Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Allentown Area

Sometimes life does not turn out how we expect.  There are moments in life, infrequent but painful, where we are harmed or another accuses us of harming them.  In those moments, we may find ourselves pulled into a courtroom and in need of guidance.. Educated at the best universities in the world, trained by the finest judges in the Commonwealth, and thoroughly experienced, Attorney Bench can help.

Please check my website for my notable cases.

Matthew J. Rapa, Esquire is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Pennsylvania, as well as in Federal Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. Matthew is a native of the Lehigh Valley and is a founding partner of Rapa Law Office, P.C. He attended East Stroudsburg University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was a captain of the East Stroudsburg University football team. Following college, Matthew continued his education at Widener University School of Law. While at Widener, Matthew participated in the Trial Advocacy Program and discovered his passion for criminal law. Before graduating, he volunteered for the Widener Law Clinic to assist indigent citizens and interned at the Monroe County Public Defender's Office.. Upon graduation, Matthew partnered with his brother at Rapa Law Office, P.C. and began dedicating himself to criminal defense. In addition to representing individuals privately in criminal cases, Matthew served as a part-time public defender in Carbon County for three years in order to assist indigent individuals while gaining invaluable experience in cases ranging from traffic offenses to homicide charges. Through his training and experience, Matthew has learned that no two cases are exactly alike and each case deserves an individualized strategy based on the facts of the case and each client's needs. With a keen attention to detail, and relentless work ethic, Matthew has achieved countless victories in the courtroom including numerous trial acquittals and complete dismissals based upon violations of clients' constitutional rights.. As a result of his accomplishments in the courtroom, Matthew has received various awards recognizing his skill as a criminal defense attorney. From 2013 through 2018, Matthew was named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine. Only 2.5% of the attorneys in Pennsylvania are selected to Rising Stars. The American Society for Legal Advocates has also recognized Attorney Rapa as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Lawyers in Pennsylvania. In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and most recently in 2025, Matthew has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the area of criminal defense by Super Lawyers Magazine.

I was raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and later attended Kutztown University where I received my degree in political science.. After college, I enrolled at Widener University's School of Law in Harrisburg. After my first year, I was named a Widener Merit Scholar and earned a position on the Widener Law Journal, eventually serving on the administrative board. During law school I worked in the legal department of a large utility company and also served as a clerk on Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court.. My first venture in representing clients was at the Widener Civil Law Clinic where, as a student, I was given the privilege of representing clients in a variety of matters.  In 2010, I graduated from Widener Law with honors.. Following law school, I worked as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Douglas W. Herman, President Judge of the 39th Judicial District (Franklin and Fulton Counties). There, I learned every aspect of the criminal and civil practice areas. More importantly, I was given the rare opportunity to see how the courts operate in these areas of law.. Following my clerkship, I decided to step away from my role with the court in order to be able to advocate on behalf of clients. Since that time, my practice areas have included criminal defense and civil litigation (personal injury, breach of contract, landlord/tenant disputes, etc.).. When I am retained by a client, I understand that I am being hired to handle and resolve one of the biggest problems in your life, at that time. I take this responsibility seriously and will always work my hardest for you.

Former assistant prosecutor who chose the path to vigorously defend clients. My experiences prosecuting defendants is an asset that cannot be matched when defending clients.

Attorney Goodge's goal is provide the highest quality legal service to you and your business in an effective and timely fashion.  He welcomes the opportunity to discuss with you how he may be of service.  His highly trained staff is prepared to analyze your legal situation and undertake a strategic course of legal action that will bring about a swift and satisfactory resolution.  Attorney Goodge is prepared to pursue your legal interests to the fullest, but he does not litigate for the sake of litigation.  The best interest of his clients is always his central focus and paramount concern.  His greatest endorsement through the years has been the many, many satisfied clientele who have recommended Attorney Goodge to their friends, families, neighbors and associates.   Whether you need a criminal defense attorney or an attorney for a civil action, he has the knowledge and skill to represent you.

Attorney Dennis G. Charles has spent over 40 years fighting for justice on behalf of his clients, gaining recognition across the country for his sharp legal mind and unwavering dedication. After graduating cum laude from Muhlenberg College and earning his law degree from Temple University, he began practicing law in 1979 alongside his brother Fredrick. Over the years, Dennis has served in key roles, including Assistant Solicitor for Lehigh County and Deputy Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. His legal work covers a wide range of matters—criminal defense, personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, and civil rights litigation—reflecting his broad commitment to standing up for those in need. He has built a reputation for representing individuals facing mental health involuntary commitments, handling more than 15,000 of these cases and securing several notable Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) verdicts.. Dennis has made appearances on national media outlets such as A&E’s “American Justice” and Court TV, and is recognized with an “AV Preeminent” rating by his peers. Away from the legal world, he is a licensed pilot, enjoys golf and skiing, and is deeply involved in animal welfare causes. These personal passions often intersect with his legal work, leading him to take on cases involving aviation, sports, and animal law. Known for his determination in the courtroom and his strategic approach to complex cases, Dennis continues to stand out as an accomplished, leading trial lawyer in Pennsylvania.

Aggressive young attorney who will look into every aspect of your case in attempt to resolve it favorably. I fight for my clients and their rights in a wide variety of situations, from family situations such as divorces and custody, to criminal charges and appeals. Call today to schedule a consultation.  My office is conveniently located just seconds from the Lehigh County Courthouse. I mainly serve the surrounding areas of Lehigh, Monroe, Pike, and Northampton Counties but if the case is right, I'll go anywhere in Pennsylvania.

After receiving his degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, Attorney Karoly returned home to attend The Pennsylvania State University – Dickinson School of Law. In 2006, he received his J.D., and passed the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bars. At that time, he sought and received admission to the Federal Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts, as well as the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.  Immediately after passing the bar, Attorney Karoly went into private practice in Allentown focusing primarily on civil litigation. In his 10 years in practice, Attorney Karoly has been involved in numerous civil and criminal trials, as well as dozens of private and county required mediations and arbitrations both as a participant litigant and arbitrator/mediator. Attorney Karoly has argued before the Superior Court and 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and now runs his own practice with his brother. He’s married to an attorney, and they have three lovely children.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Allentown and surrounding areas.