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also known as MATTHEW CARGAL
After an arrest for DUI or other criminal offense, it is important that you immediately take action to protect your rights and liberty. Without the representation of an experienced DUI and criminal defense attorney, you could be facing very serious complications. The Law Office of Matthew Cargal stands ready to fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you are facing a felony offense or misdemeanor charge, you need to contact a Pasadena criminal defense lawyer from the firm as soon as Law Office of Matthew Cargal aggressively defends their clients throughout the entire legal process and works to ensure that they will obtain the best outcome. They will thoroughly investigate your case and give you the best possible defense. This can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Matthew Cargal has experience handling all types of criminal cases including DUI, drug crimes, white collar offenses, violent crimes and federal crimes. You can be assured that your case is in good hands when you work with The Law Office of Matthew Cargal. Attorney Cargal has been focusing exclusively on DUI and Criminal defense for over 27 years! You should never trust your future to an inexperienced lawyer. If you have been arrested, contact Attorney Cargal immediately for a free consultation with the experienced legal counsel that you deserve. Working with the Law Office of Matthew Cargal can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Get started today!
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Practice Areas
33 years
33 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
155 South El Molino, Suite 202, Pasadena, CA, 91101
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mario | February 8, 2026 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Peter | September 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Joe L. | July 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
Posted by Jonathon | December 1, 2017 | Hired Attorney
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...
"I endorse this lawyer. Robert is an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced DUI and criminal law attorney. I do not hesitate to recommend him."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Probate lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
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
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
2014 - Present
Criminal Courts Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Rotary Club of PasadenaMember
2000 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Pasadena Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1993 - Present
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionMember
1992 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1992 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
Felony reduced to misdemeanor
Reduced to misdemeanor-no jail only anger management class
reduced to reckless driving- no jail
DUI reduced, no jail, no felony
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1984
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2013
DUI Trials- How to Win Them
2011
Your First DUI case
2011
Spanish
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Last year I bought a truck from someone who had it up for sale on Facebook market place
29 Jan 2026
In California if the DA drops DUI charges, do I still have a record.
23 Dec 2025
I play professional basketball in another country, but I have court date for my 1st DUI next month, what is my best option?
25 Oct 2025