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 West Virginia 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 Wheeling?

Matthew is licensed in West Virginia. Matters governed by West Virginia 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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Matthew Gilbert Chapman, Criminal Defense Attorney in Wheeling, West Virginia

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Employment

Wheeling, WV

Practicing criminal defense in Wheeling since 2010.

16+: Years practicing
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Elder Law Employment Estate Planning Family Law General +6 more →

Are you Matthew Gilbert Chapman?

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Quick answer

Matthew Gilbert Chapman is an attorney based in Wheeling, WV. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Employment. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience.

Based in: Wheeling, WV
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Elder Law · Employment

Handles Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Employment matters from Wheeling, WV.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Matthew takes on

Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, elder law, employment, estate planning, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Wheeling, West Virginia

Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Wheeling, West Virginia. 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.

Elder Law cases in Wheeling, West Virginia

Matthew takes elder law matters in Wheeling, West Virginia. 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.

Employment cases in Wheeling, West Virginia

Matthew takes employment matters in Wheeling, West Virginia. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Wheeling, West Virginia

Matthew takes estate planning matters in Wheeling, West Virginia. 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.

Family Law cases in Wheeling, West Virginia

Matthew takes family law matters in Wheeling, West Virginia. 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

Meet Matthew Gilbert Chapman — criminal defense lawyer in Wheeling

Matthew Gilbert Chapman is an attorney based in Wheeling, WV. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Employment. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience.

Matthew Gilbert Chapman is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, health care law, products liability and 13 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from West Virginia University in 2006, and has been licensed for 16 years. Matthew practices in Wheeling, WV.

Working with Matthew on a criminal defense matter

Clients Matthew works with

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, elder law, and employment matters in Wheeling and the surrounding West Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

West Virginia University
J.D. · 2010
West Virginia University
B.A. · 2006

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania
2019 · ACTIVE
Ohio United States D
2013 · ACTIVE
West Virginia
2010 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in West Virginia University and B.A. in West Virginia University.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in West Virginia University and B.A. in West Virginia University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in West Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Matthew Gilbert Chapman's office in Wheeling

Matthew's primary office is at 80 12 Th St Ste 307, Wheeling, WV, 26003-3273. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

80 12 Th St Ste 307

Wheeling, WV 26003-3273

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Gilbert Chapman

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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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew Gilbert Chapman — 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 Wheeling, West Virginia

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 Gilbert Chapman

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 West Virginia 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 Wheeling?
Matthew is licensed in West Virginia. Matters governed by West Virginia 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by West Virginia residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Matthew Gilbert Chapman. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Wheeling, Charleston and Morgantown in West Virginia

Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout West Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Wheeling handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.