Defending Your Freedom

Attorney Matthew W. Chapel is your advocate in the pursuit of justice.

Advanced Training for Exceptional Criminal Defense

Matt’s early service as a United States Marine forever forged his relentless attitude of pursuing excellence. This is reflected in the advanced training he has received to enhance his criminal defense capabilities and skills further.

He is a National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Master Advocate who incorporates further advanced trial and litigation skills obtained from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming.

He also completed the DWI Detection &Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course conducted by the National College for DUI Defense and Anthony D.Palacios of Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC in Phoenix, Arizona. This 24-credithour Continuing Legal Education course consists of the same training law enforcement officers receive for conducting Field Sobriety Tests and is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.

When you need an Ohio or Indiana Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, Matt Chapel has the singular skills and vast experience to be a formidable advocate. Remember, if you are charged with a crime –or even if you think you might be charged – the attorney you choose can be your most crucial decision.

Book your free consultation

and learn how Attorney Chapel can help.

Ohio and Indiana Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer

Are you facing criminal charges in Ohio or Indiana? Is there a warrant out for your arrest? Do you even suspect that you may be charged with a crime? Don’t wait – contact Matthew W. Chapel, Trial Lawyer in Fort Wayne, ASAP to protect your rights and future. Call us at (260) 387-6236 or complete the contact form and ask for your FREE consultation NOW.

EXPERTISE

What is a Trial Lawyer?

Merriam-Webster defines a “trial lawyer” as a “lawyer who engages chiefly in the trial of cases before courts of original jurisdiction.” Matt accepts this basic definition as only the foundation of his brand of trial lawyer. He likens a trial lawyer to being focused on courtroom litigation, much like a brain surgeon with a narrow field of specialty over a general MD.

What are the characteristics you want in a trial lawyer?

Patient advocacy with clients

Committed to patient advocacy, ensuring every client’s voice is heard and rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Robust protection of client rights

Providing robust protection of client rights through strategic advocacy and unwavering legal representation.

Painstaking case research

Conducting painstaking case research to build strong, evidence-based strategies for optimal client outcomes.

Tenacious courtroom litigation

Providing tenacious courtroom litigation backed by meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and a commitment to defending client interests.

Encyclopedic knowledge of the law

Applying an encyclopedic knowledge of the law to deliver informed, precise, and effective legal solutions.

Relentless negotiation skills

Leveraging relentless negotiation skills to secure the most favorable outcomes for clients.

Close working relationships with area attorneys and court officials

Maintaining close working relationships with area attorneys and court officials to facilitate effective case resolution.

Matt displays all these characteristics and more, whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges in Ohio or Indiana. More than being your lawyer, Matt’s brand of trial lawyer seeks to be a true friend who goes the distance with you when you are facing severe criminal charges.  

Matthew W. Chapel

Matthew W. Chapel

Criminal Defense Attorney

PRACTICE AREA

LET’S CONNECT

Phone Number

(260) 387-6236

Email Address

info@mattchapellaw.com

Let’s Chat

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Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving | DUI-DWI-OVI – Skilled defense for DUI, DWI, and OVI charges. We fight to protect your license, record, and future.

Assault & Battery

Assault & Battery Charges – Aggressive defense against assault or battery allegations. We work to protect your rights, reputation, and future.

Drug Charges

Drug Charges – Strong defense for possession, trafficking, or related offenses. We fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence – Skilled defense for domestic violence charges. We protect your rights, reputation, and future in these sensitive legal matters.

Pretrial Diversion

Pretrial Diversion – Avoid a criminal record through diversion programs. We guide you through the process to protect your future and your reputation.

No Contact Order

No Contact Orders | Protective Orders – Defend against or enforce protective orders. We protect your rights in sensitive and high-stakes situations.

Medicaid Planning

Medicaid Planning | Long-Term Care – Protect assets and secure quality care. We guide you through Medicaid rules to plan for your future needs.

Scan or Scam? Legal Insights on Self-Checkout Shoplifting Accusations

Self-checkout shoplifting accusations are on the rise—sometimes targeting innocent customers. Learn the legal consequences, your rights if accused, and how to protect yourself from costly misunderstandings at the self-checkout.

Can I Challenge Ohio OVI Breath Tests?

Yes—Ohio OVI breath tests can be challenged. Learn common defenses, testing errors, and legal strategies that may help fight your OVI charge.

What Is and Is Not Legal Consent in Indiana?

Understand what is and is not legal consent in Indiana, including age of consent laws, situations where consent is invalid, and your legal rights.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Indiana?

Learn what constitutes domestic violence in Indiana, including definitions, criminal charges, and penalties, plus your legal rights and protection options.

Who Could Be Liable for My Indiana Slip-and-Fall Accident?

Find out who may be liable for your Indiana slip-and-fall accident. Learn how premises liability laws work, common at-fault parties, and how to protect your claim.

Do You Have the Right to Remain Silent: Knowing If Your Miranda Rights Have Been Violated

Know your right to remain silent and how to spot a Miranda rights violation. Learn when police must read your rights and what to do if they don’t.

Understanding Indiana Law on Controlled Substances

Understanding Indiana law on controlled substances is key to avoiding severe penalties. Learn how drug classifications, charges, and sentencing work under Indiana law.

Understanding Indiana Laws Regarding Marijuana and Driving

Understanding Indiana laws on marijuana and driving is essential for avoiding serious legal trouble. Learn how THC laws, DUI penalties, and impaired driving rules apply, and what to expect if you’re pulled over in Indiana.

The Truth About Indiana Restraining Orders

The truth about Indiana restraining orders—how they work, who can file, the legal process, and what happens if they’re violated. Know your rights and protections under Indiana law.

Why Can I Be Pulled Over for OWI in Indiana?

In Indiana, OWI laws cover alcohol and any drug that impairs driving ability. Learn the penalties, risks, and how OWI charges can impact your future.

DETAILS

Personal Details

Position: Of Counsel

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Position: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning

Experience: 25+ Years

Location: 110 W Berry St Suite 1904, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Email: info@mattchapellaw.com

Phone: (260) 387-6236

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Criminal

Rights Protected

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DUI

Freedom Preserved

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Medicaid

Asset Protection

Criminal Defense

When your freedom’s at stake, you need a relentless advocate. We fight every charge with skill and precision to protect your rights in and out of court.

DUI . OWI / OVI

A DUI can cost your license, record, and livelihood. We use proven defense strategies to challenge evidence and protect your driving privileges.

Medicaid

We protect your assets, plan for long-term care, and guide you through Medicaid rules so you can face the future with dignity, security, and confidence.

2016 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011 Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2011 Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2005 NITA Master Advocate, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

2005 NITA Advocate Designation, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Once a Marine – Always a Marine!

PAST EXPERIENCE

About Attorney Chapel

Fort Wayne Criminal Lawyers are not all built the same! After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Matthew W. Chapel gained a law degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law in 1995. He immediately began defending clients, including law enforcement officers, municipalities, and other public officials in Ohio.

From January 1997 to June 2000, Matt was House Counsel for the Celina Insurance Group in Celina, OH, expanding his practice in 1998 to include Indiana. He was responsible for providing civil defense for Celina’s insureds in Ohio and Indiana before starting his own private criminal defense and personal injury practice in 2000.

Since 2000, Matt Chapel has earned a reputation for a vigorous defense of his clients, leading to an extensive resume of acquittals after trial; many others have been able to avoid trial and even had their charges dismissed. Matt works tirelessly to ensure his clients’ rights are respected and law enforcement’s strict adherence to the law in all matters.