619-450-1650 mlopas@lopaslaw.com Matthew Lopas is a founder and managing criminal law attorney at LOPAS LAW. As a criminal defense practitioner for over 13 years, Matthew has handled well in excess of 1000 cases and completed over 40 jury trials to verdict. Matthew spent 14 years in the Office of the Public Defender, Sacramento County, where he served as lead trial counsel in more than 100 cases. Matthew is well versed in all areas of criminal defense, including defense of those incarcerated in State Prison and those fighting for post-conviction relief.
Prior to establishing the firm, Matthew represented clients in all aspects of criminal defense, from complex gang, homicide, 3-strikes, and sexual misconduct allegations to common drug possession, driving under the influence, and traffic offenses.
In his career, Matthew has successfully litigated 4th Amendment search and seizure violations, Miranda violations, Writs of Habeas Corpus, bail reductions, and dozens of Jury Trials. Matthew has also argued at the Appellate level before the 3rd District Court of Appeal. Matthew's representation is client centered; focused solely on achieving the best outcome for that particular client. Matthew works efficiently and aggressively to achieve each clients unique and tailored goals. Matthew has negotiated thousands of pre-trial litigation resolutions and proven himself to be a zeolous advocate in Preliminary hearing, Court Trial, Jury Trial, and post-conviction litigation. Matthew is well respected in the legal community by judges, prosecutors and colleagues for his tireless championing of each client's right to fair, compassionate, and effective advocacy throughout all stages of the criminal proceeding.
MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Central California Appellate Project (CCAP), Panel Attorney
Appellate Defenders Inc. (ADI), Panel Attorney
AWARDS
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorney's, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction
Justia Lawyer Top Rating
Roger J. Traynor Honor Society, Scholastic Honors, McGeorge School of Law
Emil Gumpert Trial Advocacy Award, Second Honors, McGeorge School of Law
ADMISSIONS
California State Bar
EDUCATION
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2006
University of California, Los Angeles, B.S., Physiological Science, 2003
PRESENTATIONS
DUI Defense: Fourth Amendment and Forensic Blood Analysis
