up in 2014. With a 98% success rate, I figured it would be a no brainer to look him up. In both cases, he successfully tipped the scales in my favor and my family are forever grateful. It's been 5 years now no incidents, and he is currently working toward expunging both. Matt and I have created a trust, that I will forever hold dear, and he would do so with everyone that stumbles upon him. So dont hesitate to give Matt a call! Thank you again Matt, you've saved me time and time again, and it's safe to say, you've changed my life for the better!

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Proactive, professional, and attentive to detail

I hired Matt Cargal for a recent DUI case back in March. Upon being hired, Matt was proactive and an attentive liaison making sure all court documents and details in order. While he has many clients, he was always easy to communicate with and answered all emails and calls in a timely manner--which I ...greatly appreciated throughout the process. Highly recommend because he is worth the investment.

Posted by Jonathon | December 1, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

If you’ve found Matt then you’ve found hope!

Matt is a fully knowledgeable, caring, and to the point expert with decades of experience under his belt. His legal expertise helped me in ways that I honestly believe no other could have. I would quickly recommend him to anyone seeking a dynamic professional who will fight for you and your rights to... the very best of his ability. Don't settle for anyone less than Matthew Cargal. I cannot express my gratitude to him enough.

See All Client Reviews

Robert Matthew Cargal's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer for their commitment and dedication to clients."

David Paley Schwarz headshot
David Schwarz

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional"

Christopher Robert Martens headshot
Christopher Martens

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a dedicated advocate and a fine lawyer."

Nieves M Osaba headshot
Nieves Osaba

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy Edward O'Laughlin headshot
Timothy O'Laughlin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Robert is an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced DUI and criminal law attorney. I do not hesitate to recommend him."

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Matthew. He is a tough, thorough, and talented litigator."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ann A. Gottesman headshot
Ann Gottesman

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Cargal is a caring, experienced and dedicated criminal defense and DUI lawyer. I see Mr. Cargal in the courthouse often and it is evident that the judges, prosecutors and court personnel have a lot of respect for him. He's always willing to share his knowledge with other lawyers and he gets excellent results for his clients. I highly endorse Mr. Cargal."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work: extraordinarily conscientious, extremely hardworking and very dedicated to each Client, Californians understand that Mr. Cargal is an excellent Pasadena trial attorney who is a beneficial asset to the entire California DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need of a superb criminal defense lawyer will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of reasons (but without enough character space to properly do this fine attorney justice), I am honored to endorse this superb lawyer."

Aaron Reuben Bortel headshot
Aaron Bortel

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've know Matt Cargal for over 20 years. We've worked together on DUI cases and spent countless hours discussing DUI Defense. Matt will fight for your rights and do everything possible to win your case and save your license. Make sure to talk with Matt before you decide on the right DUI Lawyer. If I were in trouble in Southern California, I would be calling Mr. Cargal. He is one of those attorneys who other attorneys call to represent their friends, families, clients on DUI's."

View All Endorsements
Timothy Edward O'Laughlin headshot
Timothy O'Laughlin

Criminal defense lawyer

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Probate lawyer

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Unknown lawyer

Ann A. Gottesman headshot
Ann Gottesman

Criminal defense lawyer

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer

Aaron Reuben Bortel headshot
Aaron Bortel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Client review, Martindale-Hubbell®

2025

Client review, Martindale-Hubbell®

2002

Appreciation of Service, Los Angeles County Superior Court

2001

Appreciation of Service, Los Angeles County Superior Court

1997

President's Award, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Matthew Cargal

1997 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Offices of Matthew Cargal

2000 - 2003

Judge Pro Tem, Los Angeles Superior Court

1995 - 1997

Attorney, Law Office of Myles L. Berman

1992 - 1993

Attorney, Law Offices of Kenneth Miller

1992 - 1995

Managing Partner, Law Office of Laura Kerl

1990 - 1992

Legal Intern/ Attorney, San Francisco Public Defender's Office

1989 - 1991

Legal Intern, Santa Clara Count Public Defender

1985 - 1988

Legal Intern, Law offices of Martin A. Schainbaum

Associations

2014 - Present

Criminal Courts Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Rotary Club of Pasadena

Member

2000 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2000 - Present

Pasadena Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

1993 - Present

State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section

Member

1992 - Present

State Bar of California

Admitted to Practice

1992 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Admitted to Practice

Sample of Legal Cases

2nd Degree Burglary reduced to misdemeanor

Felony reduced to misdemeanor

2nd Strike- assault with weapon

Reduced to misdemeanor-no jail only anger management class

3rd offense DUI

reduced to reckless driving- no jail

4th offense felony DUI facing state prison

DUI reduced, no jail, no felony

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

Golden Gate University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of California - Berkeley

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1984

Cambridge University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Nuts and Bolts of DUI case

DUI Trials- How to Win Them

2011

California Defense Counsel

Your First DUI case

Publications

2011

LawReview-CLE Your First DUI Case

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution