Award-winning Former Prosecutor
Matthews R. Bark: protecting your liberty with insightful counsel and an unwavering defense.
Award-Winning Former Prosecutor
Award-winning Former Prosecutor Matthews R. Bark is here to protect your liberty with insightful counsel and an unwavering defense.
Attorney Matthews R. Bark
Seminole County's #1 Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer *
This law office was opened so that I could get my clients the best outcomes on their cases while maintaining a hands on, one on one approach, where my client’s emotional needs are met. I know that this is the biggest issue in your life at the moment. By having a small, client centric approach, we will reach the best outcome. I focus mostly on criminal law, both federal and state, in Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Brevard County, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. This law office is a client focused law office. When someone is charged with a crime, whether it be the first time or the fiftieth time they are usually filled with many emotions. The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, P.A. is designed to make sure that while a case is going through the process due to both you, and the government, you are left in a position where you can maintain your livelihood, and relationships.
The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, P.A., believes that the way to manage our clients’ anxieties and other needs are by building relationships between our clients, with not only the attorney but also our staff. Our office is a small office that is managed by Sue. Please contact us for a free consultation today at 407-865-8888.
Whether you are charged with: We believe that through collaboration with our clients (you) that we can reach the best most desirable outcome. It is imperative that we get to know you, your history, and your background. In my experience, by communicating with my clients and their families I have often been able to learn about the issues that have led to the situation you now find yourself in. By doing so, I have been able to work with the government to reach a resolution that often does not leave my client with a criminal record. The reason I practice criminal law is to ensure that my clients are not deprived opportunity because of a mistake. I will leave no stone unturned to ensure that you are left as unscathed as possible. When charged with a crime in Orange County (Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere), Seminole County (Longwood, Lake Mary, Casselberry, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs), Osceola, Volusia or Brevard Counties, your life can be permanently altered. Your liberty, professional license, familial relationships can all be effected. Knowing that so much is on the line for you we offer a free consultation. In this consultation we will look at the realities, look at your needs and inform you of the options that lie before you. We will not use this time to put you in unnecessary fear. We are here to serve you; to discover your needs and to help you prioritize them so that we can reach an outcome best suited for you. Hiring an attorney is also a financial decision. While you are under the stress of prosecution, we do not seek to place you under financial stress. That is why the consultation is free and why we do ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS. We promise that with our knowledge, innovation, investment, and collaboration that you will get the best outcome possible. I will not back down; I will help you get the best resolution; I will help you do an individual risk/reward analysis. We will come up with the best strategy to reach your desired result, whether that’s through a trial or negotiation.
Litigation Percentage
Bar Admissions
Education
J.D. (Cum Laude) – 2006
B.S. (Cum Laude) – 2003
Major: FinanceClasses/Seminars
Honors and Awards
Professional Associations and Memberships
Past Employment Positions
Pro Bono Activities
Trusted By the Best
* Top Rating From Clients
Attorney
Matthews R. Bark
Seminole County's #1 Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer
This law office was opened so that I could get my clients the best outcomes on their cases while maintaining a hands on, one on one approach, where my client’s emotional needs are met. I know that this is the biggest issue in your life at the moment. By having a small, client centric approach, we will reach the best outcome. I focus mostly on criminal law, both federal and state, in Seminole County, Orange County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Brevard County, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
This law office is a client focused law office. When someone is charged with a crime, whether it be the first time or the fiftieth time they are usually filled with many emotions. The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, P.A. is designed to make sure that while a case is going through the process due to both you, and the government, you are left in a position where you can maintain your livelihood, and relationships.
The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark, P.A., believes that the way to manage our clients’ anxieties and other needs is by building relationships between our clients, with not only the attorney, but also our staff. Our office is a small office that is managed by Sue. Please contact us for a free consultation today at 407-865-8888.
Whether your are charged with:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (including with property damage, or with a minor in the vehicle, or with a breath alcohol content above .15),
- possession of cannabis,
- possession of drug paraphernalia,
- possession of drugs,
- possession of oxycodone,
- possession of xanax,
- possession of alprazolam,
- possession of heroine or cocaine,
- possession of ecstacy (MDMA)
- trafficking in oxycodone,
- trafficking in Xanax,
- trafficking in alprazolam,
- trafficking in heroine,
- trafficking in cocaine,
- trafficking in ecstasy (MDMA),
- traveling to meet a minor for sexual purposes,
- sexual battery,
- rape,
- homicide,
- lewd and lascivious conduct,
- domestic violence, domestic violence battery, domestic violence assault,
- battery, battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, battery with great bodily harm,
- carrying a firearm by a convicted felon,
- DUI with serious injury, DUI homicide,
- leaving the scene of an accident,
- fleeing and eluding
- money laundering,
- fraud, white-collar crime,
- Medicaid fraud,
- petit theft, grand theft (theft over three hundred dollars), grand theft auto,
- operating an illegal lottery,
- possession of alcohol by a minor,
- sale of alcohol to a minor,
- driving while license suspended revoked, suspended or canceled,
- reckless driving,
- violation of probation,
- felony violation of probation, or
- violation of community control
We believe that through collaboration with our clients (you) that we can reach the best most desirable outcome.
It is imperative that we get to know you, your history, and your background. In my experience, by communicating with my clients and their families I have often been able to learn about the issues that have led to the situation you now find yourself in. By doing so, I have been able to work with the government to reach a resolution that often does not leave my client with a criminal record. The reason I practice criminal law is to ensure that my clients are not deprived opportunity because of a mistake. I will leave no stone unturned to ensure that you are left as unscathed as possible.
When charged with a crime in Orange County (Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere), Seminole County (Longwood, Lake Mary, Casselberry, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs), Osceola, Volusia or Brevard Counties, your life can be permanently altered. Your liberty, professional license, familial relationships can all be effected. Knowing that so much is on the line for you we offer a free consultation. In this consultation we will look at the realities, look at your needs and inform you of the options that lie before you. We will not use this time to put you in unnecessary fear.
We are here to serve you; to discover your needs and to help you prioritize them so that we can reach an outcome best suited for you. Hiring an attorney is also a financial decision. While you are under the stress of prosecution, we do not seek to place you under financial stress. That is why the consultation is free and why we do ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS.
We promise that with our knowledge, innovation, investment, and collaboration that you will get the best outcome possible. I will not back down; I will help you get the best resolution; I will help you do an individual risk/reward analysis. We will come up with the best strategy to reach your desired result, whether that’s through a trial or negotiation.
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2007
Education
- University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland
J.D. (Cum Laude) – 2006 - Towson University, Towson, Maryland
B.S. (Cum Laude) – 2003
Major: Finance
Classes/Seminars
- How to Testify (Teaching Police Officers), Office of the State Attorney, 2007
Honors and Awards
- Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers Prosecutor of the Year, 2008
- Dean’s Citation for Service to the U of B, School of Law, 2006
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Chairman of the Orange County Bar Association Criminal Law Section;
- Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;
- Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;
- Member of the Bar of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
- Member of the Bar of the United States Circuit Court of the 11 Circuit;
- Member of the Seminole County Bar Association; and
- Member of the Seminole County Volie A. Williams Inns of Court.
Past Employment Positions
- Office of the State Attorney, 18th Circuit, FL, Assistant State Attorney, 2007 – 2009
- Jaeger and Blankner, Associate, 2009 – 2012
Pro Bono Activities
- Board Member of the House of Hope, 2003 – 2006
- Designed the Mediation Program for the Baltimore City Orphans Court, 2003
Trusted By the Best
Respected By the Court
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Practice Areas
DUI / DWI
As a former award-winning DUI prosecutor, attorney Matthews R. Bark is a leading expert on how the system works.
Domestic Violence
If you’ve been charged with a domestic violence crime, find out what your defense attorney should be discussing with you.
Sex Crimes
The consequences of sex crime conviction can be all pervasive. We will keep your record clean and your future secure.
Drug Crimes
Getting charged with a drug crime can drastically alter your life. Learn what next steps to take now.
Violent Crimes
Our razor-sharp counsel and high-quality defense make all the difference when it comes to proving your innocence.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crime charges are complex. Our experience, precision and tenacity thrive at handling such cases.
Testimonials
Paige J. | August 2024
Leanne R. | January 2024
Heather C. | February 2020
Breana H. | January 2020
Wendy B. | August 2020
“My family and I are profoundly grateful to Matthews Bark and Carrie Rentz for achieving the best possible outcome for our case. They worked tirelessly for more than 3 years completing their due diligence, so our defense could be the strongest it could be. They are extremely thorough in their preparation, prudential in their decisions, and astute in their respective areas of the law. The result was nothing short of a miracle. We are so very appreciative of what they did for us. What an outstanding group of professionals.”
A. | November 2019
Criminal Defense FAQ
An arrest is carried out when a police officer either has a warrant or has witnessed the suspect committing a crime. Once arrested, the suspect is taken by the police officer to jail to be fingerprinted and photographed. The suspect is asked a series of questions and then placed a holding cell. The suspect can make phone calls within the first three hours. Defendants typically call family members and are advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Within two days of being placed in custody, the defendant will have a court hearing and the ability to meet with a lawyer beforehand.
Once the defendant enters the courtroom, the judge informs them of the crime they are being charged, and the suspect decides which plea bargain to pursue. The plea options include: guilty, not guilty, not guilty because of insanity, and no contest. It is important to speak with your attorney and determine the best approach.
Guilty: The defendant admits guilt to the allegations and accepts responsibility to the consequences.
No Contest: The defendant does not admit guilt but also does not dispute the allegations brought against them.
Not guilty due to insanity: Similar to a plea of ‘not guilty,’ the defendant does not accept responsibility for the allegations but may be placed under psychiatric supervision.
Not Guilty: The defendant does not admit fault to the allegations and must prove to the judge and jury beyond a reasonable doubt that they did not commit the crimes.
The defendant can choose whether to have a jury trial before a group of their peers or a bench trial in front of only a judge. An experienced attorney can help you determine which approach is best suited for your case. If the defendant is found innocent charges will be dropped and they will be free to go. On the other hand, if they are found guilty or have pleaded no contest a sentencing hearing will be held to determine penalties. Penalties can include jail time, community service, and monetary fines.
Everyone has a right to an attorney as granted by the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You have the option to defend yourself, but only with the judge’s permission. Representing yourself is a very risky decision, and the judge and jury are not there to coach you. You don’t know the law or the options in front of you as well as an experienced attorney. This can lead to accidentally making incriminating statements you believe help your case. Also, being in court is a very stressful time, and your emotions may cloud your judgment. The consequences of the charges can be very harsh and damaging which is why you should always hire an attorney to represent you and fight for your best interests.
Our primary goal is to get your case dismissed any way possible. We often get cases dismissed before they go to trial. Many cases are built on weak, faulty, or wrongfully acquired evidence. Our experience as prior prosecutors gives us the insight to recognize a weak case and pursue a dismissal by attacking the evidence used to build the case. This can also lead to lower penalties. Working with an experienced attorney that is also a former prosecutor will maximize your ability for dismissing your case or acquiring the best possible outcome.
Being arrested can be a very confusing and terrifying experience especially the first time. Under these circumstances, it may be very tempting to accept the first plea bargain you are offered even if it is not in your best interest or the best possible outcome. Before accepting a bargain always consult an experienced attorney that will fight to improve the outcome in your favor. Your attorney will help you determine if the bargain is in your best interests and what improvements can be attained. An experienced attorney can almost always secure you better results.