
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
Criminal Defense Attorney
PRACTICE AREA
LET’S CONNECT
Phone Number
(260) 387-6236
Email Address
info@mattchapellaw.com
DETAILS
Personal Details
Position: Of Counsel
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.