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

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Robert Matthew Cargal's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Mario | February 08, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 06, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

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 Jonathon | December 03, 2017 | Hired 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.

Posted by Christopher | November 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

There is no better option than having experience on your side!

Matthew Cargal is the epitome of what any respectable person needs in a legal situation that can affect their reputation and public record adversely. I have personally hired Matt two times over the last decade. In my first encounter with Matt he was extremely well spoken and detailed in his explana...tion to me of what my situation was and how he would be able to go about fighting the case. I knew right away that I had hired the best representation out of the sea of attorneys out there. My case was reduced from a DUI to a simple traffic ticket. Essentially saving me $10,000 in state fees/penalties and more importantly DID NOT adversely affect my driving record. Without any doubt it was Matt's expertise and negotiation skills with the prosecution that led to this result. More recently, I had an instance that brought me back into the legal system on a charge of intoxication in public. I can humbly say that this incident was embarrassing and I knew I could not turn to anyone other than Matt to help me figure out what needed to be done to keep my record clean and also keep me in peace of mind throughout the process. Again. I hired Matt right away after the incident. He was the first thought and the first person i contacted. He gave me clear and concise instruction on what I needed to accomplish before the court date and that he would get the records and also begin his plan of action to fight the charge. I did everything he suggested and he did what he does best - which is bringing his experience, expertise, negotiation skills, and relentless effort to the prosecutor on the day of court. Again, he was able to reduce my charge from a misdemeanor crime to a simple infraction. Its not unbelievable, its just Matt's canning ability to effectively do his in the best way possible time and again! I cannot express the level of Matt's knowledge of the court system and of the laws that govern them. He has been able to keep my life moving forward in ways that could not have continued without his representation in both cases. My recommendation here is that if you need a criminal defense for your legal mishap that Matthew Cargal is not just the best option but the ONLY option to represent you. He has saved me twice now and I cannot express enough gratitude or praise enough. My life gets to continue on a good track with a clean record because of him and what he has done for me. Call Matt first!

Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Great guy, great lawyer

I got in some drunken trouble and needed someone to help me navigate the legal system. I was very happy to find Matt because i first called him on the phone and he was able to meet me very quickly and discuss the details of my case and addressed all the concerns that I had. Throughout this ordeal, wh...ich took a few months to finally get resolved, he would be available to answer all my questions if I called him. He was very professional and was there beside me every time I had to appear in court. He was always very professional and made me feel that my case was in the hands of someone who knew what he was doing. In the end he was able to help me get a favorable outcome and I was very happy with the result. I hope to never need to a lawyer again but should I find myself in that situation I would not hesitate to contact Matt again.

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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