Matthew Aaron Lopas, Criminal Defense Attorney in Vista, California
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Expungement
Vista, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Vista since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Matthew Aaron Lopas?
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Quick answer
Matthew Aaron Lopas is an attorney based in Vista, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Expungement. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Vista, CA
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Expungement
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Expungement matters from Vista, CA.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew Aaron Lopas: Matthew Aaron Lopas is an attorney based in Vista, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Expungement. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew Aaron Lopas
Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, expungement, juvenile, and sex crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Expungement
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Juvenile
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Sex Crimes
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Traffic
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Vista, California
Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Vista, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Vista, California
Matthew takes dui/dwi matters in Vista, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Vista, California
Matthew takes expungement matters in Vista, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Vista, California
Matthew takes juvenile matters in Vista, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Sex Crimes cases in Vista, California
Matthew takes sex crimes matters in Vista, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew Aaron Lopas — Over 20 years of California criminal defense experience
Matthew Aaron Lopas is an attorney based in Vista, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Expungement. Matthew has over 20 years of legal experience.
Matthew Aaron Lopas is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, expungement, dui & dwi and 5 other areas of law. Matthew received a degree from McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific, CA, and has been licensed for 20 years. Matthew practices in Vista, CA.
Working with Matthew on a criminal defense matter
Matthew Aaron Lopas is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, expungement, dui & dwi and 5 other areas of law. Matthew received a degree from McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific, CA, and has been licensed for 20 years. Matthew practices in Vista, CA.
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and expungement matters in Vista and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Matthew Aaron Lopas's legal education and bar admissions
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
JD · 2006
McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific, CA Univ of California at Los Angeles, CA
—
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
California
2006 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at JD in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and — in McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific, CA Univ of California at Los Angeles, CA.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed JD in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and — in McGeorge SOL Univ of the Pacific, CA Univ of California at Los Angeles, CA. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Matthew Aaron Lopas's office in Vista
Matthew's primary office is at 450 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA, 92081. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Aaron Lopas
Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Aaron Lopas — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Vista, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Aaron Lopas
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Vista?
Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Vista, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Vista handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.